the british veterinary association say they advise caution if you're looking to rehome a dog from abroad, mainly because of concerns about their health. but we wish them a lot of luck. time for a look at the weather. here's stav da naos. good evening. a ridge of high pressure today brought us a brief respite from the rain. however, more wet and windy weather expected to move through tonight. if you have any concerns where you're living particularly in the south on the west you can head online to check out the latest flood warnings. through the the will clear away on saturday and then it turns brighter with a few showers but things will be turning colder. here's this next batch of wet and windy weather pushing up from the south—west as we move through the evening and overnight. rainfall totals totting up overnight. rainfall totals totting up across the southwest. they could

be a few inches. falling on saturated ground. this will exacerbate any flooding issues. we can see the extent of the rain moving east. the northern half of scotland staying cold with a few wintry showers. mild further south where we have the wind and rain. very blustery, wet morning for saturday. that rain should slowly clear away and the brighter skies across the north and west will eventually wind out. then showers, wintry on the hills across scotland. increasingly turning colder in the north and west. we just hold on to the dregs of the milder air in the south—west but we can see the cold air went out for part two of the weekend. northerly winds, these fronts enhancing shower activity. one frontier bringing showers to northern ireland and wales, perhaps into central south—western parts of the country. wintry showers affecting the north of scotland exposing the northerly wind. quite a bit of sunshine abound on sunday but the temperatures you will notice, 3-8. the temperatures you will notice, 3—8. factoring in the wind it will

feel colder and as we head into next week it will be staying very cold, for a time risk of frost and ice and a chance snow which can be significant in places into the start of next week. stay tuned to the weather. thanks, stav. and that's bbc news at six on friday 13th of january. goodnight. hello and welcome to sportsday. i'm gavin ramjaun. what a weekend we have in store in the premier league — the manchester derby one of the highlights at old trafford. the final four go head—to—head in the scottish league cup semi—finals, with the possibility of a rangers—celtic final. england humble wales as the two sides meet for the first time at the men's hockey world cup. also coming up in the programme,

wheelchair rugby league world cup winnerjames simpson announces his retirement. the england star tells us how the sport gave him a lifeline after serious injury when serving in the army. this game has done everything for me. it got me out of being injured, just getting into a sport, getting active, meeting people, meeting disabled people. hello there and welcome along to the programme, ahead of a huge weekend of football. we start with perhaps the biggest manchester derby in years. tomorrow lunchtime, manchester united have the chance to gain valuable ground on rivals manchester city, who themselves are hoping to close the gap at the top to just two points. united can move within a point of city if they win at old trafford. patrick gearey reports.

city and united, giants scowling at each other across town. but is there a change in the landscape? might they be moving closer? four premier league points is the gap. momentum that's been building since they last met the neighbours in october. now they see a team in the mould of their manager.— they see a team in the mould of their manager. i think you need a clear philosophy, _ their manager. i think you need a clear philosophy, you _ their manager. i think you need a clear philosophy, you need - their manager. i think you need a clear philosophy, you need a - their manager. i think you need a| clear philosophy, you need a clear point where you want to go, direction, and then it's about develop it. it's what we are doing and that's what we did. find develop it. it's what we are doing and that's what we did.— develop it. it's what we are doing and that's what we did. and the 6-3 david at the — and that's what we did. and the 6-3 david at the ethihad, _ and that's what we did. and the 6-3 david at the ethihad, the new - and that's what we did. and the 6-3 david at the ethihad, the new bossl david at the ethihad, the new boss how to challenge over his shoulder —— defeat. cristiano ronaldo is now out of the picture. a figure from the club's pass.—

out of the picture. a figure from the club's pass. he's brought this disciline the club's pass. he's brought this discipline back _ the club's pass. he's brought this discipline back to _ the club's pass. he's brought this discipline back to the _ the club's pass. he's brought this discipline back to the team - the club's pass. he's brought this discipline back to the team that l discipline back to the team that hasn't _ discipline back to the team that hasn't been seen probably sent sarah alex ferguson was hired. complacency is starting _ alex ferguson was hired. complacency is starting to creep in. —— since sir alex — is starting to creep in. —— since sir alex as_ is starting to creep in. —— since sir alex. as to why they are where they are~ — sir alex. as to why they are where they are it�*s — sir alex. as to why they are where the are. �* , ., , sir alex. as to why they are where the are. �*, .,, ., , they are. it's the “0b of every manager h they are. it's the “0b of every manager to h they are. it's the “0b of every manager to keep_ they are. it's the job of every manager to keep their - they are. it's the job of every | manager to keep their players they are. it's the job of every - manager to keep their players sharp, even manchester city, where two titles in a row made success normal and normal can become routine. city's cup defeat to southampton, bottom of the league, sounded the alarm. �* . ~ ., bottom of the league, sounded the alarm. �* ., ., , alarm. after back to back two times, this could happen. _ alarm. after back to back two times, this could happen. i'm _ alarm. after back to back two times, this could happen. i'm not— alarm. after back to back two times, this could happen. i'm not talking i this could happen. i'm not talking about— this could happen. i'm not talking about winning _ this could happen. i'm not talking about winning the _ this could happen. i'm not talking about winning the cup, _ this could happen. i'm not talking about winning the cup, i'm - this could happen. i'm not talking about winning the cup, i'm not. about winning the cup, i'm not talking — about winning the cup, i'm not talking about _ about winning the cup, i'm not talking about winning - about winning the cup, i'm not talking about winning games. i about winning the cup, i'm not. talking about winning games. be ourselves, — talking about winning games. be ourselves, behave _ talking about winning games. be ourselves, behave how- talking about winning games. be ourselves, behave how we - talking about winning games. be ourselves, behave how we havel talking about winning games. be i ourselves, behave how we have to talking about winning games. be - ourselves, behave how we have to do in every _ ourselves, behave how we have to do in every single — ourselves, behave how we have to do in every single game _ ourselves, behave how we have to do in every single game. unfortunately, | in every single game. unfortunately, that was— in every single game. unfortunately, that was a _ in every single game. unfortunately, that was a little _ in every single game. unfortunately, that was a little bit _ in every single game. unfortunately, that was a little bit uncertain. - that was a little bit uncertain. what — that was a little bit uncertain. what happened _ that was a little bit uncertain. what happened happened. i. that was a little bit uncertain. - what happened happened. i don't know it's going _ what happened happened. i don't know it's going to _ what happened happened. i don't know it's going to happen _ what happened happened. i don't know it's going to happen again. _

what happened happened. i don't know it's going to happen again. too - what happened happened. i don't know it's going to happen again.— it's going to happen again. too much success as a — it's going to happen again. too much success as a nice _ it's going to happen again. too much success as a nice problem _ it's going to happen again. too much success as a nice problem to - it's going to happen again. too much success as a nice problem to have. i success as a nice problem to have. some say this season of erling haaland has discussed it a rhythm of a band with no front man. still adapting to the luxury? imagining erlin: adapting to the luxury? imagining erling haaland — adapting to the luxury? imagining erling haaland it _ adapting to the luxury? imagining erling haaland it next _ adapting to the luxury? imagining erling haaland it next season. - adapting to the luxury? imagining erling haaland it next season. it'sj erling haaland it next season. it's going to take time, but because his goal record's there, sometimes that changes the games anyway. city’s changes the games anyway. city's mar: in for changes the games anyway. city's margin for error _ changes the games anyway. city's margin for error shrinking, - changes the games anyway. city's margin for error shrinking, and if the two sides are even closer by monday, there is the chance that leaders arsenal might be further away. patrick geary, bbc news. all that to come then, and there is action tonight too. all that to come then, and there is action tonight, too. aston villa take on leeds in the one premier league game tonight — kick—off at villa park in just over an hour's time. villa lost at home to league two stevenage in the fa cup in their last home game, but manager unai emery says there have been improvements since he took over. we are doing some things, i think, so quickly and very

well, tactically, defensively reorganised, but we have to progress as well, change a little bit our mentality, being so aggressive in ambition. being so aggressive in ambition, but a realistic ambition but a realistic ambition being so aggressive in ambition, but a realistic ambition, and i think the players are so open to work, they are committed to work everything we are trying to do. the things that have been the most difficult have been to jump—start development as a group. i think there's a lot of individuals that have grown a lot through the process, but as a group, it still hasn't come together the way that i would like the a lack of consistency from match, to match and then in match, what a first or second half can

look like and vice versa, it means that we're not able to really push this the way i would want so we don't have to talk about the table. in the scottish premiership, third placed hearts play st mirren, but attention turns to the semi—finals of the league cup this weekend. it started off with 45 teams, now it's down to four. this weekend, celtic, kilmarnock, rangers and aberdeen are bidding to reach next month's final. there've been varying fortunes for the sides in the competition, as lewis irons now reports. a little makeover for hamden ahead of a big weekend of cup action. the national stadium's almost ready to welcome more than 100,000 supporters over two days stop first up, it's the turn of holders of celtic against kilmarnock making their first appearance since the year they won the trophy back in 2012. it applies... you know it's a special game because you don't play there unless there's a game of significance. you get both sets of supporters, and i think that adds to the colour and the atmosphere of it.

i don't want us to feel inferior and when _ i don't want us to feel inferior and when he _ i don't want us to feel inferior and when he way. we've earned it the same _ when he way. we've earned it the same way — when he way. we've earned it the same way celtic have, and they're going _ same way celtic have, and they're going to _ same way celtic have, and they're going to have to play their best to beat us, _ going to have to play their best to beat us, and for us, ijust wanted to he as — beat us, and for us, ijust wanted to be as tough an opponent as possible and see what it takes. it�*s possible and see what it takes. it's over to possible and see what it takes. it�*s over to rangers possible and see what it takes. it�*s overto rangers in possible and see what it takes. it�*s over to rangers in aberdeen on sunday. can michael beale make a claim for a trophy? a step closer to theirfirst piece of claim for a trophy? a step closer to their first piece of silverware and nine years. we their first piece of silverware and nine years-— their first piece of silverware and nine ears. . , ., ., nine years. we played them four or five games — nine years. we played them four or five games age — nine years. we played them four or five games ago. they _ nine years. we played them four or five games ago. they felt _ nine years. we played them four or five games ago. they felt they - nine years. we played them four or five games ago. they felt they did l five games ago. they felt they did well in _ five games ago. they felt they did weii in that— five games ago. they felt they did well in that game. _ five games ago. they felt they did well in that game. i _ five games ago. they felt they did well in that game. i came - five games ago. they felt they did well in that game. i came to - five games ago. they felt they did well in that game. i came to the l well in that game. i came to the game _ well in that game. i came to the game at — well in that game. i came to the game at eye _ well in that game. i came to the game at eye box, _ well in that game. i came to the game at eye box, where - well in that game. i came to the i game at eye box, where rangers well in that game. i came to the - game at eye box, where rangers were clearly _ game at eye box, where rangers were clearly the better— game at eye box, where rangers were clearly the better team. _ game at eye box, where rangers were clearly the better team. hopefully- clearly the better team. hopefully that's— clearly the better team. hopefully that's the — clearly the better team. hopefully that's the case, _ clearly the better team. hopefully that's the case, but _ clearly the better team. hopefully that's the case, but certainly, - that's the case, but certainly, we're — that's the case, but certainly, we're focused _ that's the case, but certainly, we're focused on _ that's the case, but certainly, we're focused on winning - that's the case, but certainly, we're focused on winning thisj that's the case, but certainly, - we're focused on winning this one and when — we're focused on winning this one and when we _ we're focused on winning this one and when we get _ we're focused on winning this one and when we get to _ we're focused on winning this one and when we get to the _ we're focused on winning this one and when we get to the final, - and when we get to the final, whoever— and when we get to the final, whoeverjoins_ and when we get to the final, whoeverjoins us, _ and when we get to the final, whoeverjoins us, that - and when we get to the final, whoeverjoins us, that will i and when we get to the final, whoeverjoins us, that will be another— whoeverjoins us, that will be another challenge. _ whoeverjoins us, that will be another challenge. just - whoeverjoins us, that will be another challenge. just getting to the semifinal, _ another challenge. just getting to the semifinal, nobody _ another challenge. just getting to the semifinal, nobody tends - another challenge. just getting to

the semifinal, nobody tends to i the semifinal, nobody tends to remember what the similes were. —— the semi �*s. we have to give ourselves every opportunity on sunday to progress even further. this is what it's all about — the first major trophy up for grabs. aberdeen up and kilmarnock are one step closer to heading their wait for silverware. step closer to heading their wait forsilverware. it's step closer to heading their wait for silverware. it's the last hurdle for silverware. it's the last hurdle for the final, and celtic take this year at hampden park. lewis irons reporting there. we've also got a cracking weekend of women's super league action to look forward to as well, as the wsl resumes after its winter break. villa and spurs get the first match of 2023 under way, and there's a massive top—of—the—table clash between chelsea and arsenal. jane dougall is here with me now. what's at stake for arsenal? it was alwa s an what's at stake for arsenal? it was always an exciting _ what's at stake for arsenal? it was always an exciting one, _ what's at stake for arsenal? it was always an exciting one, and - what's at stake for arsenal? it was always an exciting one, and that'sl always an exciting one, and that's the emirates as well. arsenal have already sold 40,000 tickets and

they're hoping to beat the record for a women's game. it looks like they could do that. chelsea are top of the league for a reason. just one loss so far and that was the opening game against liverpool. arsenal are without key players. don't forget both vivian miedema and beth mead are out with acl injuries. the last match before the break which was against aston villa, that was when miedema scored. they will not have that firepower, and they won't have beth mead either. that's not to be a factor. in her news conference, chelsea manager emma hayes was asked about the absence of miedema and mead. she didn't focus on players that weren't there but she was excited playing in front of a huge crowd. first, arsenal manager yonas

eidevall has been meticulous in preparation. we played against teams that are very good. every detail matters. you don't _ very good. every detail matters. you don't know _ very good. every detail matters. you don't know which is going to make the difference, but they have the potential— the difference, but they have the potential to make the difference, so you have _ potential to make the difference, so you have to— potential to make the difference, so you have to be so good in your preparations and you have to be so alert _ preparations and you have to be so alert to— preparations and you have to be so alert. to fought... that's very exciting _ isa is a fantastic game. it's one that we look— is a fantastic game. it's one that we look forward _ is a fantastic game. it's one that we look forward to. _ is a fantastic game. it's one that we look forward to. but - is a fantastic game. it's one that we look forward to. but it's- is a fantastic game. it's one that we look forward to. but it's no. we look forward to. but it's no more significant _ we look forward to. but it's no more significant to — we look forward to. but it's no more significant to me _ we look forward to. but it's no more significant to me any _ we look forward to. but it's no more significant to me any more - we look forward to. but it's no more significant to me any more many- significant to me any more many years— significant to me any more many years ago— significant to me any more many years ago than— significant to me any more many years ago than it _ significant to me any more many years ago than it would - significant to me any more many years ago than it would have - significant to me any more many. years ago than it would have been and it— years ago than it would have been and it will— years ago than it would have been and it will he _ years ago than it would have been and it will be for— years ago than it would have been and it will be for the _ years ago than it would have been and it will be for the game - years ago than it would have been and it will be for the game the - and it will be for the game the following _ and it will be for the game the following week— and it will be for the game the following week against - and it will be for the game the i following week against liverpool. however. — following week against liverpool. however. i— following week against liverpool. however, i love _ following week against liverpool. however, i love that _ following week against liverpool. however, i love that it's - following week against liverpool. however, i love that it's in - following week against liverpool. however, i love that it's in a - following week against liverpool. however, i love that it's in a big i however, i love that it's in a big stadium — however, i love that it's in a big stadium that _ however, i love that it's in a big stadium. that for— however, i love that it's in a big stadium. that for me _ however, i love that it's in a big stadium. that for me is- however, i love that it's in a big stadium. that for me is the - however, i love that it's in a big i stadium. that for me is the special piece. _ stadium. that for me is the special piece. we — stadium. that for me is the special piece. we will— stadium. that for me is the special piece, we will have _ stadium. that for me is the special piece, we will have a _ stadium. that for me is the special piece, we will have a packed - stadium. that for me is the speciall piece, we will have a packed crowd. but we much mention that beth mead

lost her mother �*s today. our thoughts are very much with her and herfamily. somethings are more important than football her family. somethings are more important than football absolutely ri . ht. important than football absolutely right. manchester _ important than football absolutely right. manchester stated - important than football absolutely right. manchester stated he - important than football absolutely right. manchester stated he still. right. manchester stated he still saying they are looking for the title as well. they may have started slowly, but they're catching up. they play west ham in the late game on sunday, and it will be tough for paul con chesky�*s side because west ham have only beaten gareth taylor's side once in history. that will be a really tight knit in between the two of them. the dutch defender has been speaking to the bbc about city's resurgence. she said they will not compromise. ido i do think we are building something speciai~ _ i do think we are building something speciai~ we — i do think we are building something special. we have been doing so, so well, _ special. we have been doing so, so well, and _ special. we have been doing so, so well, and i— special. we have been doing so, so well, and i think the main reason

why is— well, and i think the main reason why is because we do not settle for a draw— why is because we do not settle for a draw or— why is because we do not settle for a draw or a — why is because we do not settle for a draw or a 1—0 win. we are recruiting— a draw or a 1—0 win. we are recruiting ourselves, we'll see what we can do— recruiting ourselves, we'll see what we can do better and just keep our feet on— we can do better and just keep our feet on the — we can do better and just keep our feet on the ground. the we can do better and 'ust keep our feet on the ground._ feet on the ground. the other fixtures as — feet on the ground. the other fixtures as well, _ feet on the ground. the other fixtures as well, tomorrow . feet on the ground. the other fixtures as well, tomorrow is | fixtures as well, tomorrow is everton and reading. leicester city brighton, and manchester united against liverpool. always a tasty fixture. that will see the return of gemma bonner to liverpool. she used to be captain of the club, quite a while ago, and she was captain under matt beard when they last won the super league. i think you can see herjust about to super league. i think you can see her just about to lift the trophy there. matt beard was the manager then, and he is now again, and he has brought gemma bonner back to see if she can help them claim the table. i expect a very warm welcome.

see if i can turn around! thank you, jane. and a reminder — you can get more on the wsl�*s return, and also plenty more build—up to that big weekend in the premier league, which also sees the north london derby on sunday on this week's football news shows. both programmes available to watch on the iplayer and bbc sport website. former england defender claire rafferty says players should not routinely be weighed, as it's not healthy. she's told the bbc�*s sportsdesk podcast it led to her developing an eating disorder from a young age. when you're being weighed constantly and it's— when you're being weighed constantly and it's every single day and you're reminded _ and it's every single day and you're reminded you're putting on 0.0 whatever, — reminded you're putting on 0.0 whatever, it's not normal to be that aware~ _ whatever, it's not normal to be that aware i_ whatever, it's not normal to be that aware. i think that's also attached to the _ aware. i think that's also attached to the pressures of social media, that strong — to the pressures of social media, that strong athletic identity, which for me. _ that strong athletic identity, which for me, now having retired and

having — for me, now having retired and having had _ for me, now having retired and having had i did and i —— identity crises _ having had i did and i —— identity crises almost, i think that's why my image was— crises almost, i think that's why my image was quite important to me. because _ image was quite important to me. because i— image was quite important to me. because i was rewarded on social media _ because i was rewarded on social media with the likes and for looking a certain— media with the likes and for looking a certain way, and it's sad, isn't it? more of that interview on the sportdesk podcast available on bbc sounds — and there's more help for anyone affected by the issues raised on the bbc�*s actionline. that's the number on the screen there. manchester city's benjamin mendy has been found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault against four women. the french international will face a re—trial on two other charges after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. our correspondent danny savage reports from chester crown court. he was the millionaire footballer with the world at his feet, but benjamin mendy�*s career at manchester city has been put on hold for months and is set to be on hold

for months and is set to be on hold for months and is set to be on hold for months longer yet. what's happened today is that the jury and his trial has been dismissed. they reached verdicts on a number of charges he was facing, but not all of them. so the unanimously found him not guilty of a number of rape charges and a charge of sexual assault. but they couldn't decide on two charges. one of rape and one of attempted rape involving two different women. they couldn't decide on was dirty, so what happened now is that the judge has ruled a retrial for mendy —— happened now is that the judge has ruled a retrialfor mendy —— on a jury. it set to be looked at in great detail again later this year when he goes on trial for the charges. he was accused of assaulting women at his mansion in cheshire, a country mansion where

the prosecution said that women felt vulnerable, scared and isolated. the jury vulnerable, scared and isolated. the jury ruled he hadn't carried out any sexual assaults or rates at that property, as some of his alleged victims claim. what is it mean for manchester city? they said they're not saying anything at the moment. they're conscious of the fact that benjamin mendy faces that retrial which will take place later this year. danny savage reporting there. newcastle boss eddie howe says he is unsure about picking brazilian midfielderjoe linton for sunday's premier league game against fulham, after his arrest for drink driving. the 26—year—old, who's helped howe's side to third in the table was stopped by police during the early hours of thursday morning, and later charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol. he'll appear before magistrates in the city later this month. i'm going to have to reflect and analyse on that and i'll make a

decision closer to the game. in consultation with him, and yeah, i'm not 100% sure. i think he knows the seriousness of the situation. i can't go into too much detail out of respect for the case, but i think he understands his responsibilities and we're now in a position where we're supporting him, and we also understand as a club the seriousness of the situation. let's have a quick look at some of the other stories making the headlines today. british number one cameron norrie is through to the final of the atp event in auckland. he beat the usa'sjenson brooksby 6—3, 6—4, and now faces richard gasquet in tonight's final as he bids for his first title of the season, just days before the start of the australian open. jos buttler hit the winning runs for paarl royals, as they beatjoburg super kings by seven wickets in the sa20, the new south african short form league.

they only needed 82 to win, and reached that target with 57 balls to spare. this critical miss from barry hawkins was the difference as he lost a thrilling masters quarter final 6—5 tojudd trump. shaun murphy and stuart bingham face off later this evening at alexandra palace, as they bid to join trump in the final four. the russian anti—doping agency have decided not to punish teenage figure skater kamila valieva after their investigation found she was not guilty of any doping offence, but wada say they're "concerned" by the ruling. valieva was 15 at the time of last year's beijing winter olympics, when she helped the russian team to gold. it was then revealed she'd failed a drugs test the previous december, but rusada said she bore "no fault or negligence" for it. the world anti—doping agency had wanted a four—year ban and have said they will not hesitate to exercise its right to appeal to the court

of arbitration for sport. england got their men's hockey world cup campaign off to a winning start, with a 5—nil thrashing of wales in india. wales are making their debut in the competition, and nick park put england ahead at the beginning of the second quarter. the full—time, experienced english side showed its strength against the part—time opposition, with nick bandurak rounding off the convincing victory. it puts england top of group d, after hosts india could only beat spain 2—0. we knew we were going to have a really _ we knew we were going to have a really tough opening game against wales _ really tough opening game against wales. they're a strong side, so to -et wales. they're a strong side, so to get to— wales. they're a strong side, so to get to up— wales. they're a strong side, so to get to up and running with a strong win is— get to up and running with a strong win is massive for us and it's brilliant _ win is massive for us and it's brilliant to _ win is massive for us and it's brilliant to get the ball rolling andm — brilliant to get the ball rolling and... oh! get that first game under our beit— and... oh! get that first game under our heltand— and... oh! get that first game under our belt and off and running. was auenliht our belt and off and running. was penlight in _ our belt and off and running. was penlight in the — our belt and off and running. —" penlight in the terms of —— what's it been like for you guys settling

in? �* , , ., ., �* , it been like for you guys settling in? ., ., ., in? it's been amazing. it's one of the most incredible _ in? it's been amazing. it's one of the most incredible places - in? it's been amazing. it's one of the most incredible places to - in? it's been amazing. it's one of| the most incredible places to play hockev _ the most incredible places to play hockey. facilities are second to none: — hockey. facilities are second to none. and _ hockey. facilities are second to none, and being a part of that first game _ none, and being a part of that first game is _ none, and being a part of that first game is a — none, and being a part of that first game is a special moment for everyone _ game is a special moment for everyone involved, and to have that many _ everyone involved, and to have that many fans _ everyone involved, and to have that many fans in — everyone involved, and to have that many fans in attendance is just brilliant — many fans in attendance is just brilliant for the game. it's been an incredible — brilliant for the game. it's been an incredible experience. for brilliant for the game. it's been an incredible experience.— incredible experience. for your prospects. _ incredible experience. for your prospects. how— incredible experience. for your prospects, how to _ incredible experience. for your prospects, how to flip - incredible experience. for your prospects, how to flip you - incredible experience. for your prospects, how to flip you to l incredible experience. for your i prospects, how to flip you to get out of the pool? india is your next opponent as well.— out of the pool? india is your next opponent as well. that's going to be a special game- _ opponent as well. that's going to be a special game. we _ opponent as well. that's going to be a special game. we face _ opponent as well. that's going to be a special game. we face them - opponent as well. that's going to be a special game. we face them three | a special game. we face them three times— a special game. we face them three times throughout 2022, and the whole three games were brilliant to be a part of _ three games were brilliant to be a part of. most recently, we had an epic 4-4 — part of. most recently, we had an epic 4—4 with them, so we know they will he _ epic 4—4 with them, so we know they will he a _ epic 4—4 with them, so we know they will be a massive challenge. their support— will be a massive challenge. their support is— will be a massive challenge. their support is really second to none, so we know _ support is really second to none, so we know that game will be huge, especially with them registering a win against spain. spain themselves

are really— win against spain. spain themselves are really good side. we know they're — are really good side. we know they're going to be really tough opposition. england and leeds rhinos wheelchair rugby league player james simpson has announced his retirement from the sport after a ten—year career. simpson was part of england's world cup—winning squad last year and earned 31 caps for his country in total. he took up the game after losing both legs when a explosive device detonated while on patrol in afghanistan with the army. i asked simpson how the game had developed since he took it up. ten yea rs ten years i've played, and when i first started, there were five or six teams in the country. now we're up six teams in the country. now we're up to nearly 30, threat out from the super league �*s, championship teams, and that's huge growth for the game. we're not even 20 years old, really, so it's exciting and it's amazing to see the games now getting shall live on tv. at the time when i started

playing early, that wasjust on tv. at the time when i started playing early, that was just a dream. that was getting a few clicks on social media. it's obsolete change the game, and i've been so lucky to be an ambassador for the world cup. it's put me in a position where i've seen where the game can io, . ., where i've seen where the game can go. what does the sport mean for ou? you go. what does the sport mean for you? you set _ go. what does the sport mean for you? you set in — go. what does the sport mean for you? you set in afghanistan - go. what does the sport mean for i you? you set in afghanistan before, what has it done for you as a person? i what has it done for you as a -erson? ., , ., , . person? i love this game is much as i loved person? i love this game is much as i loved being a _ person? i love this game is much as i loved being a soldier. _ person? i love this game is much as i loved being a soldier. i— person? i love this game is much as i loved being a soldier. i want - person? i love this game is much as i loved being a soldier. i want to - i loved being a soldier. i want to give this game the same as what i gave the army, and that was ten years. now it's time for that change. this game has begun everything for me. it got me out of just getting into a sport, getting active, meeting people, meeting disabled people. iwas active, meeting people, meeting disabled people. i was 23, so it was quite alien to me. meeting people in the same world and learning how to live in a 21st century world with a

disability and then going onto the playing side, competing, being active, challenging myself, going on to represent my country on the world's biggest stage. ijust started for a bit of fun, and then i was an ambassadorfor the started for a bit of fun, and then i was an ambassador for the world cup. i was there in the final and made the change, and the game for me took me from not having a clue what i wanted to do to now playing at the top level, having an impact on the game, going into coaching. i'm going into my second chapter of wheelchair rugby league world. the game means a lot to me. if people can go on the samejourney i've done, and i can be a part of that, that would be the world to me. the new formula e season gets under way tomorrow in mexico city. and with a new generation of cars, new teams and new circuits, it promises to be most thrilling calendar yet. the season finishes in london, which is where jake

dennis has two wins. the british driver spoke to me earlierfrom his team in andretti's paddock. i got high expectations. it's my third _ i got high expectations. it's my third season with the team. it's like one — third season with the team. it's like one big family. we've got a new trainer— like one big family. we've got a new trainer behind us with porsche, so very different dynamic in the way we drive the _ very different dynamic in the way we drive the car. that's going to be changing — drive the car. that's going to be changing things. the new circuit and team—mates, so a lot of unknowns, but still _ team—mates, so a lot of unknowns, but still looking forward to it. see how competitive we are. it promises to be very exciting _ how competitive we are. it promises to be very exciting because - how competitive we are. it promises to be very exciting because of - how competitive we are. it promises to be very exciting because of the i to be very exciting because of the new three powered cars and a lot more speed. new three powered cars and a lot more speed-— new three powered cars and a lot more seed. , i, . , , more speed. these guys are superfast now. last more speed. these guys are superfast now- last time — more speed. these guys are superfast now. last time wise, _ more speed. these guys are superfast now. last time wise, pretty _ more speed. these guys are superfast now. last time wise, pretty similar, . now. last time wise, pretty similar, 'ust now. last time wise, pretty similar, just because — now. last time wise, pretty similar, just because we have a lot less grip this season — just because we have a lot less grip this season. but the lighter cars, the more — this season. but the lighter cars, the more powerful. making lots of

lockups _ the more powerful. making lots of lockups and stuff like this, so if the driver— lockups and stuff like this, so if the driver who makes the lease mistakes — the driver who makes the lease mistakes and has an overall competitive package will definitely come _ competitive package will definitely come out on top. jake competitive package will definitely come out on top.— competitive package will definitely come out on top. earlier in the programme, we were looking ahead to the manchester derby, and one man who knows what it's like to be involved in them is eric cantona. known for his artistry on the pitch, he's now turning his hand to art off it. the former manchester united star has co—curated a new exhibition, at manchester's national football museum, which chronicles the relationship between sport and modern society. football is an art for sure from my point of view, and we can use football in sport because it's not only paintings of football, if a different sport. you have a great sportsmen who have been brave enough to have changed things. in politics,

and many things. d0 to have changed things. in politics, and many things.— and many things. do you think football's in _ and many things. do you think football's in danger _ and many things. do you think football's in danger of - and many things. do you think football's in danger of losing l and many things. do you thinkl football's in danger of losing its soul as the world cup is sold to qatar, has big clubs may be sold to eastern states? it’s qatar, has big clubs may be sold to eastern states?— eastern states? it's not, it's modern life. _ eastern states? it's not, it's modern life. money - eastern states? it's not, it's modern life. money can - eastern states? it's not, it's modern life. money can buy| modern life. money can buy everything that seems, but it's not only in sport. it's in everything. how many players can you spot on that painting? that is just about it. enjoy the weekend and we'll see you soon. hello there. we've got more heavy rain to come over and into saturday. now, we already have quite a bit of flooding out and about, particularly around the banks of the severn. the severn flooding low—lying fields, that's what this view is from the hills. we certainly have lots of flood warnings in force, and a majority of those are for stretches of the river severn.

the problem is, really, overnight tonight and tomorrow, we got more heavy rain. that is going to be coming in, bringing as much as 70 mm of rain to the high ground of wales in southwest england. that is likely to make the flooding worse and could also disrupt transport planes — roads and rails have been affected over recent days. that's going to be coming in, bringing as much as 70 mm of rain it will be mild across the southwest, 11 celsius as we start the day, and the rain will eventually start to clear away eastwards, followed by something a bit brighter with a bit of sunshine. rain comes into northern ireland, west scotland and also northwest england, accompanied by strong winds, gale force gusts, and it will start to feel colder across northern areas of the uk, a sign of things to come.

this is bbc news broadcasting to viewers in the uk and around the world. i'm ben boulos. the headlines. russia claims its forces have captured the ukrainian town of soledar — but kyiv insists "severe" fighting is still ongoing. the gas pipeline connecting lithuania and latvia has an explosion. lithuania and latvia has an expl°5i°"-_ lithuania and latvia has an explosion. lithuania and latvia has an ex-losion. f ., . ., explosion. they've launched an investigation. _ footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. but he faces a retrial on two other counts on which the jury failed to reach a verdict. also in the programme, how the world cup may have given a much—needed boost to the uk's economy.