measures we take to lifetime and the measures we take to tackle it must reflect the magnitude of that. stay—at—home. i can announce that the scottish government is proposing that the independence referendum be held on the 19th of october 2023. please know, being your first minister has been the privilege of my life. nothing, absolutely nothing i do in the future will ever come anywhere close. thank you. from the very bottom of my heart. hello and welcome to sportsday live from the bbc sport centre — i'm paul scott and here's what's coming up. tight at the top: manchester city can leapfrog arsenal at the summit of the premier league tonight,

we'll be live in north london. potter under pressure: the chelsea boss responds to critics, as his side travel to borussia dortmund in the champions league. and we'll have the latest on this week's women's internationals — as scotland lose their opening game of the pinatar cup. hello and welcome along — plenty to get through over the next half an hour. we start with football and the premier league's top two go head—to—head at the emirates stadium, as arsenal host manchester city in under an hours' time.

pep guardiola's side can move top on goal difference with a victory, joe lynskey previews the action. arsenal and manchester city are two clubs on each other�*s tail. the top two in the top flight. last summer, to city players left for arsenal and are key to their resurgence. because arteta is in his fourth year at arsenal after three years himself with city. 50 arsenal after three years himself with ci . ., ., ., ., with city. 50 animated almost mirror imaaes with city. 50 animated almost mirror ima . es of with city. so animated almost mirror images of each _ with city. so animated almost mirror images of each other _ with city. so animated almost mirror images of each other at _ with city. so animated almost mirror images of each other at times. - images of each other at times. tonight he can take his side clear at the top arsenal have a three point lead and a game in hand. this is their third meeting of the season and for arsenal it would be a big statement to beat the team who have won four of the last five titles. what happened in the last six years. they absolutely merited. they

merited on the pitch and the way they play and gone through difficulties. forall their challenges to get to that level. we need to use that challenge and energy, this is where we want to be. so far it is the best team in the premier league. we present a few weeks _ premier league. we present a few weeks ago — premier league. we present a few weeks ago. we have to try. the game weeks ago. we have to try. the game we are _ weeks ago. we have to try. the game we are going — weeks ago. we have to try. the game we are going to play is going to be a big biology. we are going to play is going to be a big biology-— a big biology. manchester city is up when last month _ a big biology. manchester city is up when last month was _ a big biology. manchester city is up when last month was a _ a big biology. manchester city is up when last month was a part - a big biology. manchester city is up when last month was a part of- a big biology. manchester city is up when last month was a part of a - when last month was a part of a trend. they have beaten arsenal in the lead ten times in a row. not since 2015 as arsenal one. but now the emirates is a different place. i wouldn't say it's going to be a defining moment but for the arsenal sought friends if they see their team win and dominate that will feel like a huge, huge moment. for those

who'd doubt arsenal, if they see them lose they will continue to doubt them. them lose they will continue to doubt them-— them lose they will continue to doubt them. , ., ., doubt them. they meet tonight and then aaain doubt them. they meet tonight and then again in _ doubt them. they meet tonight and then again in april— doubt them. they meet tonight and then again in april into _ doubt them. they meet tonight and then again in april into games - doubt them. they meet tonight and then again in april into games that l then again in april into games that could decide the title. arsenal may be top but they have the champions on their tail. joe lynskey, bbc news. welljane dougall is in north london and joins us now. jane it's one of the most anticipated games of the season and i believe you can bring us the team news? yes the team news is in and the most significant piece of news is that manchester city * striker erling haaland does start. there are question marks over his fitness after he was brought off in their last game against aston villa at the weekend. pep guardiola said he took a bit of a kick and perhaps it was a psychological ploy by guardiola because he does start. he has been so in fact will, hasn't he? the rest of his starting line—up does remain largely unchanged from the 3—1

victory on sunday. there has been in a couple of changes for arsenal. two new starters and there were thoughts that leandro trossard might start because he played so well against branford at the weekend but he doesn't start. it is gabriel martinelli who starts. as we mentioned, that game against branford at the weekend was a 1—1 drawer and there was controversy over the va decision for arsenal but theirform has dropped off in general. it is notjust that draw against branford but the loss against branford but the loss against relegation contenders, everton, as well. one month ago, arsenal where it points ahead of city but it is city who has momentum and if win tonight there we go on top with gold difference with a game in hand. i spoke to former arsenal

player matthew upson and asked him if tonight nights winner would ta ke take the premier league title as well. i take the premier league title as well. ~' ., ., ., ._ well. i think it will go a long way. given the condition _ well. i think it will go a long way. given the condition of _ well. i think it will go a long way. given the condition of the - well. i think it will go a long way. given the condition of the league i given the condition of the league title and — given the condition of the league title and how close they are and the psychological meaning of what that would _ psychological meaning of what that would be _ psychological meaning of what that would be for whatever team were to win. would be for whatever team were to win to _ would be for whatever team were to win to see — would be for whatever team were to win. to see and know that they are going _ win. to see and know that they are going to _ win. to see and know that they are going to go — win. to see and know that they are going to go on and when is too early — going to go on and when is too early it— going to go on and when is too early. it will give measures a city that hit _ early. it will give measures a city that hit of— early. it will give measures a city that bit of momentum and if arsenal find it— that bit of momentum and if arsenal find it that _ that bit of momentum and if arsenal find it that little bit harder to recover — find it that little bit harder to recover from what may be. diplomatic answer perhaps there from upson but don't forget how well the two managers tonight know each other. that will play into two nights tactics, is that? arteta and guardiola said this it back to would not impact their friendship and we might ask them at the end of the season. in the build up to tonight there was a loving between the two managers. guardiola seen this is the best arsenal he has faced and if they did beat city he would be the first to congratulate them. guardiola said if arsenal that want

this title they have to fight for it and that is true, isn't it? in return, arts of the said he was impressed with the way city have developed over the last six years with the way they played and computed and gone through difficulties. perhaps that was a jibe about the issues off the pitch measures a city had to deal with at the moment but are set aside the challenge is to get to their level. the face each other a few weeks ago in the fa cups and manchester city one there putting arsenal out after beating them 1—0. that was a tight game and tonight would probably be close as well. kick—off is at seven 30p. m.. close as well. kick-off is at seven 30 .m.. ., ~ close as well. kick-off is at seven 30.m.. ., ~' ,, close as well. kick-off is at seven 30.m.. ., ~' g close as well. kick-off is at seven 30.m.. ., g ., ., close as well. kick-off is at seven 30.m.. . g ., ., ., 30p.m.. thank you jen do go there at the emirates- — staying with football and chelsea are in germany tonight to take on borussia dortmund in the knockout stages of the champions league. boss graham potter has received criticism from some quarters in recent weeks, for not showing enough passion and �*uproar�* over var decisions going against his side.

but the 47—year—old has this message for his critics. if you think that you can start a coaching career in the ninth tier of english football, in the northern counties, not the premiership, and get to this point now is that chelsea, champions league, without getting angry or being nice. i would suggest you don't know anything about anything. let's head to germany then and john bennett is beside the yellow wall for this one tonight. john, it might not quite be working for potter in the premier league, but he's won his last four matches in the champions league as chelsea manager. what will they have to do tonight to continue that run tonight? yes they have to go back to the form they were shown in the group stage because for all the doom and gloom

in the premier league. graham potter could become the first english coach, tonight, to win five champions league games in a row. borussia dortmund are in awesome form in 2023. they start to the season pretty poorly but right now it is a run of six wins out of six since the world cup break. they have lost only once at home which is out awesome arena. it isjosie's friends first ever visit and they're enjoying so far. a massive challenge forjosie and some big names have been left at home due to injuries and the fact that they couldn't put all the new signings in the champions league squad. the team uses interesting. ben shuman comes in with his first start since november and the scent defender starts as welljude bellingham needs no introduction for borussia

dortmund. for gloves and five champions league games. 80,000 fans will be here and it would be in an amusing atmosphere and a big test for graham potter and choses campaign. for graham potter and choses campaign-— for graham potter and choses camaiun. ., ~ for graham potter and choses camaiun. ., campaign. en'oy it, john. thank you very much. — in the night's other game club brugge play two—time european champions benfica. that means a first champions league game for brugges new head coach scott parker — who's only won one of his first seven games in charge of the belgian club. the last time i was in the champions league _ the last time i was in the champions league was— the last time i was in the champions league was as a player so i am excited. _ league was as a player so i am excited. looking forward to this opportunity with the team along with the players. obviously, a fantastic opportunity for everyone at the cluh _ opportunity for everyone at the cluh the — opportunity for everyone at the club. the team has done incredible to get— club. the team has done incredible to get to _ club. the team has done incredible to get to this point, really. a big opportunity for us and we will go and enjoy— opportunity for us and we will go and enjoy this occasion and this opportunity and try and leave our mark— opportunity and try and leave our mark on — opportunity and try and leave our mark on the composition as well, really~ _

well former west ham striker sebastian haller should feature for dortmund tonight. he's returned to action in recent weeks after recovering from testicular cancer. he's been speaking to the bbc�*s simon stone about his diagnosis. to be honest, ijust thought it was a stomach problem and the next day we made mri because it was too deep to see what it was and surprise was a tumour. i asked my doctor and he said it was cancer. so just think. it is something that scares a lot of people. the first he heard his name, of course something serious that is happening and you have to realise a list of things will change. ltrailers happening and you have to realise a list of things will change.— list of things will change. were you scared for your _ list of things will change. were you scared for your career? _ list of things will change. were you scared for your career? were - list of things will change. were you scared for your career? were you l scared for your career? were you scared for your career? were you scared for your family?— scared for your family? were you scared for your family? were you scared for— scared for your family? were you scared for yourself? _ scared for your family? were you scared for yourself? i _ scared for your family? were you scared for yourself? i was - scared for your family? were you

scared for yourself? i was not. scared for yourself? i was not scared for yourself? i was not scared but it was just thinking about how i would say to my family. your husband, brother, father, everything. so when something that this happens to you you have to be straight. especially to my way. i said please sit down, i need to tell you something serious. i said things will change and these will happen. for the next day, please do this, this, this. unfortunate, when your position when you are married you need to share everything. you can avoid parts of the problem. that must've been — avoid parts of the problem. that must've been an _ avoid parts of the problem. that must've been an emotional conversation.— must've been an emotional conversation. ., ., , , conversation. note. note, because we don't have times _ conversation. note. note, because we don't have times to _ conversation. note. note, because we don't have times to be _ conversation. note. note, because we don't have times to be emotional. - conversation. note. note, because we don't have times to be emotional. i i don't have times to be emotional. i only called herfor a don't have times to be emotional. i only called her for a few minutes because she had the kids. for me i own at a few minutes with other appointments so i to say quick so she could prepare. we had time to call each other in other moments. as soon as you have kids, you don't have time to feel bad because they will need you no matter what

happens. and you need to show them that everything is fine. it is difficult, of course, they see me changing. then a lot of things happened. the second surgery that made things a bit more difficult but it wasjust a made things a bit more difficult but it was just a matter of time. i always knew i would make it. it is important to check because we are not alone. we are not checking only for ourselves but also the family, or friends, for ourselves but also the family, orfriends, it is important to for ourselves but also the family, or friends, it is important to check because it can save a lot of life. a lawyer representing a group of liverpool supporters who are suing uefa over their treatment before last year's champions league final, says he doesn't trust european football's governing body to handle a compensation scheme. uefa are promising to announce a scheme, after an independent report primarily blamed them for the chaotic scenes before the match in paris. but a partner at one of the legal firms preparing cases against them, says he's not confident it will be fair. their action so far in attempting to

blame everybody except themselves and not take her up on responsibility does not give us confidence that they are going forward they�* re confidence that they are going forward they're going to deal with this fairly. the concern is that they are going to set up this compensation scheme. they are going to ask individual clients to go through the composition scheme. individual clients do not have the power that a group action would have. you if it is a powerful organisation and our concern is that they are trying to root avoid responsibility and minimise composition that they have to pay to fans that were traumatised. still to come on sportsday. and england captain leah williamson says she will wear the one love armband, that fifa controversially banned at the men's world cup. were not just impacting were notjust impacting football, where trying to have a positive

impact on society. welsh rugby players will consider strike action during the week in which wales build up to hosting england in the six nations in cardiff. the possible industrial action is an option to be raised next week at a meeting of the body representing professional players in wales. wales face england on saturday, 25 february. welsh rugby's four professional teams can make fresh contract offers to players, but have yet to do so. i think the biggest thing is not about the money. we are not asking for more money but a voice. in the way things are run. just player welfare. how many games you play a season, mental health is massive at the moment. we are expected just a rock up for work, run into a brick wall, take our money at the end of day and gets up and go again. on the boys are asking for is a bit of help

with their own density and mental health and their own bodies. in the women's t20 world cup india joined england on two wins from two — with a comfortable victory over the west indies. batting first, the windies were restricted to just 118—6 from their 20 overs, largely in part to deep—ti sharma's three wickets, which included the dangerous stefanie taylor and she—maine campbell. in reply, india reached their target of 119 with 11 balls to spare. wicketkeeper richa ghosh hit the winning runs and top scored with 44, from just 32 deliveries. in that letter game there was a first ever t20100 run for pakistan. her century came from 16 eight pause and included 1a fours.

england's mens team are gearing up for their 2—match test series against new zealand. the first test gets under way in mount maun—ganui overnight. england haven't won a test match in new zealand since 2008, but they're the form test side in the world, having won nine of their last ten matches. so can they continue that fine form? well former england spin bowler monty panesarjoins us now to discuss this in more detail. thank you for talking to us. stuart broad has been recalled after missing the series in pakistan. but it's the top order and the aggressive batting that's caught the eye in recent months. what will you be looking out for in particular in this series? thanks for having meet. i think everyone is excited to see how england does against new zealand. what they would be excited about is the button and how aggressive they have been last year and also recently in the warm—up match

against new zealand. they scored 469 runs in 70 overs. so, during the test match there'll be moments where the ball gets soft and they can be also positive and ultra—aggressive. there'll be times the oil will zip around and they can be more circumspect. so the site is smart and astute but they will play some entertaining cricket. idea? and astute but they will play some entertaining cricket.— entertaining cricket. new zealand won the world _ entertaining cricket. new zealand won the world test _ entertaining cricket. new zealand won the world test championship| entertaining cricket. new zealand - won the world test championship last year. this series isn't part of that championship but what sort of tests when they provide for england was a mark i think the test england will provide to new zealand.- mark i think the test england will provide to new zealand. because new zealand does — provide to new zealand. because new zealand does not _ provide to new zealand. because new zealand does not have _ provide to new zealand. because new zealand does not have their— provide to new zealand. because new zealand does not have their key - zealand does not have their key player in the test series not because of a back problem that he has. and also, theirfirst time

captain in new zealand since he taken overt captaincy in december 2022. i think someone like ben stokes will be targeting him and his balding and putting him under pressure then i think this dude is an new zealand team with their wonderful bowling attack is going to beat favouring the england side. i think the hull of test cricket, the other teams playing in the history of that right now will be looking at how england perform in new zealand. can can can they continue in the same vein that they did last year. i don't think it should be too hard for england to win this test series. they should win 2—0 in my opinion. if they win that will give them huge confidence given into the summer with the ashes. how good could this be for england and how excited are you to see what comes in the next 12 months question mark a very exciting time for this england team and they have set the benchmark after these

two test matches, getting joel route backin two test matches, getting joel route back in form who hasn't been so good over the last few months. he’s back in form who hasn't been so good over the last few months.— over the last few months. he's a ha - over the last few months. he's a happy player— over the last few months. he's a happy player when _ over the last few months. he's a happy player when he _ over the last few months. he's a happy player when he is - over the last few months. he's a happy player when he is scoring | happy player when he is scoring runs. will be happy to see him get back in form. ben duckett is another one. if you can do good in these conditions definitely is that music can show it is transferable on these conditions. let's not forget that stuart broad and james anderson, backin stuart broad and james anderson, back in 2008 in new zealand, both together and that was 15 years ago and they only needed five more wickets to go plus the likes of shane warne and glenn mcgraw to become the most formidable partnership and we really hope that happens. and all england funds will be collected see that. this english team is setting a benchmark for the west of the world cricket to watch and they are the trailblazers in test cricket and it is an exciting

yearfor test cricket and it is an exciting year for english test cricket. excited to see how it evolves over the next years or so. thank you. wales women kick off their pinatar cup campaign in spain against the philippines this evening — they'll be hoping to do better than scotland who lost their opening match 2—0 to iceland. the scots dominating the first half, but icelandic debutant olof kristins—dottir scored two goals in less than a minute to condemn pedro martinez losa's side to defeat. england's world cup preparations begin in earnest this week. sarina wiegman's side take on south korea tomorrow in the first match of the arnold clark cup in milton keynes. our football reporter emma sanders has been at st georges' park where the lionesses trained this morning and started by explaining why captain leah williamson could defy fifa by wearing a one love armband. she said the team wants to show solidarity to yak up again so who was the first current male

international player to come out as gay this week. she said the team working to show any sort of stance against discrimination and to continue to wear that one love armband. she asked whether there was an intention to have conversations with fifa ahead of the world cup in australia and new zealand on whether or not the england squad would be able to wear the arm find. she said there was that intention and they have always set up for discrimination.- have always set up for discrimination. ~ . ., , ., have always set up for discrimination. ~ . . , ., ., discrimination. we are a squad that romotes discrimination. we are a squad that promotes inclusivity _ discrimination. we are a squad that promotes inclusivity and _ discrimination. we are a squad that promotes inclusivity and we - discrimination. we are a squad that promotes inclusivity and we of - discrimination. we are a squad that promotes inclusivity and we of us . discrimination. we are a squad that| promotes inclusivity and we of us to have a _ promotes inclusivity and we of us to have a number of people that feel strongly about it. i think it is not even _ strongly about it. i think it is not even a _ strongly about it. i think it is not even a question for us, really. you've — even a question for us, really. you've just _ even a question for us, really. you've just seen another man's player— you've just seen another man's player and _ you've just seen another man's player and step out and be as brave as they— player and step out and be as brave as they can— player and step out and be as brave as they can be, and potentially change — as they can be, and potentially change their hull life. so, for us to stand — change their hull life. so, for us to stand in — change their hull life. so, for us to stand in solidarity with that is important —

to stand in solidarity with that is important to us and it's something we have _ important to us and it's something we have always done and will continue _ we have always done and will continue to do. thank i say, we are notjust— continue to do. thank i say, we are notjust impacting continue to do. thank i say, we are not just impacting football we are trying _ not just impacting football we are trying to— not just impacting football we are trying to have a positive impact on society _ trying to have a positive impact on socie . ~ ., ., i. trying to have a positive impact on socie . ~ ., ., ,, ~' trying to have a positive impact on socie . ~ ., ., ~ ,, society. what do you think siri grew u . society. what do you think siri grew u- bi society. what do you think siri grew up big money _ society. what do you think siri grew up big money will— society. what do you think siri grew up big money will be _ society. what do you think siri grew up big money will be looking - society. what do you think siri grew up big money will be looking out. society. what do you think siri grewj up big money will be looking out for and try to achieve in this tournament? i and try to achieve in this tournament?— and try to achieve in this tournament? , ., , ., tournament? i bit of bad news for the england _ tournament? i bit of bad news for the england manager— tournament? i bit of bad news for the england manager because - tournament? i bit of bad news for. the england manager because cairo welsh who has been integral to the steam is a doubt for the game through in this theme is a doubt for the game through illness. she took a stomach bug and only didn't train on wednesday. she was only player to train so the england manager has a lot of options and want to see rotations in the next few games i look at different players and combinations in preparation for the world cup which starts injuly. so, yeah, trying to build on that momentum and energy from the euros and look at a few new players. so, i think we will see a few changes in the england team over the next week or so. the future of woman's football

will be shaped by a new panel, consisting of former players and experts from the world of sport. headed up by ex—england international karen carney the group, who will report their findings to the government, will look for inspiration from other sports, such as american football and rugby, to find ways to maximise both the fanbase and financial growth. matt graveling reports. european glory on home soil. record crowds watched on as a lioness is finally brought football home. six months on and work is being done to make sure this achievement isn't confined to the history books but continues to brew the reed's life into the legacy. the person given the armband for this challenge knows the armband for this challenge knows the game well. i got the armband for this challenge knows the game well-— the game well. i got asked to share a review into _ the game well. i got asked to share a review into the _ the game well. i got asked to share a review into the future _ the game well. i got asked to share a review into the future of - the game well. i got asked to share a review into the future of woman's| a review into the future of woman's football so, what does that entail?

it entails everything. where do we want to give them to go and how do we get there and the things we can implement and recommend to make it the best it can be. that implement and recommend to make it the best it can be.— the best it can be. at the grassroots _ the best it can be. at the grassroots level - the best it can be. at the grassroots level in - the best it can be. at the i grassroots level in england, football isn't most teams work for women and girls. karen carney wants to go this further and has appointed a team of experts but also experts from sports and other areas like the nfl. american football is just one of the sports being examined to look for new ways to help woman's football. with other games being examined in financial health and long—term sustainability. assessing the potential audience reach and growth. examining structures and links to the men's game. chelsea manager emma hayes has seen many

changes in the game but thinks more needs to be done with extra support staff and better health for players. two areas that could be improved. just seem — two areas that could be improved. just seem access to training facilities _ just seem access to training facilities. and if not better facilities. and if not better facilities rather than always being given— facilities rather than always being given the — facilities rather than always being given the last slot at ridiculous hours — given the last slot at ridiculous hours. ., . f, given the last slot at ridiculous hours. ., ., ., . given the last slot at ridiculous hours. ., ., . , hours. today's announcement comes one month after— hours. today's announcement comes one month after a _ hours. today's announcement comes one month after a report _ hours. today's announcement comes one month after a report said - hours. today's announcement comes one month after a report said the - one month after a report said the legacy of the london olympics failed to materialise. finding women still face barriers to participate in sport and there wasn't enough investment at a grassroots level stop i hear about the review and see the findings in it. so stop i hear about the review and see the findings in it.— the findings in it. so what can we take that from _ the findings in it. so what can we take that from that? _ the findings in it. so what can we take that from that? i'm - the findings in it. so what can we i take that from that? i'm passionate about grassroots and every aspect. for the sport. grassroots is definitely a part of the review and it should be. it's the bright thing to do. bbc news. and one other football line to tell you about.

manchester united's ella toone, who was sent off against tottenham on sunday, has had her red card overturned. tottenham's summanen has been charged with deceiving a match officialfor her part in the incident. she could face a two match ban if found guilty. that's all from sportsday. thanks for watching. join us next time. hello there. although we've seen some sunshine by day, overnight tonight, it is going to be turning pretty cloudy. that's because we've got an area of low pressure moving in, and that will be bringing some rain to northern ireland, england, wales, central and southern areas of scotland. it's only the far north of scotland that escapes that weather system. here we could see some patches of frost with some clearer spells, but otherwise it's a frost free

start to the day on thursday. now for thursday, western area is probably starting off quite grey and gloomy, a few mist and fog patches around coasts and hills and the damp weather slow to ease. eventually the weather will try to turn a bit brighter, but i suspect they won't see as much sunshine as we had during the day today. now to end the week, we're looking at some strong winds, an area of low pressure bringing gusts up to 75 miles an hour into parts of scotland and perhaps into the 70s into parts of northern england. winds that strong have the potential to bring some localised disruption. so we could see a few problems out on the roads, maybe at the airports too, and the risk even of one or two power cuts.

hello, i'm geeta guru—murthy, this is outside source. scottish first minister nicola sturgeon announces she's stepping down — after more than eight years in office. my decision comes from a place of duty and of love. tough love perhaps, but love nevertheless my party and above all for my country. anger mounts in syria — over a lack of humanitarian relief after the deadly earthquake — but the government insists aid will be shared fairly.