Newcastle, themselves, are in bad form. They arrive in London on the back of four successive defeats and have since been tipped to get dragged into a relegation battle as the pressure mounts on head coach Eddie Howe, who is in desperate need of a win. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.

Littleborough is a picturesque town on the edge of Greater Manchester with stunning views of the Pennines and a tranquil lake. There is just one problem – traffic.

Ask anyone who commutes in and out of the Rochdalian town and they’ll tell you it’s nightmarish on the roads. The only saving grace for commuters is the railway station, offering a speedy train to Manchester in 20 minutes or to Leeds in an hour.

For decades locals have been crying out for the A58 relief road – it’s seen as the grand solution to the traffic problem.

Local councillors from both Labour and Conservatives, as well as Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, have been leading the charge in tackling the bumper to bumper queues.

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Not only is the pesky traffic a nuisance, it’s also costing local businesses. A recent research study found that the congested road network cost the local economy around £1m over the course of just 14 days.

Naturally, the long-term vision is to build the long-awaited A58 relief road, which would link the A664 (Albert Royds Street) to Smithy Bridge Road. Planning permission has been granted to construct the initial part of the relief road starting at Smithy Bridge Road, but this came in exchange for developers building hundreds more homes in the area.

In November, Rochdale council’s planning committee were met with boos when they approved the 309-home scheme for land off Hollingworth Road. At the meeting, local councillor Richard Jackson explained how many people refer to Littleborough as a ‘lovely place, but wouldn’t want to live there with all the traffic’.

Just like the spot next to Hollingworth Lake, the land primed for 199 homes off Smithy Bridge Road was deeply disliked locally. That was approved in January, but it did come with a planning commitment to start the relief road after a certain number of houses were completed.

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More land would need to be snapped up in order to complete the road later on down the line. That will take years to build, so short and medium-term solutions are needed to support local businesses and commuters.

One method is stamping out what seem like an endless amount of roadworks in the area.

So local councillors are working with Paul Waugh on a Private Member’s Bill to introduce to Parliament, calling for strengthening oversight and accountability on the classification of emergency works. This would stop utility companies using the ‘emergency works’ excuse to bypass local controls.

The Rochdale MP took an initial step to write to the roads minister Simon Lightwood, putting forward Littleborough’s plight. In a prompt response, the minister understood the concerns and agreed the government would look into cracking down on utility companies abusing the ‘emergency works’ excuse.

The recent letter read: “We are considering ways to improve the operation and use of emergency works, and will consider the approach you describe. In doing so, it is important to take into account the additional burdens and potential costs such changes could place on local authorities, as well as the need to preserve the ability for works promoters to respond swiftly where genuine emergencies arise.

“More broadly, the Government is taking forward a range of measures to reduce disruption from roadworks, including supporting the roll out of lane rental schemes, promoting earlier planning and coordination, and working closely with local authorities and utility companies. “These measures are intended to improve delivery while minimising unnecessary disruption.”

Another short term solution is being pushed by Coun Adam Branton and his fellow ward councillors around Littleborough. They intend to coordinate with the council to communicate where works will take place ahead of time; help the council understand their enforcement powers; and introduce daily charges for lane occupation.

These plans, alongside the relief road decades in the making, are seen as the best way to bring back the tranquil Littleborough many residents remember from way back when.

Coun Branton is also one of the many councillors in the area calling for the A58 relief road in what has become a cross-party effort from Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour politicians. With more and more houses due to be built in the town over the next decade, those calls for the relief road to come as soon as possible will only grow louder.

MP Paul Waugh said: “Local people and businesses in Littleborough have put up with far too much disruption for far too long, so I’m really pleased the roads minister is engaging with this. Any help the Government can give to improve how roadworks are managed and reduce unnecessary delays will have my full support.

“We’re pushing ahead with local solutions like lane rental and a long-term relief road, but I’ll continue pressing for further action from ministers to make a real difference on the ground.”

Coun Adam Branton, added: “The voice of local businesses must be heard, and the economic impact fully considered in any reporting, before the council makes decisions that affect the daily lives of our residents. I am pleased to be working with Rochdale MP Paul Waugh on this — it is a sign that when an issue matters enough to a community, we can put party politics aside and get on with the job.”

Antoine Semenyo has been left out of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final game against Southampton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola has made eight changes to his starting line-up following the 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Only Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes and Rayan Ait-Nouri have kept their places in the team for the semi-final at Wembley, with Guardiola concerned about his side’s energy levels due to their congested fixture schedule.

Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi and Bernardo Silva are among the players who drop to the bench.

Meanwhile, Semenyo has been left out of City’s squad for a domestic game for the first time since his £64 million move from Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

Speaking to the BBC about his team selection before kick-off, Guardiola said: ‘I have a lot of experience, at this stage when you play every three days, travelling. I felt an incredible loss of energy, mentally fatigued.

‘The selection is top, the players are top. It’s just I want to bring the energy we need to sustain our game as high as possible.’

In a separate interview with TNT Sports, Guardiola reiterated that he wanted more energy from his side at Wembley.

‘It’s not a gift, I told them it’s not because I want to make a turnover at this stage of the season, it’s just in the past when you play a run of three games, Arsenal, so demanding, three days later, so demanding, and travel to London, we need energy,’ Guardiola said.

‘We need rhythm, sometimes we play semi-final, Champions League quarter-finals, coming here, we’re so flat.

‘If it works it will be a good decision, if not [it won’t be].’

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Steve Tandy and his coaches will be very busy over the next few weeks

As the domestic season edges towards its conclusion, Wales head coach Steve Tandy is already shifting his focus to a pivotal summer, with the upcoming Nations Cup firmly in his sights.

Wales begin their summer campaign with a clash against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on June 27, before heading into the inaugural Nations Cup, where they will face Fiji, Argentina and South Africa. The closing rounds of the United Rugby Championship offer a final opportunity for players to stake their claim, while Tandy will also be monitoring performances in the Gallagher Premiership.

In reality, much of the squad appears settled following a noticeable upturn in form towards the back end of the Six Nations. However, Tandy may look to the summer as a chance to strengthen depth and assess players on the fringes of selection.

One player pressing a strong case for inclusion is Cardiff outside-half Callum Sheedy, who was notably absent from the Six Nations squad. Injuries have left Wales short of options at fly-half, with Sam Costelow in a race to prove his fitness and Jarrod Evans sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained while playing for Harlequins.

Dan Edwards is expected to hold the No.10 shirt, but beyond him the options are limited, potentially opening the door for Sheedy’s return.

The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for Cardiff in recent weeks, showcasing a sharp attacking kicking game, strong distribution and a willingness to take the ball to the line. His improved goal-kicking has also played a key role in Cardiff’s push towards the play-offs.

Concerns also extend to the back three, where injuries to Ellis Mee, Mason Grady and Keelan Giles have left Tandy short-handed. That could pave the way for Rio Dyer to force his way back into contention after missing out on Six Nations selection.

Another player to have caught the eye is Cardiff’s Jacob Beetham, who has found form in the latter stages of the season. His versatility and current performances make him a strong candidate to feature, particularly given the injury situation.

Elsewhere, Tandy may consider casting the net wider. Bristol Bears playmaker James Williams and Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley are both potential options, with Bradley’s dual qualification making him an intriguing prospect for the future. Even a role against the Barbarians and inclusion in the wider squad could prove valuable.

It also appears increasingly likely that Exeter Chiefs back-rower Kane James will be involved, having opted to represent Wales if selected this summer; a development that will be welcomed given recent losses of dual-qualified talent such as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Kepu Tuipulotu.

Finally, Elliot Dee could return to the fold after impressing for the Dragons since his comeback from injury. With Dewi Lake battling to regain fitness following a shoulder problem, Dee’s experience may prove crucial over the coming weeks.

Tandy may also opt to name an extended squad, allowing him to take a closer look at emerging talent. Cardiff loosehead Rhys Barratt, Dragons back-rower Ryan Woodman and Gloucester’s Wales U20s captain Deian Gwynne are all understood to be on the radar as Tandy weighs up his options.

All told, this summer represents more than just a fresh set of fixtures for Wales. It is a valuable opportunity for Tandy to refine his squad, address key areas of concern and build meaningful depth ahead of a demanding international calendar.

With injuries forcing his hand in certain positions and a number of players hitting form at just the right time, the Nations Cup could prove a defining period in shaping both the immediate future and longer-term direction of the Welsh side.

Local neighbourhood and response policing teams moved to a temporary base in Aycliffe Business Park in 2024 after officers left the former station based on Central Avenue.

The move came after the force’s former lease ended at the fire station. Staff are currently based at GLOW, a function venue in the south of the town, with the fire station still used for some services. 

Yet, residents continue to criticise the lack of a permanent town centre base for the force amid a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime. 

Chris Clements, told a Great Aycliffe Town Council meeting: “A police presence in the heart of the town isn’t just symbolic, it reflects response times, deterrents, and public confidence. 

“How do you intend to replace that lost presence in practical terms and do you accept the absence of a town centre is contributing to the problems we are now facing?”

The council meeting heard from police chiefs, including the local inspector and deputy police and crime commissioner (PCC), after residents warned that the area has become blighted by disorder. 

“We want police in the right place at the right time,” said Debbie Ingram.

She added: “You have had two or three years to find a police station. Why, in 2026, have we still not got anywhere?”

PCC Joy Allen previously said she was “absolutely committed” to maintaining a strong policing footprint in Newton Aycliffe.

Graham Hall, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m not the estates manager, but I’m looking at virtually anything in your town centre because I know the strength of feeling that exists here. 

“Is there some existing office accommodation that has security and is able to keep police vehicles? We would appreciate your help.”

Asked about the police force’s finances set aside for the potential new site, Mr Hall added: “We have considerable reserves within the police service, and if a premises is identified, then clearly we would have to look at the monetary availability balanced against everything else in terms of policing. 

“We have to consider policing in totality.”

Meanwhile, Newton Aycliffe-based charitable organisation Lifeline Community Action has opened a new community hub in the Aycliffe Shopping Centre. The project aims to create a one-stop space in the town for anyone who needs help, advice, or support. It will be based at the former Woolworths store on Beveridge Way.

Where do you think the new police station should open? Have your say in the comments.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it was called to the B6276 in Lunedale, Teesdale, at 2.22pm.

A NEAS spokesperson said: “We received a call to 999 at 2.22pm to reports of a serious road traffic collision on the B6276 in Lunedale between a motorcyclist and a car. 

“We sent a clinical team leader, air ambulance, emergency ambulance crew and a community paramedic.”

Durham Police and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) also attended the crash.

The fire service said they worked at the scene for around an hour.

A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We sent two fire engines to the incident on the B6276. One fire engine remained at the incident for approximately one hour.

“The initial call was at 2.35pm and we can confirm our engines and staff are no longer at the scene.”

Durham Police said the road is expected to be closed for a “number of hours”.

The force said: “Due to an ongoing incident, the B6276 is closed between Selset Reservoir & Brough.

“It will be closed for a number of hours. Please find an alternative route.”

A picture at the scene shows the road blocked off by cones and closed signs.

Ulster SFC preliminary round: Armagh 1-17 Tyrone 1-16 AET

For the second successive year, Armagh have pipped Tyrone at the post in another Ulster SFC thriller.

This one was more of a slow burner than the semi-final joust in Clones last year, but the finale was every bit as dramatic.

The Red Hands probably hung on to Armagh’s coattails in last season’s contest. This time, they had chances to put Armagh to the sword after playing extra-time with an extra man after Darragh McMullen picked up a second booking at the end of normal time.

Eoin McElholm spurned a goal chance in extra-time when a point would have brought his side level while Niall Morgan kicked a last-gasp ’45 wide.

Every team loves to complain about being written off. In Tyrone’s case it was true as few gave them any hope of causing an upset at a sold-out Box-It Athletic Grounds with the majority of the 16,0-91 in attendance cheering for the home side.

Malachy O’Rourke’s men needed much to go in their favour if they were to ambush the Orchard men in their own backyard.

With just 27 minutes played, they’d lost their two most influential players with Darragh Canavan and Brian Kennedy picking up injuries. At that stage, Armagh were 0-7 to 0-4 ahead with neither team playing particularly well after a deluge of rain prior to throw-in meant conditions were difficult for both sets of players.

Ethan Jordan, Tyrone’s top scorer in 2026, kicked four first half wides, including two long-range two-point attempts.

A fine score from Darragh McMullen had Armagh 0-8 to 0-4 ahead at the end of a rather forgettable first half of football

All that was to change in the second half as Tyrone fought their way back into contention, led by the brilliance of Mattie Donnelly and Conn Kilpatrick.

Donnelly opened the scoring and, to his credit, Jordan put his nightmare first half behind him to kick back-to-back scores.

Conor Turbitt pointed on his introduction, but all the momentum was now with the Red Hands and they levelled proceedings via Kilpatrick and Peter Teague.

A cracking point from Michael McKernan then put Tyrone into the lead for the first time in the game after 56 minutes.

In a game devoid of two-pointers, the first one was worth waiting for as Oisin O’Neill raised an orange flag and raised the spirits of the home support as he restored Armagh’s lead.

The Crossmaglen ace would score another two points to put Armagh 0-13 to 0-10 ahead and seemingly into a quarter-final meeting with Fermanagh.

Tyrone ensured there’d be at least one more twist in this tail as Niall Devlin set up Ben McDonnell for a stunning late goal to force extra-time.

Within 90 seconds of the restart, Armagh had established a four-point advantage as Ross McQuillan fired over the bar before Tomás McCormack palmed the ball under it after a great one-two with Oisin O’Neill.

Displaying a courageousness that has been absent from their play thus far in 2026, Tyrone battled back thanks to back-to-back two-pointers from McKernan and the outstanding Kilpatrick.

When Donnelly kicked Tyrone back into the lead, the Red Hands were on the cusp of a famous victory. O’Neill converted another free before Turbitt fisted over what proved to be the winner.

And yet it was Tyrone who were left to wonder what might have been. McElholm opted to shoot for goal when a point would have levelled the game with Gareth Murphy perhaps doing enough to put the Loughmacrory ace off at the last second.

Still, Armagh’s supporters were bracing themselves to be put through the wringer of another penalty shootout when Morgan addressed the ball for a ’45 after Lorcan McGarrity’s late shot was blocked down.

The Tyrone goalkeeper couldn’t find the target to force a shootout as Armagh progressed to the quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth. Tyrone’s best performance of 2026 wasn’t quite enough.

ARMAGH: B Hughes 0-1 (0-1 45); P McGrane, A McKay, G Murphy ; R McQuillan 0-1, T Kelly, J Óg Burns; C O’Neill 0-3 (0-2fs), B Crealey; G McCabe, D McMullen 0-1, T McCormack 1-1; C McConville 0-1, J Duffy, O Conaty.

Subs: C Turbitt 0-2 for McCormack (43); O O’Neill 0-6 (0-3fs, 1tpf) for McConville (50); J McElroy for McQuillan (56; R Grugan for C O’Neill (65); R McQuillan for McElroy (ET); T McCormack for Murphy (ET); P Burns for McGrane (ET); C McConville for Crealey (ET); J Duffy for McCabe (87)

TYRONE: N Morgan, C Quinn, P Teague 0-1, N Devlin; C Daly, J Clarke, M McKernan 0-3 (1tp); B Kennedy, C Kilpatrick 0-4 (1tp); S O’Donnell 0-1, R Cassidy, B McDonnell 1-0; D McCurry, E Jordan 0-2 (0-1f), D Canavan.

Subs: M Donnelly 0-3 for D Canavan (19), K McGeary for Kennedy (26), E McElholm 0-1 for McCurry (48), L McGarrity for Jordan (55), B Cullen for McGeary (77).

Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header to win the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will live long in the memory as pressure eased on Arne Slot, who will be hopeful of ending a four-game winless run against Palace that has included three successive losses – including in the Community Shield at Wembley in August. The 13th-place Eagles head to Merseyside unbeaten in four domestically, but with much of the focus now on their quest to reach the Conference League final.

The show is written by Tony Schumacher, who is known for his work on The Responder.

Filming took place in Bolton and Tockholes.

Smith and Socha feature as casino workers Leanne and Matty, respectively, who get drawn into a high-stakes crime story.

A synopsis for the series shares: “When Leanne and Matty discover they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city casino they work in, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.”

The Cage was shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside and is directed by Al Mackay, best known for his works on Without Sin and Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story.

Discussing her character of Leanne, Sheridan Smith shared: “Leanne is a cashier at the casino and she’s a single mum.

“She cares for her Nanna who has dementia, she has a son of 17 and a daughter who’s 12.

“They’re losing their housing and Nanna has to go into care, so she’s in this turmoil.

“Matty is her co-worker at the casino, and they discover they’re both on the rob, which entwines their lives because they’re in it together then.

“It’s a bit Bonnie and Clyde-y, but in a really chaotic, bonkers way.”

Giving a bit of insight into Matty, Michael Socha shared: “Matty is the manager of the Envoy Casino.

“He’s also addicted to gambling and is in quite a lot of debt from it.

“He’s an alcoholic.

“He’s just trying to keep his head above water at the beginning, and it feels like the whole world is against him, both inside and outside the casino.

“He’s not doing himself any favours.

“Everybody is against Matty, including himself.”

The Cage full cast list

• Sheridan Smith as Leanne Chapel
• Michael Socha as Matty Flynn
• Geraldine James as Nancy Packer
• Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
• Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
• Freya Jones as Emily Flynn
• Anton Bibby as Thomas
• Louis Emerick as Paul
• Sue Jenkins as Shelagh
• Eileen O’Brien as Nanna
• Shaun Mason as Alan
• Lewis Ian Bray as Ben
• Julia Papp as Irina

• Eithne Browne as Annie
• Max Ainsworth as Neil
• Rose McDermott as Ruby
• Mona Goodwin as Trace
• Lee Morris as Kendo
• Dave Hart as Danny
• Abby Mavers as Kelly
• Gemma Barraclough as Jade
• Isobel Khan as Paige
• Natasha Jayetileke as Sarah
• Claire Hackett as Kath
• Menyee Lai as Mai
• Terri Reddin as Taylor
• Raymond Waring as Mr Charles
• Lucie Shorthouse as Miss Helbury

Recommended reading:

When will The Cage be on TV?

The first episode of The Cage will air at 9pm on Sunday, April 26 on BBC One.

After that, the remaining four episodes will air in the same timeslot over the coming weeks.

Alternatively, episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Will you be watching The Cage on BBC One? Let us know in the comments.

The incident happened on Kipling Road at around 3.40pm on Friday (April 24).

The boy was injured in a crash involving an off-road bike and was taken to hospital for treatment. He suffered cuts and bruises and was kept in overnight as a precautionary measure.

The rider of the bike did not remain at the scene.

He was on a black motorbike and was wearing a green helmet, a grey coat, black jogging bottoms and grey shoes.

Anyone with information, doorbell footage or dashcam footage can call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference SE26077055.