Merino may keep place as Arsenal striker, Rodri still unavailable for Manchester City – football live

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, has included Kobbie Mainoo in the matchday squad, countering claims of distrust in the club's academy despite Mainoo's limited playtime this season, with only one start in ten appearances. This inclusion occurred during a recent 1-1 draw against West Ham, where Mainoo remained an unused substitute.

Steve Smith has resumed his Ashes rivalry with Jofra Archer, showcasing his batting prowess as Australia pulls ahead in the ongoing series. Despite Archer's attempts, he has yet to dismiss Smith in a Test match, highlighting the intense competition between the two players. The atmosphere surrounding their encounters has become legendary, particularly following Archer's impactful debut at Lord's in 2019.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov from Uzbekistan excelled at the XTX London Classic held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, achieving a remarkable performance with a score of 7 after eight rounds. Despite a challenging start for English players, they rallied in the eighth round, with all four winning their matches, showcasing their competitive spirit.

Rui Borges, the head coach of Sporting, credits his loyalty to a Casio watch as a lucky charm that has aided in revitalizing the Lisbon club following the tumultuous departure of Ruben Amorim. The watch, purchased for €20 during his amateur playing days in Mirandela, symbolizes Borges's superstitious nature and his journey from obscurity to prominence in club football.

Manchester United's hopes for a fifth win in eight games were dashed when Soungoutou Magassa scored an equalizer for West Ham in the 83rd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The goal came after a corner kick, where Noussair Mazraoui cleared the ball off the line, only for it to fall to Magassa, who netted his first goal for the Hammers.

Flu cases in England have reached a record high for this time of year, with an average of 1,700 patients hospitalized last week, representing over a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. The NHS has described this situation as an 'unprecedented' outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare resources.

The NHS is currently facing an unprecedented flu wave, with hospitalised cases in England reaching an average of 1,717 patients per day last week, marking a 56% increase compared to the previous year. This surge follows an unusually early start to the flu season, with 69 patients reported in critical condition.

A 3.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the village of Silverdale in Lancashire shortly after 11:23 PM on Wednesday, causing residents to report shaking homes and an experience likened to an 'underground explosion.' The quake was felt across towns and villages in Lancashire and Cumbria, marking England's most significant seismic event in two years.