Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will front a new look Match of the Day on the BBC this season
Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker
Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Mark Chapman is set to be the first of BBC's new presenting trio to host Match of the Day when it returns alongside the Premier League this weekend. The English top-flight kicks off for a new campaign on Friday night as Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield.
Gary Lineker, who had been a presenter on the iconic Premier League highlights show Match of the Day since 1999, will not be returning this season. Last year, the former England international announced his departure but confirmed he would continue to front the BBC's live FA Cup coverage and next summer's coverage of the men's 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lineker then confirmed before the end of last season that he would actually be leaving the BBC entirely after the final round of fixtures in 2024/25. The broadcaster quickly came up with a plan to cover for the loss of their long-term host.
In January, they revealed Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates would all share the duty from the start of the upcoming season. Now, according to the Press Association News Agency, Chapman will be the first of the trio to present the flagship show on Saturday, August 16.
Chapman brings a wealth of experience to the role as he has hosted Match of the Day 2 on Sunday nights since 2013 and also presents a number of sports programmes across BBC Radio 5 Live. Radio Times reports that he will be joined by pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.
Everton, Manchester United and England legend Rooney has joined the team for the coming season. The team will provide analysis of matches including Liverpool vs Bournemouth, Aston Villa vs Newcastle United, Brighton vs Fulham, Sunderland vs West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley and Wolves vs Manchester City.
Mark Chapman will host the first traditional Match of the Day of the new Premier League season
Mark Chapman will host the first traditional Match of the Day of the new Premier League season
Cates, also a key presenter for Sky Sports' Premier League coverage, is set to host a programme on Wednesday, August 13. The show will feature highlights from Spurs' UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain and a preview of the upcoming Premier League season.
Logan, a familiar face in BBC's sports coverage since 2007, will lead the first weekend's Match of the Day 2 show on Sunday, August 17. This programme will showcase highlights from Chelsea vs Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest vs Brentford and Manchester United vs Arsenal.
The hosting duties will rotate among the group throughout the season, with Champions League highlights shows being added to the roster from next month onwards. Toffees fans will have to wait for their first appearance on Match of the Day this season.
Their opener is on Monday, August 18, at newly promoted Leeds United. This will be followed by an appearance on Match of the Day 2 when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, August 24.
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