Gary Lineker's Match of the Day replacement for Premier League opening weekend 'decided'

Mark Chapman is reportedly the first of the 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 term on Friday night with a significant change. Gary Lineker, who worked as a presenter on highlights show Match of the Day since 1999, will not be returning.

Last year the former England international announced he was to bow out but still continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage and next summer's coverage of the men's 2026 FIFA World Cup.

READ MORE: Xavi Simons blocked from dream Chelsea shirt numbers after £90m transfers

READ MORE: Arsenal have Rodrygo transfer secret weapon after shock decision amid £75m deal

Lineker then confirmed before the end of last season he would actually be walking away from the BBC entirely after 2024/25's final round of fixtures.

It did not take the broadcaster long to come up with a plan to cover for the loss of their long-term host. In January they revealed Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates were to all share the duty from the start of the upcoming season.

Now, the Press Association News Agency reports the former will be the first of the trio to present the flagship show of the season on Saturday, August 16.

Chapman brings vast 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 says that he will be joined by pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Manchester United and England legend Rooney has joined the team for the coming season.

They will bring analysis of Liverpool vs Bournemouth, Aston Villa vs Newcastle United, Brighton vs Fulham, Sunderland vs West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley and Wolves vs Manchester City.

Cates, who is also one of Sky Sports' main presenters of Premier League coverage, is set to host a programme this coming Wednesday, August 13, consisting of highlights of Spurs' UEFA Super Cup match vs Paris Saint-Germain as well as a look ahead to the new Premier League season.

Logan, who has been a prominent figure of the BBC's sports coverage since 2007, will front the opening weekend's Match of the Day 2 show on Sunday, August 17.

That show will bring highlights of Chelsea vs Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest vs Brentford and Manchester United vs Arsenal.

The group of hosts will then rotate between shows throughout the season. From next month onwards that will include Champions League highlights shows.