BBC Match of the Day Premier League Coverage: Lineup, Presenters & Where to Watch on 26 April 2025

Mark Chapman leads BBC Match of the Day coverage on 26 April 2025, joined by former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott for analysis of key clashes including Chelsea vs Everton and Wolves vs Leicester. The show airs on BBC One/HD and streams via BBC iPlayer (geographical restrictions apply), delivering extended highlights after Saturday’s final whistle.

Broadcast Details & Top Fixtures

Viewers can catch these Premier League highlights through:

BBC One/HD: Traditional broadcast at scheduled timeslot post-matches
BBC iPlayer: Available shortly after transmission for on-demand streaming

Key fixtures covered will include Chelsea’s clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge (12:30pm kick-off) and Wolves hosting Leicester City[1][3][5].

Meet the Presenters & Pundits

Mark Chapman

The award-winning broadcaster has anchored Match of the Day since 2013, balancing Premier League analysis with lead presenter roles on BBC Radio 5 Live’s football coverage and rugby league programming. Chapman replaced Colin Murray as host after his successful run on Match of the Day 2.

Joe Hart

Fresh from retirement after a trophy-laden career including two Premier League titles with Manchester City (2011-12, 2013-14), the 75-cap England international brings goalkeeping expertise to BBC punditry. Hart memorably kept 15 clean sheets during City’s 2011-12 championship campaign under Roberto Mancini.

Theo Walcott

The former Arsenal and Southampton winger, who scored 80 Premier League goals across 397 appearances, offers attacking insights. Walcott’s 12-year Gunners tenure included the 2014-15 FA Cup triumph and a memorable UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2006 aged just 17.

Premier League Broadcast Landscape

While BBC holds highlights rights through Match of the Day, live matches remain exclusive to Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video under current UK broadcasting agreements. The 2025-26 season introduces Puma as the league’s official match ball supplier[2], though this doesn’t affect broadcast arrangements.

What to Expect from 26 April’s Show

Analysis will likely focus on:

Chelsea’s push for European qualification under Mauricio Pochettino (or successor)
Everton’s relegation battle tactics under Sean Dyche
Newly promoted Ipswich Town’s away performance at Newcastle[1][3]

Historical Context & Modern Production

First aired in 1964, Match of the Day remains the world’s longest-running football TV programme. Recent technological upgrades include enhanced player tracking graphics and multi-angle VAR analysis, though the iconic theme tune (composed by Barry Stoller) remains unchanged since 1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time does Match of the Day air?
A: Typically 10:30pm-12am on BBC One after late Saturday games conclude.

Q: Can I watch internationally?
A: BBC iPlayer requires UK IP address/GTV licence. Overseas viewers need Premier League’s global broadcast partners.

Q: Are full matches available?
A: Extended highlights only - full replays require subscription services like Sky Sports On Demand.

For fixture confirmations visit Chelsea FC’s official fixtures page, Premier League’s main site, or BBC Sport’s football section.