Sky Soccer Saturday Build-Up with Simon Thomas: Paul Merson, Kris Boyd, Sue Smith and Michael Dawson Live from 12:00 on Sky Sports

Football fans across the UK are gearing up for an action-packed Saturday on 28 February 2026, with Sky Sports delivering comprehensive coverage through its iconic Gillette Labs Soccer Saturday: Build-Up programme. Kicking off at 12:00 UK time on Sky Sports Premier League HD, Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Football, the show promises three hours of expert analysis ahead of a bustling matchday schedule across the EFL leagues.[3][2]

Presented by the experienced Simon Thomas, who has been a staple of Sky Sports' football output since joining in 2009 after stints at BBC and talkSPORT, the build-up will dive into team news, predictions and tactical breakdowns. Thomas, known for his smooth delivery and deep knowledge of the English game, will be joined by a stellar panel of pundits offering insights from their illustrious careers.

Leading the discussions is Paul Merson, the Arsenal legend whose playing days saw him win three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during the 1990s. Post-retirement, Merson has become one of Sky Sports' most recognisable voices, renowned for his bold predictions and candid takes on Soccer Saturday. His transition from midfield maestro to media heavyweight has made him a fan favourite for dissecting weekend fixtures with trademark wit.

Joining him is Kris Boyd, the Scottish striking sensation who netted 222 goals for Kilmarnock and Rangers, becoming the latter's third-highest goalscorer. Boyd's punditry prowess has shone on Sky Sports since 2019, where his no-nonsense analysis of British football, drawn from over 500 appearances, adds a cross-border perspective to the panel.

Sue Smith brings a wealth of women's and men's game expertise, having won the Women's FA Cup twice with Leeds and earned 117 England caps. A Sky Sports regular since 2013, her technical breakdowns and passion for developing talent make her an invaluable voice, especially as women's internationals feature in today's schedule.[1]

Rounding out the team is Michael Dawson, the robust Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers defender with over 300 Premier League outings. Since hanging up his boots in 2020, Dawson has impressed on Sky Sports with measured opinions on defensive strategies and team dynamics, leveraging his experience from captaining Hull City and Nottingham Forest.

The build-up feeds seamlessly into the main Gillette Labs Soccer Saturday from 3:00 PM, covering live updates from key EFL clashes like Charlton Athletic vs Wrexham at 3:00 PM GMT, alongside League One and Two encounters such as Stevenage vs Stockport County and Cambridge United vs MK Dons at 12:30 PM.[1][5][3] Fans can expect goal alerts, half-time analysis and post-match verdicts as matches unfold nationwide, from National League South thrillers to Southern Premier League Central battles.

Sky Sports' dominance in EFL broadcasting ensures subscribers get every angle, with multi-screen options across channels. For those planning ahead, check the full fixture list on Sky Sports' official schedule.[1]

Whether you're backing the Addicks against Wrexham or eyeing lower-league drama, tune in from midday to catch Thomas and his expert crew set the scene for British football's big day. With this lineup, expect heated debates, spot-on previews and the kind of insider knowledge that keeps viewers hooked all afternoon.

Article generated: 28 February 2026, 00:01 GMT