Who is commentating West Ham United v Portsmouth? BBC Radio Solent, talkSPORT 2 and where to listen in the UK
Match date:
West Ham United v Portsmouth in the English League Cup will be available on a strong radio and audio lineup in the UK, with BBC Radio Solent, the BBC Sounds app, BBC Sport Online (audio), Express FM and Pompey+ all carrying coverage. On talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app, listeners will hear presenter Natalie Sawyer, main commentator Joe Shennan and co-commentator Perry Groves.
The match is scheduled for Saturday 8 August 2026, with kick-off listed at 3:00pm UK time at the London Stadium. The fixture is part of the first round of the League Cup, with West Ham at home against Portsmouth in a tie that has drawn attention because both clubs have recent English Football League and Premier League history, as well as a long-standing following on the south coast and in east London.[4][6][18]
For BBC listeners, the key voice will be Andrew Moon, who leads commentary for BBC Radio Solent and the connected BBC audio platforms. He will be joined by former Portsmouth striker and manager Guy Whittingham as co-commentator, giving the coverage a distinctly local and club-focused edge. Whittingham’s background as a leading Portsmouth figure makes him a familiar and credible voice for Pompey supporters tuning in on the BBC channels.[6]
The talkSPORT 2 broadcast offers a different style, with Natalie Sawyer anchoring the programme. Sawyer is widely known to British sports audiences for her work in football broadcasting, including presenting live football coverage and studio analysis, while Joe Shennan has become a regular commentator across talkSPORT’s football output. Perry Groves, a former Arsenal winger and established pundit, brings the analysis layer on the co-commentary seat, adding a more outspoken, opinion-led tone that talkSPORT listeners will recognise.[10]
From a football perspective, this is a useful early-season cup tie for both sides. West Ham come into the competition as the higher-profile top-flight club, while Portsmouth arrive with a reputation for causing problems in knockout football and a support base that travels well. The pairing also has a recent competitive history, with previous meetings in league football providing some context, though cup ties always tend to reset expectations and create a more open atmosphere.[15][18]
For fans trying to follow the game by audio rather than television, the most important detail is simple: BBC Radio Solent is the home of Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham, while talkSPORT 2 features Natalie Sawyer, Joe Shennan and Perry Groves. Both options are designed for supporters who want live match detail, colour and analysis without needing pictures, and the BBC coverage is also accessible through BBC Sounds and BBC Sport Online audio.BBC League Cup coverage
Article generated: 7 August 2026, 15:01 GMT