Match of the Day employ a father-son partnership for the first time ever, with Ian Wright joined by Shaun Wright-Phillips alongside Gary Lineker… but show is shoved off BBC1 for Eurovision
Match of the Day will boast its first ever father-son punditry team this weekend, as ex-Premier League star Shaun Wright Phillips prepares to join Ian Wright on Saturday’s edition of the popular football show.
Arsenal legend Wright, who has been a regular pundit on Match of the Day for many years, will dissect and review Saturday’s highlights with his son alongside host Gary Lineker in the studio.
Match of the Day is scheduled for 10pm on BBC Two this weekend, making way for a four-hour screening of the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC One between 8pm and midnight.
The father-son duo will be tasked with analysing six crucial fixtures on Saturday night, as Leeds take on Newcastle, Aston Villa host Tottenham, Fulham travel to Southampton, Manchester United face Wolves and Chelsea play Nottingham Forest.
Wright-Phillips began his playing career at Manchester City before undergoing spells at Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, New York Red Bulls and Phoenix Rising. Following his spell at Stamford Bridge, he returned to City between 2008 and 2011.
Ian Wright (left) will be joined by his son Shaun Wright-Phillips (right) on Match of the Day this weekend – marking the programme’s first ever father-son partnership on the punditry team
Match of the Day will move to BBC Two on Saturday to make way for Eurovision on BBC One
Since his retirement, the former winger has appeared as a pundit for the likes of BT Sport, the Premier League and Sky Sports, although Saturday will mark his debut on the nation’s flagship football show.
The ex-Manchester City man took a humourous swipe at his father12018383 after Arsenal’s bitter 4-1 defeat against the reigning champions at the Etihad last month.
‘Hi @IanWright0 how’s things?’ Wright-Phillips tweeted. ‘Just checking in… Hope you’re OK dad.’
Lineker could not resist passing the message on during Match of the Day – just in case Wright himself hadn’t seen it – live on air.
The father-son duo don’t shy away from winding each other up – as was shown last month following Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat against Premier League title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad
Match of the Day regular Gary Lineker will continue to host the show – which starts at 10pm
‘He’s so annoying!’ Wright fired back. ‘I taught him how to wee this boy… he still can’t reach the toilet now!’
With co-pundit Alan Shearer in hysterics next to him, Lineker retorted: ‘He’s certainly taking the wee now!’
Wright-Phillips will likely come armed with more quips and ripostes this weekend, although both Arsenal and Manchester City are scheduled to play on Sunday.
The league leaders take on relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park, while Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates.
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