Match of the Day moved off BBC One with new start time in rare schedule change

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    Match of the Day has been moved from BBC One this weekend to make way for Eurovision.

    The broadcaster has reserved the primetime Saturday night slot for the finals of the song contest, which will hail live from Liverpool – the first time it's been held in the UK since 1998. As a result, Gary Lineker and Co will instead be on BBC Two.

    Coverage of MOTD will also be starting at the earlier time of 10pm. According to the iPlayer, Ian Wright will be taking up his usual punditry role.

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    But rather than Alan Shearer, who uncharacteristically got into a verbal spat with Dermot Gallagher last weekend, the Arsenal legend will be joined by his son, former Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

    They'll be analysing the action from six Premier League fixtures. Relegation-threatened Leeds host high-flying Newcastle in a crucial clash at both ends of the table in the early kick-off.

    That'll be followed by five 3 o'clock kick-offs. Aston Villa will welcome Tottenham, with just three points separating the two sides who are both looking to secure European football next season.

    How do you feel about the schedule change? Let us know in the comments section.

    Fresh from guaranteeing their safety, Chelsea will face Nottingham Forest, who are not out of the woods yet despite beating Southampton 4-3 on Monday (May 8).

    Crystal Palace play Bournemouth, while Manchester United have a home fixture against Wolves, which they could do with winning to keep a firm grip on the top four.

    The Saints, meanwhile will be relegated if they lose to Fulham, who are the visitors to St Marys. Coverage of Eurovision will start on BBC One at 8pm and is expected to run until past midnight.

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    • BBC
    • Eurovision Song Contest

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