WHEN it comes to assembling a crack team of pundits, both Sky Sports and BT Sport have gone for the same idea.
Throw a shedload of cash at a bunch of former England internationals, chuck in a few shiny suits and hope for the best.
But which of the sides comes out on top? You decide!
Because here’s where you get the chance to vote for your favourite and most annoying pundit (that doesn’t answer to the name of Robbie Savage).
Below, we’ve run the rule over Sky and BT’s big hitters. Then it’s over to you.
Who’s the star man and who should get the hook? Simply upvote or downvote below
SKY SPORTS
Jamie Redknapp
FOR
What Jamie lacks in intelligence and subtlety, he makes up for with raw enthusiasm and overly tight trousers. Like an excitable puppy, his sheer energy is at times irresistible.
Undeniable eye candy, Jamie’s sensual swiping of the Sky Touchscreen is renowned for getting ladies of a certain age, bang at it.
AGAINST
Unfortunately, Jamie’s obvious passion for the game often overrides his mouth. Which means that watching him trying to form a coherent argument is like watching John Salako make a cup draw.
Fluent in the language of clichéd b******s, young Jamie appears to never tire of the sound of his own voice. Even though the rest of us are utterly exhausted by it.
CLASSIC QUOTES
“I honestly cannot tell you how good that touch is. It’s brilliant.”
“I’m not going to sit on the fence but I think the game will be a draw today”
Gary Neville
Most Read In Sport
FOR
Gary Alexander Neville is that rarest of breeds amongst ex pros – a better TV pundit than he ever was a player. Whether on the gantry, in the studio or perched on Martin Tyler’s knee, Gary consistently dissects games with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel.
Meticulous in his research, brutal in his honesty, Neville’s such compelling viewing you could almost forgive him his part in England’s debacle against Iceland. Almost.
AGAINST
Lost huge amounts of credibility after his shambolic four-month tenure as Valencia manager where he turned out to be as good a coach as his brother is a pundit (14 points from 16 league games plus a 7-0 hammering at Barcelona).
Add that to his dismal spell with England as Roy Hodgson’s right hand clown and his brutally damning assessments now often ring hollow. Still, why sit on the fence when you can take a chainsaw to it, eh Gary?
CLASSIC QUOTES
“David Luiz played like he was being controlled by a 10 year old on a Playstation”
“Would I rather City or Liverpool win the league? That’s like having a choice of two blokes to nick your wife”
Jamie Carragher
FOR
As combative in the Sky studio as he was in the heart of Liverpool’s defence, Carragher’s full-blooded, no-nonsense approach has been a breath of fresh air. Never overawed by the presence of the Neviller, Carra has proved to be as equally astute and insightful as his more experienced partner.
Added bonus points for resisting the urge to throw the constantly yapping Jamie Redknapp through the nearest window.
AGAINST
Like the annoying bloke who always collars you down the pub, Carra is occasionally prone to bouts of ranting, wild-eyed intensity.
He also appears to be using the same dentist as his former boss Buck Rodgers because his expensive new gnashers are so blinding, it’s often impossible to concentrate on what he’s saying.
CLASSIC QUOTES
“There was no gap there but he still found the gap”
“Liverpool were constantly peppering the goal without peppering the goal”
BT SPORT
Michael Owen
FOR
A former Ballon d’Or winner with 40 goals in 89 games for England, not to mention 150 Premier League goals to his name, Owen is at least knowledgeable and insightful when it comes to the art of goalscoring.
And sporting the same sensible haircut he’s had since he was eight years old, at least he’ll always be your nan’s favourite.
AGAINST
A dreary, monotone voice that could have the island of Ibiza tucked up in bed by 10pm, Owen is a humourless, charisma-free zone. And the sort of pundit you could only warm to if you set light to his trousers.
CLASSIC QUOTES
“Memphis Depay looks like a footballer doesn’t he?”
“When United don’t score, they hardly ever win”
Steve McManaman
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FOR
Fluent in Spanish and married to a barrister, Stevie Mac is arguably the most intelligent pundit on the box. Savvy, quick witted and so laid back he’s almost horizontal, Steve’s dress sense often makes Will i.am look understated.
AGAINST
Clearly unable to hide a rampant bias towards his beloved Liverpool with a tendency to lapse into bland inanities and beige footballing cliches. Which you could perhaps forgive if he didn’t sound so much like Lily Savage.
CLASSIC QUOTES
“There weren’t any stand-out performers but Costa stood out for Chelsea”
“Game changers are known for changing games”
Rio Ferdinand
FOR
When it comes to lambasting shocking defending and drawing circles around hapless centre halves, football’s most social media savvy pundit is fast becoming the new Alan Hansen.
Refreshingly, Rio’s Old Trafford connections haven’t stopped him berating United’s youngsters. After Lingard and Pogba were filmed dancing around the dressing room, elder statesman Rio icily observed, “Not when you’re sixth in the league”. Ouch.
AGAINST
Much like his playing style, Rio often gives the impression that he’s coasting and happy to wing it. A bit of serious homework wouldn’t go amiss. As would a rethink on his preference for overly-complicated collars.
CLASSIC QUOTES
“This is why the Premier League is the best league in the world. Although it’s not at the moment.”
“It was all down to unbelievable belief”
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