Mark Chapman is known for his work across TV, radio and a host of sports (Picture: Getty Images)
BBC stalwart Mark Chapman is the favourite to replace Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day when the former England striker steps down at the end of the season.
Lineker’s epic 25 years at the helm of the flagship show will end next spring and Chapman’s are the safe hands the Beeb have been touted to pick to emulate legends like Jimmy Hill, Des Lynam, David Coleman and Bob Wilson.
The excellent and ever-popular Chappers seems the obvious choice, with a wealth of experience on TV and radio and having been the main man on Match of the Day 2 since 2013. He would represent the safest of hands.
However, since bookmakers Star Sports opened their market on who will land the coveted job late on Monday night there has been money on Sky Sports and Radio 5 Live presenter Kelly Cates, who has been cut from 25/1 to 3/1.
She is the new second favourite for the plum post ahead of Football Focus presenter Alex Scott at 5/1 and Gabby Logan at 9/1.
England primed for another white-knuckle ride against South Africa
England boss Steve Borthwick needs to find some answers (Picture: Getty Images)
Brilliant for much of the game, disastrous for the rest of the heart-wrenching defeat to Australia, England must recover from a fourth straight loss by a single score at Twickenham on Saturday and all they must do is beat world champions South Africa.
If Steve Borthwick’s side play to the best of their undoubted abilities then it’s not mission impossible but if they continue to make mistakes and unforced errors it’s going to a messy affair and the pressure to get things right is only going to intensify.
All their recent defeats have been against the best teams in the world in a run which has seen England lose five of their last six internationals but the lone beacon of light and hope is a victory against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations.
Borthwick enjoys the full backing of the Rugby Football Union and there’s zero doubt his style of play is more entertaining that the rather dull stuff exhibited by predecessor Eddie Jones.
England are still going through a transitional phase with multiple stalwarts retiring from the international stage but with truly promising young stars ready to break through ahead of next year’s World Cup.
It’s also important to avoid knee-jerk reactions to the defeats against the All Blacks and Wallabies, the first was decided by the width of a post, the latter by a fumble from a kick-off leading to a try in the 84th minute. Both matches could have resulted in victories which would have set a very different tone with excitement rocketing ahead of the Springboks showdown.
South Africa were ruthless in Sunday’s 32-15 triumph against Scotland at Murrayfield and have two wins against New Zealand plus triumphs against Argentina and Australia in their last six outings.
George Ford looks dejected after his late drop goal failed to seal victory against New Zealand (Picture: Getty Images)
They are no better than 4/11 to win with Betfair and SpreadEx while England are 11/4 with Ladbrokes, Betfred, Betway and Coral to end their crushing run of results with a valiant victory.
It’s more appealing, however, to go 9/2 with William Hill, BoyleSports and Sky Bet a Springboks win by between six and ten points with a saver at 13/2 with Betfred the visitors prevail by between one and five points.
Watching England this autumn is undoubtedly entertaining and they are better than advertised. Buckle up for another fun ride.
• Jos Buttler smashed 83 runs off 45 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, to lead England to a seven-wicket victory and a second straight T20 success against the West Indies in Barbados. He’s 11/4 with Paddy Power, Betfair and others to be their top runscorer in the third encounter of the series in St Lucia on Thursday.
• Rory McIlroy can celebrate his sixth Race to Dubai success in style by winning the season-ending DP World Championship on Sunday. Big Mac is tasty at 4/1 with bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, Betfred and others to top the leaderboard and is worth a saver at 10/11 with Bet Victor, BetMGM and Betfred from him to finish in the top five.
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