NBC Sports Group have released the TV schedule for this weekend’s Premier League matches. Interestingly, for the first time ever, TWI/IMG — who provide the feed for the Premier League matches — are using a pitchside reporter.

We’ll have to wait and see how the pitchside reporters are implemented and how much of a role they have during the game, if at all. I’m open to the idea as long as the addition of the pitchside reporter serves a purpose, doesn’t take your attention away from the game and adds value.

Here’s the lineup of commentators this weekend:

Sat., Aug. 31

7:45 a.m. on NBCSN: Manchester City v. Hull City – commentated by Peter Drury, Chris Waddleand Chris Ford

10 a.m. on NBCSN: Cardiff City v. Everton – commentated by Gary Tophouse, Tony Gale and Mark Scott

10 a.m. on Premier League Extra Time: Newcastle v. Fulham – commentated by David Stowell, Garry Birtles and Simon Crabtree

10 a.m. on Premier League Extra Time: Norwich v. Southampton – commentated by Phil Blacker, Brian Little and Kate Riley

10 a.m. on Premier League Extra Time: West Ham v. Stoke City – commentated by Joe Speight and Dean Sturridge

12:30pm on NBC: Crystal Palace v. Sunderland — commentated by Arlo White, Lee Dixon and Alison Bender.

Sun., Aug. 25

8:30am on NBCSN: Liverpool vs Manchester United — commentated by Arlo White, Graeme Le Saux and Simon Crabtree.

8:30 a.m. on Premier League Extra Time: West Brom v. Swansea – commentated by Tony Jones and Barry Horne

11 a.m. on NBCSN: Arsenal v. Tottenham – commentated by Peter Drury, David Pleat and Paul Belverstone

What are your thoughts about the use of a pitchside reporter? Let us know in the comments section below.