US Men’s National Team and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will be the co-commentator of NBCSN’s match this weekend between Chelsea and Manchester City, which will be televised live on US television this Sunday at Noon ET.
Howard will be in the booth at Stamford Bridge alongside commentator Arlo White, one day after Everton plays Aston Villa in the Premier League.
“It is the first time we will have an active player in our announce booth,” said NBC Sports Group coordinating producer Pierre Moossa. “He has recently played against both Chelsea and Manchester City and will provide the viewer with a very unique perspective on not only the game but what it is like to face these current squads on the pitch.”
“It’s a real coup for NBC Sports to secure Tim’s services for this huge game,” added Arlo White. “Not only is he one of the best US players of his generation, he has been mixing it with the best players on the Premier League for over a decade. His insights will be fascinating.”
On Sunday broadcasts this Premier League season thus far, NBC Sports has had Graeme Le Saux as commentator. While Le Saux has been doing a fine job, he is a former Chelsea footballer, so putting Howard in the co-commentator’s chair should make the broadcast more impartial. Plus, Howard can give the Chelsea-Manchester City an even greater ratings boost given that USMNT soccer fans may be more likely to tune in to the broadcast to hear how Howard does.
Due to the time change in the United Kingdom this week, Sunday’s match will kick off at Noon ET instead of 11am ET.
As far as we know, Howard has no experience as a co-commentator, but it’ll be interesting to hear his insights in the match to hear what he can bring to the audience during the game. In previous years, FOX Soccer hired Brad Friedel as a studio analyst.
