Alex Scott replaces Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host as fans ...

Viewers have been left baffled after Alex Scott replaced Gary Lineker for Saturday's edition of Match of the Day.

Lineker usually hosts the main programme, with Mark Chapman in the host's seat for Match of the Day 2. But despite a bumper offering of eight Premier League games, Lineker was nowhere to be seen on Saturday.

Instead, Scott presented the 90-minute long highlights show, with Newcastle's thrilling comeback win over West Ham given top billing. No reason was given for Lineker's absence, with fans left confused as a result.

One wrote on Twitter : "I never ever get a chance to watch Match of the Day. Mainly because I am asleep by 8, but why is Alex Scott presenting? Gary Lineker where are you? Still on international break."

Another added: "MOTD is not the same without Gary Lineker. While a third said: "Where on gods Green earth is Gary lineker, Alan shearer and Ian wright tonight, not complaining about the panel but they are just class."

A fourth said: "Have I missed something? Why is MOTD these 3? I only turned it on to see what Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer had to say about the #nufcwhu game." While a fifth concluded: "I just miss Gary Lineker - I only care it’s not him as he is my best slot on Saturday night."

Scott's only mention of Lineker came as she introduced the highlights of Tottenham's win over Luton. She referenced the absent host, bringing up a statistic related to his time as a player.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should be Gary Lineker's eventual replacement as Match of the Day host? Comment below.

Scott said: "Well I'm sitting in his seat this evening, keeping it warm, but Gary Lineker scored twice the last time Spurs hosted Luton in a top-flight game, that must have been a long time ago."

While Lineker is expected to remain the main presenter of Match of the Day for many years to come, the battle to replace him has heated up in recent years. Scott is seen as one of the frontrunners having worked as the host of Football Focus since 2021.

Gabby Logan and MOTD2 host Chapman are also thought to be in the running. Lineker himself has singled out former Tottenham star Jermaine Jenas as a possible replacement.

"Jermaine Jenas - who is probably drifting more towards my role. I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show. Nervous [about Jenas]? I'm ancient. My time is nearly up," he told the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast last year.

Lineker is expected to present Match of the Day 2 on Sunday to bring highlights of a titanic day in the title race. First, Liverpool will host Brighton at Anfield, before leaders Arsenal travel to reigning champions Manchester City.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.