A senior figure from the accountants KPMG will oversee one of the key moments in the football year on Thursday when he rips open the envelopes containing sealed bids for live Premier League rights. KPMG has been appointed by the European Commission to make sure the process is lawful but is paid by the Premier League. Sky is facing stiff competition from several rivals including Setanta Sports.
Already owners of the Scottish Premier league rights, the pay-TV operator is keen to raise its profile by securing the two Saturday kick-off packages. "Setanta Saturdays" showing games at 12.45pm and 5.15pm would enable the broadcaster to raise its profile and significantly increase subscribers. NTL-Virgin's intentions remain unclear though they are expected to bid for at least three packages.
Sky remain favourites to pick up at least four of the packages, with their largest bids reserved for packages A and F, which contain all the "appointment to view" Sunday 4pm fixtures featuring the biggest clubs.
The terrestrial channels, meanwhile, are focused on the battle for the popular Match of the Day highlights package and live in hope that the Premier League, barred by the EC from selling all six packages to a single broadcaster, will pass on an unwanted package at a knock-down price.