BT tackles BSkyB and Virgin Media to be footie fans' favourite

The annual pre-season fixture between Sky and Virgin Media to see who will be top of the league with armchair football fans has just become more competitive. BT Vision has struck a deal with Setanta to offer customers 46 live Premier League games, 60 Scottish Premier League matches, FA Cup action and live World Cup qualifiers. These will be available to top-spending customers paying £14 a month for its on-demand digital TV service. Football fans are now faced with a choice of at least 35 deals and could save £132 by choosing the right package. With so much to play for, uSwitch.com says fans should do their homework before signing up to the new season's viewing.

All games

To view every televised live Premier League match this season, fans will need to subscribe to both Sky Sports and Setanta channels. Sky Sports, showing 92 of the live matches, is only available to customers of Sky, Virgin Media and Tiscali. Setanta on the other hand, showing 46 live games, is available to Sky, Virgin Media, Tiscali, BT and now Freeview customers.

Sky TV customers subscribing to both Sky Sports and Setanta can expect to pay up to £46.99 a month. Avid fans also have the opportunity to watch the matches in High Definition by purchasing a Sky+ HD box for £150 and paying an additional £10 monthly subscription. However, Virgin Media customers (on the 'M' TV package) can access the Sky Sports and Setanta channels for £35.99 a month - a saving of 23% or £132 a year compared to Sky's best offering.

Tiscali TV also remains a cost-effective way to watch all live games, offering the full complement of international, league and cup matches for £36.49 a month - 22% cheaper than Sky. However, Tiscali TV is currently only available to just over half of the UK. The company is hoping to reach 10 million homes by the end of 2008.

Setanta

There are several Setanta promotions running which could save supporters money this season. Those happy to settle for just 46 live games should consider the latest deal from BT Vision, which offers free Setanta Sports 1 to those signing up to its Value Pack. For £14 a month customers can enjoy an extensive range of on-demand digital TV as well as the live matches.

Virgin Media 'XL' TV customers can also enjoy Setanta for free. Normally £19.50 a month, the package, offering over 145 TV channels plus on-demand content as well as Setanta, is currently £9.75 for the first three months, half the normal price. Those Virgin Media customers not wishing to upgrade to this package can still get Setanta for £9.99 a month. All customers would need to pay a premium for the Sky Sports channels.

Fans wishing to avoid signing up to a minimum term contract will be pleased to hear that Setanta can now be accessed via Freeview, either by activating an account directly with Setanta or buying a special 'slot-in' card or box pack from a TV retailer. Prices start from £10.99 a month for Setanta Sports 1, but both new and existing Freeview customers can currently enjoy a £5 discount for the first three months. Finally, for £9.99 month, Tiscali customers will receive Setanta Sports 1 and 2, as well as Setanta Golf.

Steve Weller, communications expert at uSwitch.com, comments: "While some of us are still waiting for summer to happen, football fans are already counting down the days until the new season kicks off.

"For cash-conscious customers who want to watch all the live games but are concerned about the cost, Virgin Media is likely to be the star player, offering both Sky Sports and Setanta for £35.99. However, despite being more expensive, Sky will have its loyal supporters this season. In addition to football, Sky has an excellent selection of TV programming including Sky One, Sky News and Sky Sports News, forbidden viewing for Virgin Media customers. Sky is also the only company offering viewers the chance to watch the games in High Definition.

"Setanta on its own is a great option for those not fussed about watching every single match live, or those feeling the pinch this year. At a time when the top clubs are still assessing the transfer market to get the best players at the best prices, armchair football fans should do likewise to ensure they are getting the best deal for the TV package they want this season. If it's not giving you good value, give it the red card."