Super Bowl 50
the Broncos and Panthers collide on Sunday. Getty

The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers collide at Super Bowl 50 this Sunday 7 February at the Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, in California.

Where to watch

Regular watchers of the NFL's showpiece game will know booking off the Monday after work is a must. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:30pm (GMT) on Sunday 7 February. Live coverage returns to BBC with full coverage beginning on BBC Two at 10:50pm. Sky Sports will have more comprehensive coverage, with their pre-game show beginning at 10pm.

Preview

The Broncos will make a record-equalling eighth Super Bowl appearance on Sunday hoping their defence, the best in the league this season, will hold firm against an offence that averaged 31.9 points per game this term, losing just one of their 16 regular season games. Much of that Panthers success came down to the performances of quarterback Cam Newton, who lit up their NFC Championship victory over Arizona Cardinals.

In contrast, Broncos QB Peyton Manning is coming off the back of a deeply troubled season. The iconic five-time MVP has looked a shadow of his former self, unaided by lingering injuries suffered throughout his illustrious career. The 39-year-old has gone on to suggest retirement could be his next move. With Newton redefining his position to an extent, Manning will be looked to rise to occasion for what could be for the last time.

Peyton Manning
Manning has faced questions over his retirement in the run up to Sunday's game. Getty

On the injury front, the Panthers boast a clean bill of health. Defensive end Jared Allen was a minor doubt with a foot problem earlier this week but returned to full training on Thursday and has promised he will have a role to play on Sunday. Thomas Davis is prepared to play through the pain barrier at Super Bowl 50 after having surgery on a broken arm only nine days ago.

The Broncos were without TJ Ward (left ankle), Darian Stewart (right knee) and Louis Vasquez (knee) earlier this week but all three returned to complete Thursday's training session. The trio are now likely to play on Sunday.

What the coaches say

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera: "We've kind of crashed the party. We're new to the scene. Not a lot of people know who we are. Cam (Newton) talked about this the other day, about being true to ourselves. ... I'm not going to have our guys change now."

Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak: "Peyton is staying in the moment with me in this preparation for this football game. It has all been about each and every day how can we get ready to play Carolina and be the best we can be this week.

"[Manning] has been great. I think any time you play as long as he has, you really cherish these moments. I think he's really cherishing each meeting, each day with his team-mates.

"His work has been excellent. He's feeling the best he has probably felt all year long, other than when we first got started. I see a guy getting ready to be at his best. That's what we all need to be."

Betting odds (via William Hill)

Carolina Panthers to win - 2/5

Denver Broncos tin win - 2/1