Confirmed Match Officials: Manchester City vs Aston Villa (Premier League) | OneFootball

The Premier League have confirmed the team of match officials to oversee Manchester City’s next contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has already stressed the importance of Manchester City winning their home games and last weekend’s comeback victory over Crystal Palace was a clear indication of the desire that has been found within the squad to achieve their goals in the weeks that remain.

A Kevin De Bruyne-inspired performance reminded club officials of exactly what they will be losing out on when the Belgian leaves the Etihad Stadium after the best part of a decade at the club this summer, as he offered a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win for the hosts.

That victory preceded Manchester City’s visit to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, in what was Pep Guardiola and his player’s final visit to the iconic Merseyside stadium before Everton transition over to their new Bramley-Moore Dock site from next season.

In what was largely a dull and drab affair until the closing exchanges of the match, late strikes from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic secured all three points for Manchester City as they continue their pursuit of a top-five finish.

Now, ahead of the meeting between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the Premier League have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Etihad Stadium!

Match Referee

Taking the role of lead on-field match referee for the meeting between Manchester City and Aston Villa will be the Premier League’s experienced match official Craig Pawson, the top-flight has confirmed.

The evening kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be the 46-year-old’s 28th contest across all competitions this season, having taken charge of matches across eight different tournaments both at club and international level.

Throughout the 27 matches officiated already this season, Pawson has handed out a total of 105 yellow cards with only one more resulting in a dismissal through a second bookable offence. He has also issued three straight red cards and awarded six penalties, too.

Manchester City’s record in matches overseen by Craig Pawson stands strong, losing just five of the 28 fixtures involving the Sheffield-born official, winning 19 and drawing the other four contests.

There has however only been one meeting between Manchester City and Craig Pawson this season, as the experienced official took charge of the club’s comeback victory in the FA Cup fifth round as Plymouth Argyle were beaten 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Assistant Referees

Accompanying Craig Pawson out on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City against Aston Villa will be assistant referees Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor, the Premier League have announced.

Video Assistant Referees

As for the officials overseeing proceedings from the VAR Hub down at Stockley Park, it has been confirmed that John Brooks will be the Video Assistant Referee, with support from his Assistant Video Assistant Referee, Tim Wood.

Fourth Official

Standing between the two dugouts at the Etihad Stadium will be the allocated fourth official Josh Smith, ensuring that matters remain in check between Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery.