The Premier League have confirmed the team of match officials to oversee proceedings between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium this week.
Pep Guardiola and his players are desperate to end a rotten run of form that has now seen them go over a month without a win in any competition, and lose four consecutive Premier League matches to fall 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.
It was Arne Slot’s side who inflicted the latest problem result upon the reigning Premier League champions, largely cruising to a 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday afternoon to leave Manchester City in 5th position.
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Dias in particular were left hopeful by the performance at the weekend, and will be looking towards the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as an opportunity to get their season back on track following crucial injuries leading to a poor run of form.
However, the last game at the Etihad Stadium was hardly convincing either, with Manchester City blowing a three-goal lead with 15 minutes remaining against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League to draw 3-3 and share the points on matchday five.
Now, ahead of the meeting between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, the Premier League have announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Etihad Stadium!
Match Referee
The Premier League have confirmed that Michael Oliver will oversee his 12th game of the ongoing Premier League season, having issued 55 yellow cards, one dismissal via a second yellow card, and no penalties awarded in his opening 11 matches.
The 39-year-old is a familiar face for City already this season, having had three of their matches thus far overseen by Oliver resulting in a win over West Ham United at the London Stadium, a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal, and most recently a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
In fact, Manchester City are Michael Oliver’s fourth-most familiar club of his professional match officiating career, having overseen a total of 58 matches to date involving the reigning Premier League champions.
Across those contests, Manchester City have emerged on the winning side 42 times, drawing a total of six matches, and losing on 10 occassions, with 82 yellow cards awarded by Oliver in such matches, one second yellow card dismissal, and 11 penalties awarded.
Assistant Referees
Accompanying Michael Oliver on the field at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night will be the assistant referee pairing of Stuart Burt and Scott Ledger, the Premier League have confirmed.
Video Assistant Referees
Overseeing proceedings from the VAR Hub at Stockley Park this week will be Peter Bankes in the role of Video Assistant Referee, accompanied by the appointed Assistant Video Assistant Referee, Dan Cook.
Fourth Official
As for the fourth official at the Etihad Stadium and overseeing matters between Pep Guardiola and Nuno Espirito Santo’s respective Manchester City and Nottingham Forest dugouts, that position has been handed to Tom Bramall.
