Oliver to ref Man City v Liverpool
- adamhigginsuk
- Aug 18, 2014
- 2 min read
Meteoric rise: Oliver has quickly established himself among the referees considered for the so-called big games in the Premier League (Picture from Zimbio.com)
MICHAEL Oliver has been confirmed as the referee for next Monday's Premier League showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 29-year-old will take charge as last season's top two lock horns in the first heavyweight encounter of the new campaign to conclude the second round of fixtures.
He will be assisted at the Etihad Stadium by linesmen Stuart Burt and Darren England with Craig Pawson appointed as the fourth official.
Oliver, the youngest Select Group referee, has officiated City once already this season in their 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August.
The Northumberland whistler was also in the middle for Chelsea's 3-1 win over newcomers Burnley at Turf Moor when he controversially booked Diego Costa for diving despite replays suggesting the Blues striker was felled by keeper Tom Heaton.
Before handling Monday's clash, Oliver will oversee electronic board duties at Goodison Park as Everton face Arsenal in Saturday's late-kick off.
Last season, he brandished 141 yellow cards and four red cards in 39 matches in all competitions, awarding 12 penalties in the process.
The highly-rated Fifa official is expected to battle for domestic supremacy this season with close friend Mark Clattenburg, whom he assisted in last week's prestigious Uefa Super Cup clash, following the retirement of leading referee Howard Webb.
Oliver will hope to avoid the furore which surrounded last season's corresponding fixture when the appointment and performance of Bolton-based Lee Mason was criticised by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers after City's 2-1 win on Boxing Day.
Both sides won their opening weekend matches on Sunday as Liverpool edged past Southampton 2-1 while City began their title defence with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle.
The 20:00 BST kick-off will be screened live on Sky Sports as part of their Monday Night Football programme with coverage starting an hour earlier.
Last updated: 19 August 2014 00:43am
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