Michael Oliver appointed for Aston Villa vs Leeds as VAR returns after FA Cup controversy | OneFootball

The Premier League have appointed Michael Oliver for Aston Villa vs Leeds United at Villa Park on Saturday. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, VAR will be in use. Assistants are Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, Andrew Kitchen is fourth official and Tony Harrington leads VAR.

Leeds reached the FA Cup fifth round by beating Birmingham City on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and now refocus on survival before next month’s Norwich City trip.

Villa exited to Newcastle United in the fourth round. With no VAR, Chris Kavanagh dismissed Marco Bizot but did not send off Lucas Digne for a shin-high challenge on Jacob Murphy. He later gave Newcastle a free-kick despite a Digne handball in his own box, a call Wayne Rooney branded an absolute shocker and among the worst he has seen. Kavanagh was later dropped from top-flight duty.

Oliver is among the league’s most trusted officials and has worked Champions League games this season. In the Premier League he averages 22.15 fouls and 2.65 yellow cards per match, roughly mid-range.

Leeds have had Oliver twice this season and did not win. They lost 3-0 at Brighton, and a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth featured a late Eli Junior Kroupi equaliser after a free-kick against Anton Stach that Daniel Farke thought was soft.

Leeds could climb to 13th if they win and other results help. Villa are third and chasing Champions League qualification.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk