Match Officials: Michael Oliver to referee Manchester City vs Chelsea | OneFootball

The Premier League have confirmed that Michael Oliver will be the on-field match referee for Manchester City against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola and his players will be looking for an immediate response to their frustrating 0-0 draw in the North-East on Thursday night, as a resolute Sunderland defence ensured they would take a point away from the Premier League title-chasing Sky Blues.

Manchester City fell four points behind Arsenal at the summit of the top-flight standings but extended their lead over third-placed Aston Villa to two points after their defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

There was also further damage to the City squad as Nico Gonzalez and Savinho limped off the pitch at the Stadium of Light with injury concerns, with the former replaced by Rodri at the half-time interval and Jeremy Doku coming on for the Brazilian winger.

As for Chelsea, they have had a remarkable 72 hours preceding the clash at the Etihad Stadium having parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca owing to a breakdown in relations, meaning the West London side will be led by their Under-21 coach this weekend.

Ahead of the meeting between Manchester City and Chelsea, the Premier League have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Etihad Stadium!

Match Referee

Overseeing proceedings from the centre of the pitch this weekend in the role of match referee will be the highly-experienced Michael Oliver, the Premier League have confirmed ahead of the fixture.

The 40-year-old official will be taking charge of his 22nd match across all competitions so far this season, having made appearances in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the latter’s qualification phase.

Across his 21 outings to date this campaign, Michael Oliver has issued a total of 66 yellow cards, one second yellow dismissal, no straight red cards, and awarded one penalty kick in the process.

Manchester City are Oliver’s fourth-most officiated side in his professional refereeing career, coming across the Etihad Stadium outfit on 62 previous occasions resulting in 45 Sky Blue wins, six draws, and 11 defeats for the club.

This will only be Michael Oliver’s second contest involving Manchester City of the active 2025/26 season, however. The last time the two parties were involved was a 1-0 win for Aston Villa at Villa Park towards the end of October.

Assistant Referees

Accompanying Michael Oliver out on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium this weekend will be an assistant referee pairing of Stuart Burt and Nick Greenhalgh, the Premier League have announced.

Video Assistant Referees

Overseeing Manchester City against Chelsea from the VAR Hub at Stockley Park will be Video Assistant Referee Darren England, accompanied by his Assistant Video Assistant Referee Dan Robathan.

Fourth Official

Marshalling the two dugouts this weekend and overseeing antics concerning Pep Guardiola and Chelsea’s interim head coach Calum McFarlane will be the appointed fourth official, Simon Hooper.