2 days Ago By [email protected] (James Quinlan)
The latest Liverpool news as the Premier League confirm referee for trip to Manchester City on Sunday The Premier League have confirmed Greater Manchester-born Anthony Taylor will referee Manchester City vs Liverpool on Sunday. Arne Slot's side meet Pep Guardiola's charges knowing that victory could yet take them as many as 13 points clear of rivals Arsenal. Liverpool prepare for a busy week of action, first up travelling to Aston Villa for a Wednesday clash.
That match was moved forwards due to the club's participation in this season's Carabao Cup final on March 16, thus eliminating a free week of preparation for City whilst they were occupied with Champions League play-off duties. Victory at Villa would mean the Reds move 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal having played one match extra. If the Gunners fail to beat West Ham this coming Saturday they would remain that distance away, allowing the Premier League leaders to extend their advantage to as high as 13 points for now.
But to that they would need to win at the Etihad Stadium - a venue where victory has remained elusive since 2018. Guardiola's side have faltered this season compared to the all-conquering machine they were in the past, but as this remains the most high-profile meeting of the coming weekend, PGMOL have stuck their most experienced official on the job. Taylor, from Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, will oversee his 394th English top-flight match when Liverpool take to their rivals' turf on Sunday, the Premier League have confirmed.
The 46-year-old has refereed four of the club's prior matches this season, including the 3-0 away win against Manchester United at Old Trafford last September and 2-2 away draw at Arsenal last October. He has taken charge of five prior head-to-heads, the most recent won 1-0 by the Reds in October 2022 at Anfield and the rest ending with two draws, two losses. For Sunday's fixture he will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Lee Betts, whilst fourth official will be Andy Madley.
On VAR duty is Stuart Attwell and finally his assistant will be Adam Nunn. With Slot given until Wednesday to respond to an FA charge due to his behaviour towards Merseyside derby official Michael Oliver last week, BBC Sport claim the Liverpool head coach will be able to stand on the touchline vs City - unless the process is fast-tracked. Having already been given a one-match suspension earlier in the season for accumulating three yellow cards, there is the possibility the Dutchman misses multiple games in the ongoing title race.
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