Michael Oliver has been appointed as the referee for Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Leeds United at Villa Park on Saturday.

Chris Kavanagh was the man in the middle for Villa’s FA Cup defeat against Newcastle on Saturday, and he has been stood down following several awful calls.

Although Villa were fortunate on this occasion, they will be hoping that Saturday’s match is officiated better as they aim to strengthen their grip on the Champions League places.

And thankfully for Villa and Leeds, Oliver has a strong track record when officiating both teams, which will leave Unai Emery and Daniel Farke thrilled with the appointment.

Michael Oliver appointed as referee for Aston Villa vs Leeds

The Premier League announced on 16 February that Oliver will be the referee at Villa Park, while Tony Harrington has been appointed as the VAR official.

Villa have won their last three games when Oliver has been the referee, with those victories coming against Chelsea, Man City, and Man United.

Oliver’s major achievements as a referee:

• Refereed the 2018 and 2021 FA Cup finals
• Took charge of the 2022 UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt
• Was chosen to referee at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

On 26 October, Villa secured a 1-0 victory over Man City thanks to Matty Cash’s screamer from outside the box, but this goal was controversial.

Oliver was wrong to award Villa’s corner in the build-up to the Poland international’s strike, much to Emery’s relief.

The Northumberland-born referee has taken charge of 36 Villa matches during his career, and he has clearly helped them out in the past.

However, he also has a positive reputation with Leeds fans.

What do Leeds fans think of Michael Oliver?

Much to the delight of Farke, Oliver has never sent off a Leeds player during his career.

Leeds may have lost 2-1 to Spurs back in October, but one moment did go their way from the officials.

Tottenham were furious with Leeds’ goal at Elland Road as an inflatable ball was near the goalmouth when Noah Okafor equalised for Farke’s side.

Despite some mistakes, Oliver is one of the most decorated officials in England, and his experience at the 2022 World Cup shows that he has refereed at the highest level.

Therefore, both managers will be expecting him to have a good performance.

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