Liverpool Learn Referee and VAR Team for Nottingham Forest Clash

Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this coming weekend, three days after they take on Toulouse at Anfield in the Europa League. It will bring a meeting of title contenders and potential relegation candidates, with Steve Cooper’s side taking 10 points from nine games so far to sit six off the drop zone.

However, there remains ongoing scrutiny over almost every official in place in the Premier League, and that is no different for Sunday’s referee. Chris Kavanagh has been appointed for Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest, days after criticism of his decisions in the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Kavanagh Appointed for Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest

Arsenal supporters believe they were denied a clear penalty after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez cleared out Gabriel Jesus in the area. It has even led to calls for another apology from PGMOL, though it remains to be seen whether that will be forthcoming, particularly given the protection of goalkeepers.

Kavanagh will be supported by Richard West and Matthew Wilkes as assistant referees and Matt Donohue as fourth official. Andy Madley is lead VAR, assisted by Harry Lennard. Interestingly, neither Darren England or Dan Cook – the VARs dropped after the calamity surrounding Luis Diaz‘s ‘offside’ goal at Tottenham – are involved this weekend having returned to duty a week previous.

Craig Pawson on Duty

Craig Pawson, who attracted fierce criticism from Everton manager Sean Dyche and a number of his players after not sending Ibrahima Konate off in the derby, is on duty. He will serve as VAR for Chelsea vs. Brentford on Saturday before travelling for the Manchester derby as fourth official on Sunday.

Kavanagh’s Record with Liverpool

Kavanagh has refereed 14 Liverpool games in his career so far, with the Reds winning 12 of those and losing the other two. They are on a five-match winning streak in fixtures officiated by the 38-year-old, who has never sent a Liverpool player off and awarded them two penalties.

The Reds will be hoping for a positive result against Nottingham Forest this weekend, and with Kavanagh in charge they have a good chance of achieving it. His record with Liverpool speaks for itself, and with VAR in place there is less chance of any controversial decisions going against them.