Liverpool are preparing for their first clash with a fellow title hopeful on Saturday when Chelsea head to Anfield.
The Reds are hopeful of mounting a Premier League charge having given up their crown all too easily last season.
Meanwhile, current UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea are a whole new animal under Thomas Tuchel and will be looking at new signing Romelu Lukaku to fire them towards the pinnacle of English football.
On Saturday, Anthony Taylor from Manchester will take charge whilst Chris Kavanagh will be on VAR duty at Stockley Park.
The appointments were confirmed by the Premier League and cited by top-flight ex-referee Chris Foy on Twitter.
Twitter: Match officials for Matchweek 3 @premierleague #PLFans https://t.co/H0ObfFHdLD (@ChrisJFoy)
Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp found himself in the outspoken minority last weekend when discussing the new more lenient approach to officiating.
The German received criticism for the comments, not dissimilar to the reaction when speaking out against 12:30 kickoffs for Champions League participants – something that has now come to pass.
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So far the standard of officiating and in particular the use of VAR has seemed less controversial than at times last season.
Albeit only two weeks in and still far from perfect – as a Mohamed Salah disallowed goal will testify for – there is hope referees may have less impact on matches this term.
As two potential juggernauts collide on Saturday night, Liverpool will be hoping it’s their football that takes the headlines and not Chelsea or the officials.
