Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Chelsea? Premier League match officials and VAR picks confirmed

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Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend as they play host to Chelsea in a huge London Derby clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners will be looking to take some momentum with them in the international break, with three points crucial to keeping that up.

Chelsea could cause some real damage to Arsenal though, with a win for the Blues likely to blow the race for Champions League football wide open.

It will be down to Mikel Arteta to stop that, though some things may end up being far more out of his control.

One of those is refereeing decisions, with the match officials set to make some huge calls based on the action unfolding.

So with that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for their match officials in Arsenal vs Chelsea.

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Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Chelsea?

The Premier League have announced that Chris Kavanagh will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against Chelsea.

The match official has been in charge of three matches for the Gunners so far this season – all of which have ended in a draw.

One of those involved a controversial decision, with Kavanagh sending off Declan Rice against Brighton for delaying the restart.

Chris Kavanagh’s record against Arsenal

Chris Kavanagh has taken charge of 22 Arsenal games in his career, which is the fourth-most of any team he has officiated – behind only Newcastle (30), Leicester City (24) and West Ham (23).

The Gunners have something of a patchy record with the 39-year-old in charge of their games, having won less than half of them – alongside two red cards and no penalties awarded.

Chris Kavanagh’s record against Chelsea

As for Chelsea, Chris Kavanagh has been the referee in 19 games for the Blues, awarding five penalties to them in that time.

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Who are the assistant referees and VAR?

Alongside Chris Kavanagh as the main match referee will be his assistants, with Lee Betts and James Mainwaring chosen to run the line, while Sam Barrott is the fourth official.

In the VAR booth at Stockley Park, Jarred Gillett will be in charge while his assistant is Darren Cann.