Who is the referee for Chelsea vs Arsenal? All you need to know about the VAR and match officials

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Arsenal are preparing for a huge game against London rivals Chelsea, where both teams will be eager to get the bragging rights and three points to their league tally.

The Gunners are now winless in three Premier League games, suffering defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle either side of a draw with Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta will be hopeful that his side can bounce back but face a Chelsea team that are resurgent under Enzo Maresca.

The Blues are currently level on points with Arsenal and could create something of a gap with a win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

It puts plenty of pressure on the north London outfit to pick up a win, which may require some fortune and decisions in their favour.

One person who can directly impact that is the referee, so with that said, here’s a look at the appointment for the weekend.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares what referees told him before the season, now they’ve gone back on their word

Who is the referee for Chelsea vs Arsenal?

The Premier League have announced that the main match referee for Chelsea vs Arsenal will be Michael Oliver.

So far this season, the official has been in charge of nine league games, three Champions League fixtures and one Nations League encounter.

The 39-year-old has already officiated two Arsenal matches this season, overseeing the 2-2 draw with Manchester City and the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Michael Oliver’s record vs Arsenal

Arsenal are the team that Oliver has officiated the second-most in his career – behind Liverpool – with an interesting record.

While the Gunners have a 50% win rate under the referee, that does include some clear disciplinary issues to deal with.

Oliver has dished out seven red cards to the side, who will have to be on their best behaviour to avoid another.

Michael Oliver’s record vs Chelsea

Chelsea are the fifth-most officiated team for Oliver, who is set to take charge of his 54th game for the Blues.

In their matches, Chelsea have roughly a 50% win rate under Oliver too, with three red cards shown against them.

• READ MORE: Former Arsenal duo in total agreement over key referee decision vs Inter Milan – they have a point

Chelsea vs Arsenal VAR and match officials

With Oliver taking charge of the whistle, he will have some fellow match officials and assistants in his company to help him.

Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring are the assistants who will run the line, while Andy Madley has been appointed as the fourth official.

The VAR booth could play an important role with Paul Tierney taking charge as the VAR alongside his assistant Richard West.