The Premier League have confirmed their match official appointments for the upcoming round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s match at home to Bournemouth.
The Premier League have released their list of match official appointments for Gameweek 32, including Arsenal’s fixture against Bournemouth on Saturday, April 11th at 12:30 BST at the Emirates Stadium.
Michael Oliver will referee the match, assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring. Gavin Ward will act as the fourth official for the game.
Darren England will be on VAR, and he’ll be assisted by Wade Smith at Stockley Park.
Arsenal fans will be very familiar with referee Oliver, given he’s taken charge of 64 Gunners matches over the years.
But the ref was given a 10-month break from Mikel Arteta’s side after he incorrectly dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a decision that was later overturned on appeal.
Arsenal fans had also been left fuming earlier in the season when the referee dismissed Leandro Trossard just before half-time in a match the Gunners were winning against Manchester City.
Oliver returned to refereeing Arsenal with the north London derby in November, before refereeing the Gunners again as they faced Nottingham Forest in January. By contrast, those matches passed largely without officiating controversy.
This is obviously a big game for Arsenal, as the Gunners have the chance to open up a 12-point lead over Manchester City before Pep Guardiola’s side travel away to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday.
Though that wouldn’t change much of the actual accounting, as City would have two games in hand and a match against Arsenal still to play, it would provide a mental boost to Arteta’s side, and put the pressure on their title rivals.
Another controversy-free game and a comfortable three points would be an ideal way to kick off the weekend.