The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has officially announced the referees and match officials for Matchweek 5 of the 2025/26 Premier League season. As fans gear up for intense battles across the pitch, these appointments highlight the league's focus on experienced officiating to manage high-stakes encounters.
The action kicks off with the fierce Merseyside derby, Liverpool vs Everton, at 12:30 on Saturday, promising passion and intensity at Anfield. Later that day, Manchester United face Chelsea at 17:30 in a heavyweight showdown at Old Trafford, where tactical battles and star power collide.
Capping the weekend, Arsenal host Manchester City at 16:30 on Sunday, a potential title-defining encounter at the Emirates. With top-tier referees like Michael Oliver and Stuart Attwell overseeing these fixtures.
Two meetings. Ten goals. Many dramatic moments.
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 5, 2025
Arsenal v Man City, 2024/25. pic.twitter.com/bqk4G5dvDg
Matchweek 5: Individual Fixture Officiating Details
Liverpool vs Everton (Sat 20 Sep, 12:30)
- Referee: Darren England
- Assistant Referees: Lee Betts, Scott Ledger
- Fourth Official: Bobby Madley
- VAR: John Brooks
- Assistant VAR: Akil Howson
Darren England takes the whistle for this classic Merseyside derby, with John Brooks ready on VAR to review any heated exchanges.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur (Sat 20 Sep, 15:00)
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistant Referees: Dan Cook, Ian Hussin
- Fourth Official: Tom Nield
- VAR: Neil Davies
- Assistant VAR: Rob Jones
Chris Kavanagh oversees the Amex Stadium showdown, supported by Neil Davies in the VAR hub for precise offside and penalty checks.
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest (Sat 20 Sep, 15:00)
- Referee: Tom Bramall
- Assistant Referees: Marc Perry, Mat Wilkes
- Fourth Official: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Paul Howard
- Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett
Tom Bramall leads at Turf Moor, with Paul Howard on VAR to keep the focus on fair play in this mid-table scrap.
West Ham United vs Crystal Palace (Sat 20 Sep, 15:00)
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- Assistant Referees: Steve Meredith, Alex James
- Fourth Official: Michael Salisbury
- VAR: Nick Hopton
- Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Tony Harrington handles the London clash, assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis on VAR for those crucial set-piece decisions.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leeds United (Sat 20 Sep, 15:00)
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
- Fourth Official: Gavin Ward
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
- Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
Premier League veteran Anthony Taylor steps in at Molineux, with Stuart Attwell providing VAR expertise.
Manchester United vs Chelsea (Sat 20 Sep, 17:30)
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart, Blake Antrobus
- Fourth Official: Tom Kirk
- VAR: Craig Pawson
- Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes
Peter Bankes referees this blockbuster at Old Trafford, backed by Craig Pawson on VAR for potential drama.
🚨 Peter Bankes will referee Manchester United vs Chelsea on Saturday, with Craig Pawson on VAR. pic.twitter.com/FCPLVIWo14
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) September 15, 2025
Fulham vs Brentford (Sat 20 Sep, 20:00)
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring
- Fourth Official: Simon Hooper
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall
Michael Oliver brings his top-tier experience to Craven Cottage, with Jarred Gillett on VAR for the West London derby.
AFC Bournemouth vs Newcastle United (Sun 21 Sep, 14:00)
- Referee: Rob Jones
- Assistant Referees: Neil Davies, Nick Greenhalgh
- Fourth Official: Farai Hallam
- VAR: Matt Donohue
- Assistant VAR: Tim Robinson
Rob Jones takes charge on the south coast, supported by Matt Donohue in the VAR room.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa (Sun 21 Sep, 14:00)
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- Assistant Referees: Tim Wood, Wade Smith
- Fourth Official: Bobby Madley
- VAR: James Bell
- Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith
Sam Barrott officiates at the Stadium of Light, with James Bell handling VAR duties.
Arsenal vs Manchester City (Sun 21 Sep, 16:30)
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- Assistant Referees: Constantine Hatzidakis, Nick Hopton
- Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin
Stuart Attwell closes the weekend with the Emirates title tilt, Jarred Gillett doubling up on VAR after Saturday duties.
The Role of Officials in Premier League Matchweek 5
With VAR playing a bigger role than ever, these PGMOL selections blend veterans like Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver with specialists like Jarred Gillett, who features twice on VAR. Their decisions could sway early-season standings in a packed schedule.
Matchweek 5 sets the tone for the campaign—stay tuned for results and post-match analysis. Visit the Premier League website for updates on any changes. Which referee's call will steal the headlines?
