The 2025/26 Premier League season is underway, and Match week 2 promises a slate of thrilling encounters across the weekend. With fixtures kicking off on Friday and concluding on Bank Holiday Monday the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has announced the referees, assistants, and VAR teams for each game. These appointments ensure fair play and accurate decision-making in what could be pivotal early-season clashes.
Friday, August 22, 2025
West Ham United vs. Chelsea (20:00 UK)
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring
- Fourth Official: Simon Hooper
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant VAR: Tim Robinson
Michael Oliver, one of the league's most respected officials, takes charge of this London derby to start the matchweek.
🚨 Michael Oliver will referee West Ham vs Chelsea on Friday, with Jarred Gillett on VAR. pic.twitter.com/Rx2c6HC2b2
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 19, 2025
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 UK)
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart, Blake Antrobus
- Fourth Official: Andrew Kitchen
- VAR: Andy Madley
- Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Peter Bankes will officiate this early kick-off between the defending champions and Spurs.
AFC Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00 UK)
- Referee: Tom Bramall
- Assistant Referees: Simon Bennett, Craig Taylor
- Fourth Official: Tom Kirk
- VAR: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistant VAR: Sam Barrott
Tom Bramall oversees the Cherries' home clash with Wolves.
Brentford vs. Aston Villa (15:00 UK)
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- Assistant Referees: Mat Wilkes, Mark Scholes
- Fourth Official: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Tim Wood
- Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring
Tony Harrington is appointed for this Midlands-London encounter.
Burnley vs. Sunderland (15:00 UK)
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- Assistant Referees: Dan Robathan, Marc Perry
- Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
- VAR: John Brooks
- Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick
Michael Salisbury handles the promoted sides' battle at Turf Moor.
Arsenal vs. Leeds United (17:30 UK)
- Referee: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant Referees: Wade Smith, Scott Ledger
- Fourth Official: Darren England
- VAR: Craig Pawson
- Assistant VAR: Neil Davies
Australian referee Jarred Gillett gets the late Saturday slot at the Emirates.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest (14:00 UK)
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
- Fourth Official: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Paul Tierney
- Assistant VAR: Paul Howard
Veteran Anthony Taylor is in charge at Selhurst Park.
Everton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (14:00 UK)
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- Assistant Referees: Con Hatzidakis, Nick Hopton
- Fourth Official: Tom Nield
- VAR: James Bell
- Assistant VAR: Lee Betts
Stuart Attwell officiates this early Sunday fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Fulham vs. Manchester United (16:30 UK)
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistant Referees: Dan Cook, Neil Davies
- Fourth Official: Rob Jones
- VAR: Darren England
- Assistant VAR: Akil Howson
Chris Kavanagh takes the whistle for United's trip to Craven Cottage.
Monday, August 25, 2025
Newcastle United vs. Liverpool (20:00 UK)
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- Assistant Referees: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
- Fourth Official: Tony Harrington
- VAR: John Brooks
- Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith
Simon Hooper closes out the match week with this heavyweight clash at St. James' Park.
These appointments reflect the PGMOL's commitment to balancing experience and emerging talent across the league's officiating pool. Fans can expect tight calls, especially with VAR in play, as teams vie for early points. For the latest updates, check the official Premier League website.
