Confirmed Match Officials: Burnley vs Manchester City (Premier League)

Craig Pawson will take charge of Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor.

The treble-winners begin their latest Premier League title defence away to newly promoted Burnley, who are managed by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany.

After a record-breaking season in the Sky Bet Championship, Kompany’s first Premier League match as a manager will be against Manchester City – a club that the Belgian made 360 appearances for, and captained to four Premier League titles.

City thumped Burnley 6-0 in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals last season at the Etihad Stadium, and are unbeaten against the Clarets since 2015.

The Sky Blues have won 15 of their previous 16 matches against Burnley, but did suffer a defeat on penalties to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

Friday’s match could provide Premier League debuts to Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian pair both signing for Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

Gvardiol completed a £77.6 million move from RB Leipzig, meanwhile Kovacic signed from Chelsea for an initial £25 million.

Ahead of Friday’s opening clash, the Premier League have announced the Match Officials for Manchester City’s trip to Turf Moor.

Match Referee

Craig Pawson has been named as the referee for Manchester City’s visit to Burnley on Friday evening.

The 44-year-old official took charge of 39 matches last season, showing 156 yellow cards and three red cards.

Pawson last took charge of Manchester City in October, when the Sky Blues beat Brighton 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

The official was also the referee when Pep Guardiola’s side last visited Turf Moor, with Pawson overseeing a 2-0 win for Manchester City in April 2022.

Assistant Referees

Pawson will be accompanied at Turf Moor by Assistant Referees Simon Bennett and Steve Meredith.

Video Assistant Referees

Overviewing proceedings will be Video Assistant Referee Michael Oliver and Assistant Video Assistant Referee Stuart Burt.

Fourth Official

Graham Scott has been named as the Fourth Official.

The referee will be overseeing conduct within the two dugouts, and the behaviour of managers Vincent Kompany and Pep Guardiola.

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