English Premier League Referees: Matchweek 6
Let’s talk about something besides Mark Clattenburg and Manchester United, shall we?
There are two big derbies this week: Liverpool v. Everton and Arsenal v. Spurs. (Though, let’s face it, the way my poor Spurs are playing right now, the North London derby may not be much of a contest…)
Two of England’s top three FIFA-rated referees will be in action in the derbies:
- Martin Atkinson: Liverpool v. Everton
- Michael Oliver: Arsenal v. Spurs
I’m actually pleased to pull Oliver, even though the last time we saw him in a big game was kind of miserable (see above). I like the way he manages matches. The fact that he brings along hottie AR John Brooks and hottie fourth official Craig Pawson is a nice perk, as well.
Poor old Clatts gets a low-profile one this week, Southampton v. QPR. Hopefully it’ll be a quiet weekend for him.
New kid on the block Keith Stroud gets Crystal Palace and the rampaging Leicester.
PLAY THE ADVANTAGE 
Great to see Keith Stroud back officiating in the top flight. Surprised he was demoted a couple years back, certainly didn’t deserve that.
Seeing as though Messrs Atkinson and Clattenburg are with their regular European assistants, seems as though they’ll have CL appointments next week. Same could be said for Oliver, EL on the cards for him…
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Let’s hope…
Fingers crossed KS does well.
Miss me some Lee Probert, though. 😦
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It’s good that Clatts has a rather low-key game. Two consecutive weeks where his performances have come under scrutiny, a quiet game will do him a world of good.
No sign of Marriner either… Am told both he and Probert failed fitness tests at UEFA last month, they’ll get a second chance to prove pass it with their national FA. Seems as though their still recovering/getting fit…
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Andre has been fourth official several times (and will be this match week) but we’ve seen hide nor hair of Lee…
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Sorry, just seen Marriner on the boards 😉 He’s closer to a comeback than Probert.
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Do you know what the hell happened to Probert? He was in cracking shape at the end of last year, did the FA Cup and I believe did some summer tournaments as well. Must have been a rough injury…
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Not a clue… Indeed, he was in great shape. I was told Marriner got injured in pre-season, unfortunately have nothing on Probert’s length injury.
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I’m just gonna start making stuff up….
He fought off 50 ninjas! He crashed his maserati!! He blew off refereeing and now he’s a PIRATE!!!
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PS…I’m going to have to adopt Phil Dowd as my new imaginary boyfriend if Lee doesn’t come back soon.
Which would be sad, because that would mean no more potato jokes….
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