The Premier League has confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will take charge of the blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Liverpool on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. The 40-year-old Manchester-born referee will be assisted by Dan Cook and Stuart Burt on the touchlines, with Michael Oliver operating as VAR from Stockley Park.
This appointment adds an intriguing subplot to what is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season — with both clubs chasing Arsenal at the top of the table.
⚖️ Match Officials for Manchester City vs Liverpool
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistant Referees: Dan Cook & Stuart Burt
- Fourth Official: Samuel Barrott
- VAR: Michael Oliver
- Assistant VAR: Timothy Wood
📊 Chris Kavanagh’s 2025 Record So Far
Kavanagh is set to referee his 16th match of the season across competitions. In his 15 games so far, he has:
- Issued 58 yellow cards
- Shown 2 red cards (one second yellow, one straight red)
- Awarded 4 penalties
- Averaged 3.6 cards per game
Having already officiated multiple matches in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup, Kavanagh remains one of the PGMOL’s most active referees — trailing only Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor for total top-flight appointments this season.
🔵 Chris Kavanagh’s Record with Manchester City
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 14 |
| Wins | 8 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Defeats | 3 |
| Penalties per Game | 0.21 |
| Yellow Cards per Game | 1.64 |
| Red Cards per Game | 0 |
This will be Kavanagh’s 15th City fixture overall and his first involving them this season. Interestingly, City have lost both of their previous matches under his officiating — a 2–0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield and a 1–0 loss away to Nottingham Forest last season.
The referee is remembered among City fans for the controversial overturning of John Stones’ 95th-minute winner against Wolves in 2024, after VAR intervention ruled Bernardo Silva was not obstructing the goalkeeper’s view.
🔴 Chris Kavanagh’s Record with Liverpool
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 26 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Defeats | 6 |
| Penalties per Game | 0.12 |
| Yellow Cards per Game | 1.5 |
| Red Cards per Game | 0 |
Kavanagh has already officiated Liverpool twice this season — their 1–0 win over Arsenal and 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace. The Reds generally fare well under his watch, winning 17 of their 26 games. However, the official also oversaw their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this campaign.
Last season, he took charge of this exact fixture when Liverpool beat City 2–0 at Anfield, awarding the Reds a second-half penalty converted by Mohamed Salah.
🖥️ Michael Oliver Takes Charge of VAR
Michael Oliver will serve as VAR for the Etihad showdown. His involvement always draws attention — particularly given both sides’ prior controversies with him in the booth.
For Manchester City: their only loss in the last 13 matches came with Oliver as VAR, when he awarded Aston Villa a disputed corner leading to Matty Cash’s winning goal.
For Liverpool: Oliver oversaw the heated Merseyside derby earlier this year, sending off Curtis Jones and both coaching staff members after a chaotic 2–2 draw with Everton. The fallout from that day remains fresh among Reds supporters.
Under Oliver’s VAR review, City have a record of four wins and two defeats, while Liverpool have won eight of nine games, conceding and winning two penalties apiece in those fixtures.
📈 Referee Context & Key Insights
Kavanagh tends to let play flow, averaging a moderate 5.9 fouls per card. He’s not known for frequent dismissals — neither team has ever received a red card under his control.
However, with both sides playing at a high tempo and pressing aggressively, expect an early yellow or two to set the tone. Historically, his games involving Liverpool have averaged just under four cards, while City’s matches are slightly lower at 3.2 per game.
🧩 Tactical & Psychological Angle
This is Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th managerial game, and City’s players will want to maintain composure amid an emotional Etihad atmosphere. Kavanagh’s appointment — a Manchester native — adds a layer of intrigue given the fixture’s intensity and history of contentious calls.
For Arne Slot’s Reds, recent frustration with refereeing decisions makes discipline vital. Salah and Van Dijk, in particular, will need to avoid dissent as Liverpool aim to extend their winning streak after beating Real Madrid and Aston Villa.
⚽ Final Thoughts
Chris Kavanagh’s balanced officiating style and previous familiarity with both clubs should keep this fiery fixture under control — though expect VAR and touchline drama to play their part. All eyes will be on Michael Oliver in Stockley Park should any late penalty or goal-line controversy arise.
Kick-off: Sunday, 9 November 2025 — 16:30 (UK Time)
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Competition: Premier League