The officials have been confirmed for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League showdown with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. Chelsea will be aiming to turn around their recent league form and secure a vital three points as they look to mount a serious charge for Champions League qualification.
After a draw with Nottingham Forest and a close 2-1 loss to current league leaders Liverpool, Enzo Maresca’s side bounced back in Europe with a commanding 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in Athens. Now, they’re setting their sights back on domestic success, with the Newcastle match offering the opportunity to gather momentum ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Chelsea face Newcastle in a league and cup double-header, with this Sunday’s match followed by a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at St. James’ Park just three days later. The fixtures come at a critical time as the Blues face tough challenges in November, including matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, two sides also vying for Champions League spots. Chelsea and Newcastle are in a similar position, both competing to establish themselves in Europe’s elite competition for the following season, adding an extra layer of intensity to Sunday’s clash.
The Premier League has assigned Simon Hooper as the referee for Sunday’s match. Hooper, an experienced official, will oversee the game alongside his two assistant referees, Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, who will be managing the action on the touchlines. Rob Jones is the designated Fourth Official, tasked with keeping order on the sidelines, including managing the dugouts and monitoring the conduct of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.
From Stockley Park, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Jarred Gillett, with Ian Hussin serving as the Assistant VAR. Their roles will be crucial, ensuring that all decisions are reviewed accurately and promptly to maintain the integrity of the game.
With the officials confirmed, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge. A win against Newcastle would not only end Chelsea’s short winless league run but would also instill confidence ahead of the Carabao Cup fixture and a tough league schedule in November.