Howard Webb Refs Chelsea Game

As with their trip to Arsenal almost a month ago Watford will have the pleasure of Mr. Webb as the man in charge for their fixture with the Champions this weekend.

Four weeks ago Webb presided over a pretty uneventful game at the Emirates Stadium with just Tommy Smith entering the merry whistle blower's note book for unsporting behaviour during the Golden Boys' battling three goal defeat to Arsene Wegner's men.

Referee's always seem to be top of the agenda as far as Chelsea and their manager, Jose Mourinho are concerned, but it is worth noting that Webb's only previous game in charge of the Blues this season, an odd goal in three reversal at Middlesbrough back in August, passed without any major incident save for bookings to Didier Drogba and Paulo Ferreira.

The South Yorkshire born official is well known on the Premiership circuit having being elected to the Select Group of referee's in 2003.

The 35-year-old has taken charge of nine Premiership games so far this season, sending off two players, Charlton Athletics' Djimi Traore during the Addicks opening day defeat at West Ham United, and Manchester City's Ousmane Dabo in their televised reversal at Reading in early September.

Webb began refereeing in 1989 and progressed to the national list of referees in 1998 before further progression saw him promoted to the Premier League list five years later.

Amongst a number of high profile top flight matches Webb also took charge of the Division Two Play-off Final between Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers at the Millennium Stadium in 2003.

Mr. Webb will be joined by Mr. S. Artis, who incidentally ran the line during Watford's midweek Carling Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United, and Mr. M. Cairns as his assistants at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, click here.