The Premier League match officials for matchweek 28 have now been confirmed ahead of another decisive round of fixtures in the 2025/26 season.
With the title race tightening, European qualification still wide open, and the relegation battle intensifying, Matchweek 28 could prove pivotal across the table. From Wolves hosting Aston Villa under the Friday night lights to Arsenal’s heavyweight clash against Chelsea on Sunday, referees and VAR teams will once again be under scrutiny.
Here are the confirmed Premier League match officials for matchweek 28.
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28
Wolves vs Aston Villa
A Midlands derby opens the weekend as Wolves welcome Aston Villa on Friday night. With Villa hoping to maintain their position in the European places and Wolves just looking to cause an upset with their relegation almost already confirmed, this fixture carries significant implications.
Date: Friday, 27 February 2026 | Time: 8:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Lee Betts, Mat Wilkes
Fourth Official: Tim Robinson
VAR: Paul Howard
Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt
Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Bournemouth host Sunderland in Saturday’s early kickoff, with both sides looking to strengthen their mid-table standing and avoid being dragged into late-season trouble.
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Time: 12:30pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistants: Neil Davies, Steve Meredith
Fourth Official: Matt Donohue
VAR: James Bell
Assistant VAR: Craig Taylor
Burnley vs Brentford
Burnley continue their fight for survival against a Brentford side chasing European qualification. Brentford will be looking for immediate response following last weekend loss at home to Brighton, while Burnley will be hoping to close the gap on 18th-placed west Ham with a win.
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Time: 3:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Sam Barrott
Assistants: Tim Wood, Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Steve Martin
VAR: Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick
Liverpool vs West Ham
Liverpool welcome West Ham in what could be a crucial fixture for top-four ambitions. Liverpool are just three points shy of 4th-placed Man U and level on points with Chelsea in 5th. A win will take the Reds straight into top-four. A win for West Ham however will take the Hammers out of the relegation zone, and would immensely boost their fight for survival.
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Time: 3:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Tim Robinson
Assistants: Richard West, Marc Perry
Fourth Official: Chris Kavanagh
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes
Newcastle vs Everton
Newcastle host Everton in another 3pm clash, with both clubs seeking very crucial three points as the season enters its final stretch.
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Time: 3:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, James Mainwaring
Fourth Official: Dean Whitestone
VAR: Nick Hopton
Assistant VAR: John Brooks
Leeds vs Manchester City
Manchester City travel to Elland Road knowing every point matters in the title race. The Citizens could cut Arsenal’s lead on the top of the table to just two points again pending the Gunners fixture derby on Sunday. Leeds, meanwhile, continue to fight for survival and a surprise win will strengthen their stay in the top-flight.
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Time: 5:30pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Peter Bankes
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Blake Antrobus
Fourth Official: Oli Langford
VAR: Paul Howard
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026 | Time: 2:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Andy Madley
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Craig Taylor
Fourth Official: Tom Nield
VAR: Matt Donohue
Assistant VAR: Adam Nunn
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham travel to Craven Cottage looking to distance themselves from trouble. The Spurs are coming off the back of a disgracing defeat at home in the North London derby last time out, and Igor Tudor’s side must find a win at Craven Cottage if they are to avoid a relegation battle this season. Fulham, however, aim to further into the top ten.
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026 | Time: 2:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Tom Bramall
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
Fourth Official: James Linnington
VAR: Craig Pawson
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United host Crystal Palace in what could be a key fixture for European qualifications. Carrick will hope that his side can overcome a struggling Palace and strengthen their Champions League hopes.
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026 | Time: 2:00pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Dan Cook, Ian Hussin
Fourth Official: Sam Barrott
VAR: Tony Harrington
Assistant VAR: Neil Davies
Arsenal vs Chelsea
https://24sportsarena.com/category/football/The headline fixture of Matchweek 28 sees Darren England take charge of Arsenal vs Chelsea. Chelsea have not defeated Arsenal at the Emirates in their last eight outings at the ground, and the last time the Blues defeated the Gunners in all competitions was far back as 2021. With Arsenal firmly in the title race and Chelsea pushing for a top-four return, this London derby promises to be a thriller.
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026 | Time: 4:30pm (UK)
Premier League Match Officials for Matchweek 28:
Referee: Darren England
Assistants: Scott Ledger, Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell
VAR: John Brooks
Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan
With the season entering a decisive phase, the Premier League match officials for matchweek 28 will once again be under intense scrutiny. Every major decision, every VAR intervention, and every contentious moment could influence the title race, European qualification, or the fight for survival. As always, consistency and clarity will be paramount across another high-stakes Premier League weekend.
