Simon Hooper has been appointed into the role of lead on-field match referee for the Carabao Cup fourth round tie between Swansea City and Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be aiming to get back to winning ways immediately after their nine-match unbeaten run across competitions came to an end on Sunday afternoon through a narrow 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
A solitary first-half goal from right-back Matty Cash squandered Manchester City’s hopes of extending their fine run of form, and the trip to South Wales this week now becomes of even greater importance, particularly from a silverware perspective.
Last time out in the third round of the competition, it was yet another away clash for the Premier League giants as they cruised past League One opponents in Huddersfield Town courtesy of goals from Phil Foden and Savinho in West Yorkshire.
The Swans come into their fourth round tie against Manchester City having beaten Premier League opposition in Nottingham Forest in a 3-2 home win in round three, following on from a penalty shoot-out victory over Plymouth Argyle in round two, and Crawley Town in round one.
As for the Welsh side’s Championship results so far, Alan Sheehan’s squad have recorded four wins, four draws, and four defeats across their matches in England’s second division, coming into the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side off the back of a 2-1 home win over Norwich City.
Ahead of the meeting between Swansea City and Manchester City, the EFL have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Swansea.com Stadium!
Match Referee
Taking charge of on-field proceedings in the role of match referee at the Swansea.com Stadium this week will be Premier League referee Simon Hooper, the English Football League have confirmed.
The 43-year-old match official has taken charge of eight matches this season, all of which have come in Premier League action while handing out a total of 38 yellow cards, two straight red cards, and awarding one penalty in that period.
While Hooper is yet to officiate Manchester City this season, the Etihad Stadium club remain unbeaten in contests overseen by the experienced referee, winning nine and drawing six of such contests.
The last time Pep Guardiola’s side took on a contest officiated by Simon Hooper came towards the end of the last Premier League season and their 0-2 win on the road against Everton at Goodison Park.
Assistant Referees
Accompanying Simon Hooper on the field in South Wales this week will be an assistant referee pairing of Adrian Holmes and Marc Perry, the EFL have confirmed ahead of the contest.
Fourth Official
Standing between the two dugouts this week at the Swansea.com Stadium for the clash between Swansea City and Manchester City will be referee Josh Smith in the role of fourth official, managing the actions of Alan Sheehan and Pep Guardiola’s respective benches.