Kevin Friend will referee his first Watford game this season on Saturday when he officiates the game at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Friend has not been in charge of a game involving the Hornets since the 6-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at the end of their last campaign.

He also refereed the 2-1 quarter final victory over Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road and the 2-2 away draw with Everton.

In 23 games this season, the official has issued five red cards, including one for Albion's Florin Andone in their 2-0 defeat to Southampton in the second game of the season.

More recently he sent off Tim Ream in Fulham's FA Cup fourth round defeat to Manchester City and Nemanja Matic in Manchester United's EFL Cup semi-final win also against the Citizens.

He will be assisted on Saturday evening by Simon Bennett and Adrian Holmes, while Simon Hooper will be the fourth official and Andre Marriner will be on VAR duties. Andy Halliday will be assistant VAR.