Oliver to officiate London Derby

Referee Michael Oliver has been chosen to officiate the crunch English Premier League London Derby football match between Arsenal and Chelsea clubs at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Oliver - who oversaw Arsenal's 3-4 home defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the 2016/17 league season - has been selected to officiate the first meeting between the two sides, according to the Evening Standard.

The two clubs are desperate for points early on in the campaign, with both teams on 10 points after five games and trailing league leaders Manchester City by five points already.

Arsenal fans may not be particularly pleased by the appointment of Oliver - who will be joined by assistants Gary Beswick and Stuart Burt, along with fourth official Craig Pawson - given that they are winless in the last eight league games that the 31-year-old has officiated. Conversely, Chelsea are unbeaten in the 13 matches which Oliver has officiated.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger -- who is celebrating 20 years at the helm of the club -- has called on his players to be on their toes.

Arsenal will be without midfielder Aaron Ramsey as he struggles to overcome a hamstring injury whilst striker Olivier Giroud has still not started a first team game.

A toe injury ruled him out of the match against Hull City and he is unlikely to start.

New signing David Luiz may start for Chelsea but the identity of the player alongside him in central defence remains unclear.

John Terry is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in an away match against Swansea and faces a late fitness test for availability.

--IANS

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