One of the most divisive referees in the Premier League has been appointed for Leicester City’s trip to Southampton.
Steve Cooper’s side travel to the South Coast looking to make it back-to-back wins after earning their first three points of the season against Bournemouth last time out.
A win for either side will be vital in their quest to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
The Foxes should have a strong side to select from, although Facundo Buonanotte may be a doubt due to travelling back from international duty with Argentina.
Anthony Taylor confirmed as referee for Leicester’s trip to Southampton
As confirmed by the Premier League, Anthony Taylor will be the man in the middle for Leicester’s visit down south.
Taylor is one of the league’s most experienced referees and has officiated European finals, as well as been in charge of games at European Championships and World Cups.
The 45-year-old was taken off duty earlier this season following a tirade of abuse on social media after he handed out 14 yellow cards during Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth in September.
He was also heavily criticised by Jose Mourinho after Roma’s Europa League final defeat.
Working alongside Taylor will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as linesmen and Simon Hooper as the fourth official.
Alex Chilowicz will be on VAR duty and Simon Bennett will be his assistant.
Steve Cooper hopeful of ending awful personal record
After the relief of earning his first league win as Leicester boss, Cooper’s next priority is to address his awful away form as a manager.
The biggest criticism from his time as manager of Nottingham Forest was the lack of points they picked up on the road and so far this season, the Foxes boss has picked up one point away from the King Power Stadium. Even then, they threw away a two-goal lead at Crystal Palace.
In Forest’s first season back in the top flight, Cooper only picked up eight of their 38 points away from home and they only won once before being sacked in December 2023.
Saturday would present the perfect opportunity to end that run and with a game against local rivals Forest to come next week, ending that barren run would only boost Cooper’s rapport with the fans.