Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has accused match officials of affording Virgil van Dijk preferential treatment this season. The 33-year-old has been in imperious form over the course of the last few months and remains the cornerstone of a Liverpool defence that has underpinned the club’s push for major honours.

The officials have been confirmed for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Friday night.

There is a little bit of arrogance in Michael Oliver’s performances at the moment. Following the chaotic scenes after the Merseyside derby, he could benefit from taking some coaching advice going into the final months of the season.