Top-flight official in charge of Tractor Boys tour match v Watford

A Premier League official will be in control when Watford go to promotion-chasing Ipswich Town on Wednesday, looking to extend their unbeaten streak under Tom Cleverley.

The EFL website has revealed that Sam Barrott will referee the 7.45pm kickoff at Portman Road.

The West Yorkshire official has been one of the busiest referees this season, officiating in 36 games across the top flight, Championship, and cup competitions, issuing 112 yellow cards and three reds.

Mark Dwyer and Robert Hyde will serve as assistant referees, with Dean Whitestone taking on fourth official duties.

Watford will look to make it five games unbeaten under interim manager Cleverley after Saturday’s goalless draw with Preston clinched their third consecutive draw.

The Tractor Boys are presently second in the three-way fight for automatic promotion, one point behind leaders Leicester and one point ahead of Leeds. They suffered their first defeat in four games on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Norwich City in the East Anglian derby.