A familiar face in the middle during the second half of last season is due to be in charge when Watford return to action in front of the live TV cameras on Sunday lunchtime.

Gavin Ward has been appointed as the referee for the midday kick-off against Blackburn Rovers which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The Surrey official has refereed three matches so far this season, showing a total of seven yellow cards, having been in charge of three fixtures involving the Hornets in the last campaign.

All took place from mid-January onwards, starting with the 2-0 home victory over Blackpool, followed by the goalless draw at Vicarage Road against Preston North End, and Ward was also the referee for the 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

Greg Read and Alex James are due to be the assistant referees, with Sam Allison the fourth official.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side are, like Sunday’s opponents, also on four points after their first three games of the season.