The officials have been appointed for Watford’s four fixtures over the busy Christmas period.

The Hornets start the festive matches with a trip back to Lancashire on Saturday aiming to follow up their superb victory at Preston North End last weekend with another three points at Blackburn Rovers.

It has been announced on the EFL website that Dean Whitestone has been appointed to take charge of the fixture at Ewood Park.

This will be the second time Whitestone has officiated in a Championship fixture this season, having been in the middle for the 1-0 home victory against Sheffield Wednesday in October.

This is one of 15 league and cup matches the official has refereed this season in which he has shown a total of 49 yellow cards and one red.

Daniel Leach and Carl Fitch-Jackson are due to be the assistant referees for the 3pm kick-off, with Andrew Kitchen the fourth official.

Valerien Ismael’s men return to Vicarage Road on Boxing Day and John Busby is scheduled to be in charge of the fixture against Bristol City.

This is set to be the second time Busby has officiated in a Watford match this month after he refereed the 2-1 victory at Hull City.

The referee has taken charge of 16 league and cup matches so far this season, issuing 71 cautions and one red.

Richard Wild and Andrew Dallison are due to be running the line for the 3pm kick-off, with Matthew Donohue the fourth official.

Watford’s second home match over Christmas will see them take on Stoke City on Friday, December 29 at 7.45pm kick-off.

Scott Oldham has been appointed as the referee for what is due to be his first Championship game of the current campaign.

The official has shown 53 yellow cards and three reds in the 18 league and cup matches he has been in charge of this season.

Matthew Jones and Sunny Singh Gill have been named as the assistant referees for this fixture, with Sam Barrott on fourth official duties.

Singh Gill is also due to be among the team of officials – this time as fourth official – when the Hornets kick-off 2024 with the long trip to Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Day.

Bobby Madley has been named as the referee for the 3pm kick-off at Home Park.

The West Yorkshire official, who has yet to take charge of a Hornets fixture this season, has been in the middle for 13 league and cup games so far in 2023/24, issuing 67 yellows and four reds.

Craig Taylor and Blake Antrobus are scheduled to be the assistant referees.