Chris Kavanagh will be the man in the middle as Liverpool host Manchester City this afternoon.

The match will be City’s first since they were found guilty of gross financial misconduct by an independent commission last week.

They are anticipating a hostile reception at Anfield, and the Manchester-born Kavanagh will be the man tasked with keeping things civil on-pitch.

Kavanagh was also the centre referee as Man City won this fixture at the Etihad last season in controversial circumstances. Virgil van Dijk saw an equaliser ruled out shortly before half-time, prompting Liverpool to lodge a formal complaint with the refereeing body then known as PGMOL.

Kavanagh and Greenhalgh were both stood down from duties in February of this year after a series of errors in an FA Cup tie between Aston Villa and Newcastle.

City continue to insist upon their innocence and have lodged an appeal against their guilty verdict. Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, has called upon his players to shut out the noise and focus on their football.

In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm BST ahead of a 4.30pm kick-off.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via ’s live blog!