THE Premier League have announced the referee for Albion's top-four clash against Manchester City.

Kevin Friend will take charge of the match between the two sides on Saturday evening, with the 50-year-old taking charge of his 259th top-flight fixture.

Friend has officiated a total of six games already this season, showing 19 yellow cards and awarding one penalty in the process - but is yet to send off any players.

The referee has officiated Albion on 17 occasions in the Premier League. The Seagulls have won seven, drawn two and lost the other six games during this run.

The last game that he took charge of was last season during the club's 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Friend might be best remembered for showing Yves Bissouma a red card after the Malian kicked Jamaal Lewis in the face in a 3-0 win over Newcastle last season.

The decision was a correct one as the midfielder's foot was in a dangerous place, although it could have been argued as accidental.

The referee last took charge of a Manchester City match at the end of last season, when the already-crowned Premier League champions faced Newcastle at St James' Park - a game in which Pep Guardiola's side came out 4-3 winners, courtesy of a Ferran Torres hat-trick.

Friend's assistants will be Adrian Holmes, Simon Long. The fourth official is Simon Hooper and VAR will be managed by Paul Tierney and his assistant VAR Constantine Hatzidakis.