Monday 1st JanuaryLiverpool vs Newcastle UnitedAnfieldKick-off 20:00 BST

Eddie Howe's men will be looking to start 2024 in a positive fashion after a tough end to an otherwise excellent calendar year - but face a difficult test against the league leaders, who have only lost once in the league in the first half of the current campaign.

It will be a second game involving Newcastle United this season for Taylor, whose first Premier League appointment as a referee came in a game between Fulham and Portsmouth in February 2010. He took charge of the Magpies' 2-2 draw at Wolves in October, booking four Newcastle men and one home player and awarding United a penalty, which was converted by Callum Wilson.

Last season, he was the man in the middle for two of Newcastle's fixtures - including, coincidentally, United's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool in February. The Cheshire-based official booked a player from each side that evening, as well as sending off United goalkeeper Nick Pope.

A FIFA-listed referee since 2013, Taylor also took charge of Newcastle's 3-1 win against Southampton at St. James' Park, booking a total of five players including Joelinton.

In the 24 fixtures Taylor has officiated so far this term - spread across top flight games, European matches and international fixtures - the 2023 Europa League final referee has shown 111 yellow cards and four red cards.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 24Yellow cards issued: 111Red cards issued: 4

Assistants

Assistant referees: Gary Beswick and Adam NunnFourth official: Andy MadleyVAR: Stuart AttwellAssistant VAR: Mark Scholes