Mark Clattenburg has been selected to referee next week's clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Ten points currently separate Premier League leaders Chelsea from fourth-placed Liverpool, but the Reds will have an opportunity to shorten that gap on Tuesday, January 31.

Clattenburg, who is widely regarded as the best referee in England, will be the man in the middle for the clash on Merseyside.

The match official has overseen two games involving Liverpool this season - a goalless meeting with Southampton in November and a 2-2 home draw with West Ham United a month later.

As for Clattenburg's experience with Chelsea in the current campaign, he has only refereed Antonio Conte's men once, and that was the Blues' 3-0 triumph over Burnley in August.

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The County Durham-born official has history with Chelsea, though, having been referee for last season's ill-tempered 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Two melees broke out between both sets of players during the match, which killed Spurs' hopes of challenging Leicester City for the league title.

Clattenburg issued 12 yellow cards, but not a single red during the clash, which resulted in both clubs being fined for failing to control their players.

Fans have given their thoughts on the referee's appointment for next week's important match.

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