2. Martin Atkinson
Favourite club: Leeds United
He was heavily criticised last season for what was described as an ‘incompetent display’ by ex-referees chief Keith Hackett in the controversial clash between Chelsea and Burnley – in which he sent off Nemanja Matic for his reaction to a horror challenge from Ashley Barnes.
He remains, however, one of the top officials in Europe, and will have one close eye on Leeds United’s progress in the Championship.