The match day officials for Watford’s busy festive period have been announced, with the Hornets involved in four games in the space of just 11 days.

Saturday’s clash away at West Ham United will be overseen by Lee Mason, who sent off Christian Kabasele in the Hornets’ Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in September, the only red card to have been brandished by the official this season.

That sending off was later rescinded after replays showed it had been awarded incorrectly after Watford had been knocked on penalties following the 2-2 draw.

Mason also took charge of Watford’s 2-0 victory away to Wolves in the Premier League, a game in which he issued four yellow cards, including one for Will Hughes.

Four days later, the Hornets’ late Boxing Day kick off against Chelsea at Vicarage Road will be officiated by Martin Atkinson.

The Bradford-born referee has only overseen one Watford game this season when he took charge of their away trip to Fulham, which ended 1-1.

Atkinson also sent off Davinson Sanchez during last season’s draw against Spurs at Vicarage Road.

Roger East will be the next official for Watford, as they face Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United at home on their final game of 2018 on Saturday, December 29.

East has taken charge of just three Premier League fixtures this season, but has handed out 14 yellow cards in the process. He also awarded five penalties in 30 appearances last season.

The 53-year-old was referee for the same fixture last term, when Watford beat the Magpies 2-1.

Finally, Watford’s first game of 2019 will be overseen by the relatively inexperienced David Coote, as they travel to Bournemouth on January 2 for a late kick off.

Coote has not taken charge of a game involving Watford since March 2015 when the Hornets beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 at the DW Stadium in the Championship.

The official awarded Watford a late penalty on that day, which was dispatched by Troy Deeney for his second goal of the game.

So far this season, he has been in charge of 12 games in all competitions, issuing 40 yellow cards, 2 reds and awarding one penalty.