A referee who has been averaging more than five yellow cards per game this season is set to take charge of Watford’s trip to Sheffield United on Saturday.

Keith Stroud has been appointed to officiate the Hornets’ trip to the second-placed Blades, the third time he will be in the middle for a Watford game in the current campaign.

Stroud was in charge for the 2-1 win at Cardiff City in November, having also refereed the 3-2 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in August.

The official has shown a total of 135 yellow cards in his 26 matches this season, but has only issued a red card on three occasions.

Sam Lewis and Mark Stevens are due to be the assistant referees for the game at Bramall Lane, with Ross Joyce the fourth official.