One of the country’s leading referees is set to be in charge when Watford aim to start the new season with a win for the fourth year running on Saturday.

Premier League official Tom Bramall has been appointed to referee the Championship opener against Queens Park Rangers at Vicarage Road.

The Sheffield-born referee, who was appointed to the Select Group One list in 2022, officiated in a total of 31 domestic league and cup fixtures last season, including the Hornets’ 1-0 victory over Burnley at the start of the campaign. He also refereed two matches in the Japanese J1 League in March.

Bramall is due to be assisted by Akil Howson and Hristo Karaivanov, with Oliver Langford on fourth official duties.

This will be the seventh season in a row Watford have started a season at home after the QPR fixture was reversed, and the Hornets have won the last three, beating Sheffield United 1-0 (2022/23), Aston Villa 3-2 (2021/22) and Middlesbrough 1-0 (2020/21).