With just under a month to go until the 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway, I’ve taken a look at all the referees you’ll want to keep an eye on if you’re targeting fouls and cards in your bets this season.

1. Stuart Attwell

Focusing on referees who officiated at least five Premier League games last season, Stuart Attwell ranked first for cards per game, averaging 4.72.

Across 25 matches, he showed 118 cards, with only Anthony Taylor and Chris Kavanagh issuing more over the course of the campaign.

His form towards the end of the season was particularly strong, with his card totals across his final five matches reading: 4-7-2-2-7.

Everton were the side he booked most often (16), while Sunderland, Spurs and Chelsea all received 10 or more cards from him.

Given how he finished the season, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the card markets in his opening fixtures to see if there’s any value.

2. Matt Donohue

Matt Donohue is definitely a referee I’ll be keeping an eye on this season, and I’ll be checking whether he’s appointed to any Premier League games throughout the campaign.

Predominantly officiating in the Championship, Donohue took charge of just three Premier League matches last season, but his numbers certainly catch the eye.

Across those three games, he ranked first among 23 referees for fouls per game, yellow cards per game and penalties awarded per game, averaging 26.33, 5.00 and 0.67 respectively.

He also ranked third for yellow cards in the Championship, showing 100 across 25 appearances.

If he’s given more opportunities in the Premier League this season, I’ll be targeting those games in both the match fouls and cards markets.

3. Craig Pawson

For those of you interested in backing unders, Craig Pawson is definitely one worth keeping an eye on next season.

Across 21 appearances last season, he showed just 56 cards, averaging 2.67 per game, while 47% of the matches he officiated finished with under 2.5 match cards.

Looking deeper, he took charge of Brighton, Manchester United, Fulham, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest on two or more occasions, averaging one card or fewer for each of those sides

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• We highlight the strongest Bookmaker Offers and value Football Tips, including all the latest Premier League tips ahead of the 26/27 season.