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Ref watch: VAR for Brighton cup game

VAR will be in operation at Vitality Stadium as the Cherries host Brighton for the second time in three weeks in their opening FA Cup game of the season.

The system has been deployed on the south coast on just one previous occasion, as Eddie Howe’s side overcame Norwich City 2-1 in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

On the field, it will be Premier League regular Michael Oliver taking charge of the game, with Adam Nunn and Ian Hussin the two assistants.

The 33-year-old has taken charge of 17 top flight fixtures to date this term, handing out 46 yellow cards, four red cards and awarding six penalties.

Despite featuring most weeks, Oliver has yet to take charge of the Cherries this season, with his last game concerning Howe’s side coming back in February in the defeat at Huddersfield.

The official certainly possesses plenty of experience, refereeing last season’s FA Cup final and the EFL Cup final in 2016.

On Saturday, Oliver will have Craig Hicks as his fourth official, with Craig Pawson and Sian Massey-Ellis both overseeing the VAR operation.