Grealish, who made a record-breaking £ 100million transfer to Manchester City during the summer transfer window, will return to his childhood club – of which he was captain – on Wednesday 1 December.

The midweek clash will mark the start of an action-packed football month ahead of the New Year, with Manchester City’s trip to Villa Park being the first of eight games in December.

The game will also be the first big test for new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, as former Rangers boss replaced Dean Smith at the Midlands club during the international break.

Manchester City memorably beat Villa at the Etihad Stadium in January, with late strikes from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan securing three vital points as the Blues set off in search of the Premier League title.

Ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting, the Premier League has announced which match officials will be involved in the game.

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Match referee

veteran referee Mike Dean will be in charge of proceedings at Villa Park, refereeing his 543rd Premier League game.

Dean, who has been a top-flight referee for more than two decades, has coached eight games so far this season, posting 27 yellow cards and no red cards.

The 53-year-old has refereed Aston Villa twice this season, most recently in their 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Mike Dean’s last game involving the Sky Blues was in April, when Manchester City suffered a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

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Assistant referees

The 53-year-old referee will be joined by assistant referees Ian hussin and Darren Cann in the park of the Villa.

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Video assistant referees

Kevin friend was announced as the video assistant referee for the match, while Simon bennett was appointed assistant video assistant referee.

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Fourth Official

Peter Bankes was appointed in charge of the canoes of Villa Park, the referee having been appointed fourth official.

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