Tough fitness sessions over the summer have meant that Michael Oliver and his fellow referees are in prime condition for a new Premier League season that is set to be faster and more skilful than ever.
Oliver takes charge of the opening weekend's final match, Arsenal v Manchester City on Sunday.
He says that the work that the PGMOL Select Group of referees and assistants have done over the summer and at St George's Park this week has prepared them for the increasing demands, both physical and mental, of the Premier League.
"It's my ninth season and it's a lot faster, a better skill level, the players continue to get better - we need to do the same," he said as the PGMOL gave premierleague.com an exclusive look behind the scenes at their preparations at St George's Park.
"We cover maybe 11km a game on average so we've got to be in the right position to make the best decision and all of that comes from hard work like today."
