Saturday’s clash against Luton Town has become an absolutely pivotal game for Leeds United for so many different reasons and the EFL have now made an announcement regarding the game.
One win in five has seen Leeds United slip into second place and level on points with Burnley in third. If Leeds are to cling onto their automatic promotion place, they simply have to get back into their groove.
The lack of form could not have come at a worse time, with Burnley and Sheffield United finishing well. Both sides have picked up 13 points in the same period that Leeds have managed to win only five.
Not only is Saturday crucial in the race for promotion, but it sees Leeds play when Burnley go to Coventry and Sheffield United are away. Leeds can reduce the gap and The EFL have made an announcement.
EFL confirm referee appointment as Leeds take on Luton away
Luton come into the game in good form, but still remain in 23rd place. Matt Bloomfield’s side have won three out of the last five including an impressive 1-0 win over Joe Gelhardt’s Hull City last weekend.
The good news for Bloomfield’s Luton is three key players have returned, but they will be without four players including Jacob Brown and Marvelous Nakamba. Thomas Bramall is the man in the middle.
An incredibly experienced referee, Sheffield-born Bramall has only ever taken charge of one game and it came in an FA Cup replay against Cardiff in 22-23 – Willy Gnonto scoring a scissor kick in a 5-2 win.
Referee for Leeds vs Middlesbrough also confirmed by EFL
The trip to Luton is the first of five games in 16 days, as the run-in gathers heat. Leeds then take on an inconsistent Middlesbrough side pushing for the Championship play-offs under boss Michael Carrick.
Like Bramall, Kitchen has only ever refereed Leeds on one occasion – but interestingly, has been in the middle for three Leeds U21 games. The senior outing came during last season’s 1-1 draw at Huddersfield.
Hopefully, Leeds will be celebrating six points from the next two games. Two wins would completely turn the tide and put the pressure back on Burnley and Sheffield United, who face each other on April 21.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
