Leeds United are on the road again this weekend with a trip down to West London against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Daniel Farke’s chances of surviving in the Premier League have been given an encouraging boost by the first three games. Leeds picked up four points against Everton, Arsenal and Newcastle United.
A tough opening trio of matches, Leeds have another stern opponent up next in Marco Silva’s Fulham at Craven Cottage.
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Craig Pawson confirmed as referee for Leeds United’s trip down to Fulham on Saturday
It didn’t take long for Leeds’ Premier League campaign to face some refereeing controversy. Against Everton, the handball penalty decision brought polarising post-match discussion.
VAR chose not to intervene. Leeds, of course, will be thankful as it led to their only goal thus far and their first win of the season.
United are now looking consistency this weekend at Craven Cottage, as the Premier League confirm the referee appointments for the matchday ahead.
Craig Pawson is the man that is taking charge of Fulham v Leeds United, with the following confirmation:
Referee: Craig Pawson. Assistants: Lee Betts, Mark Scholes. Fourth official: Josh Smith. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Blake Antrobus.
Craig Pawson set for his third game in charge at Fulham v Leeds United. (REUTERS/David Klein)
Pawson hasn’t refereed a Leeds game since the dramatic 3-1 win over Leicester City in February 2024. That clash was Pawson’s most recent of 12 United fixtures, in which Leeds won four, drew three, lost five.
Leeds have received one controversial red card under Pawson’s watch. Pascal Struijk’s sliding tackle on Harvey Elliott against Liverpool in September 2021.
The 46-year-old’s two games so far have seen him tasked with major decisions. On matchday one, Pawson handed a straight red card to Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa for a professional foul. Then, in matchday three, he awarded a penalty to West Ham when a Nottingham Forest defender bundled Crysencio Summerville over.
Fulham v Leeds United should be an intriguing contest, Leeds have opportunity to build on strong start
The one thing us football fans ask for from Premier League referees is consistency.
Pawson’s Leeds games haven’t been laden with controversy, which is encouraging. Especially given how bad some officiating can be in the EFL and Premier League.
However, we’ve not exactly had much joy with refereeing decisions when making our way down to London, and Craven Cottage in particular.
This trip to Fulham is a tough game for Leeds, so coming away without defeat would be a positive result.
Score predictions? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!