All eyes are now on Friday night’s clash as Leeds United look to avoid a third successive Premier League defeat when struggling West Ham United arrive at Elland Road.
Leeds and West Ham both come into the game off the back of two dismal defeats to sides expected to be alongside Daniel Farke’s side in the fight to avoid relegation. Leeds suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Burnley.
Micah Richards said Leeds were “excellent” against Burnley, having 19 attempts on goal to Burnley’s four. But, Leeds were unable to take their chances and have now managed just one win in seven league games.
Meanwhile, on Monday night, West Ham were beaten by Brentford at home by the same scoreline. In truth, West Ham could have lost by four or five. Leeds fans were all left stunned by West Ham’s display.
Luis Sinisterra and Stuart Attwell.
Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images
Stuart Attwell appointed referee for Leeds v West Ham clash
The Premier League announced the officials for gameweek 9, and Stuart Attwell has been appointed as referee for his first Leeds game this season. His last game came in the 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland.
A brilliant night, that saw Pascal Struijk score twice from two Joe Rothwell crosses. Leeds have won 11 of 22 games with Attwell in the middle, but his last Premier League Leeds game was a 3-1 loss to Man City.
Stuart Attwell’s Leeds record:
Games Wins Draws Losses GS GA Y/R
22 11 3 8 30 29 43/2
In his third-last appearance in a Leeds match, Attwell sent Luis Sinisterra off shortly after half-time but Leeds managed to hold on to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa. He also reffed 2022’s 3-0 win over Chelsea.
There was an eight-year gap between 2012 and 2020 where Leeds and West Ham didn’t face each other, with Leeds in the Championship. But the two sides have done battle seven times since promotion in 2020.
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Leeds have a dismal record. The Whites have won just once in those seven matches and it came in The FA Cup, with Jack Harrison netting a hat-trick. Leeds have lost five of six Premier League games since 2020.
Attwell’s record as referee during Leeds games will give The Whites confidence they can pick up a win, especially with Leeds winning two of their five Premier League games and only losing to City and Arsenal.