Leeds United have made a solid start to life back in the Premier League with 11 points from their opening nine league games. They have been resilient and competitive and are being backed to survive in the top flight at the end of the season.
A 2-1 win over West Ham at Elland Road on Friday night released some of the pressure that was building on the Leeds team after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.
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Daniel Farke’s Leeds side have matched the points haul Marcelo Bielsa’s team picked up after nine games in the 2020/21 season, when they finished ninth in the Premier League standings.
Despite a couple of shoddy performances, there is a lot more positivity around Leeds ahead of their trip to Brighton on Saturday. But a familiar face at the Amex Stadium will not fill them with confidence.
Michael Oliver appointed for Brighton v Leeds United clash
The Premier League has announced the match officials for the tenth round of games scheduled for the upcoming weekend, and Leeds may feel a little wary.
Michael Oliver has been appointed as the referee for the game between Brighton and Leeds at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Neil Davies as the VAR.
He is widely considered one of the best referees in the Premier League, and regularly takes charge of big games in the top flight of English football.
Oliver is also highly rated in Europe and is often appointed for big Champions League and Premier League games. He will take charge of World Cup games next year as well.
However, Leeds have a horrendous record when Oliver has been in charge of their games in the Premier League. The Whites have lost six, won and drawn two when the 40-year-old has been the referee.
Oliver oversaw Leeds’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at Elland Road earlier in the season.
Leeds would not mind if Oliver manages the game like he did against Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola’s side sit second in the Premier League standings at the moment. However, they were lucky to escape with a point from Elland Road.
The Cherries boss conceded that his side struggled to deal with Leeds physically, and the home team were a level above his players.
Leeds displayed some of the grit and determination that have marked their performances this season, against Bournemouth at Elland Road earlier in the season.
The game was a bruising, physical battle, and Leeds showed exactly how tough Premier League sides will find trips to Yorkshire this season.
It was a very physical battle, but Oliver managed the game well, and only two yellow cards were produced, both to Leeds players.
The Whites may not mind if the 40-year-old takes a similar route on Saturday when they take on Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
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