Leeds United’s upcoming clash with Luton Town on Saturday has taken on huge significance for multiple reasons, and the EFL has now issued an official update regarding the match.
A poor run of form, with just one win in five games, has seen Leeds slip to second place, now level on points with third-placed Burnley. If they want to secure automatic promotion, they must regain momentum quickly.
Their slump has come at the worst possible time, with both Burnley and Sheffield United hitting strong form. In the same period that Leeds have collected just five points, their promotion rivals have each picked up 13.
Saturday’s match is not only crucial for the promotion race but also offers Leeds a chance to gain ground, as Burnley face Coventry and Sheffield United are on the road. In light of this, the EFL has made an announcement.
EFL Appoints Referee for Leeds’ Trip to Luton
Despite sitting 23rd in the table, Luton have found form, winning three of their last five games, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Joe Gelhardt’s Hull City last weekend.
Matt Bloomfield’s squad has received a boost with the return of three key players, though they will still be without four, including Jacob Brown and Marvelous Nakamba. Officiating the match will be Thomas Bramall.
Bramall, an experienced referee from Sheffield, has only officiated one Leeds game before—a 5-2 FA Cup replay victory over Cardiff during the 2022-23 season, where Willy Gnonto scored a stunning scissor-kick goal.
EFL Also Confirms Referee for Leeds vs. Middlesbrough
The Luton fixture marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for Leeds, with five games in just 16 days. After Luton, they face an inconsistent Middlesbrough side vying for a Championship play-off spot under Michael Carrick.
Referee Sam Allison has been assigned to that game. Like Bramall, Allison has officiated Leeds just once at senior level, overseeing their 1-1 draw with Huddersfield last season. However, he has also refereed three Leeds U21 matches.
If Leeds can secure back-to-back wins against Luton and Middlesbrough, it would shift momentum in their favor and put significant pressure back on Burnley and Sheffield United, who go head-to-head on April 21.
