The match officials for Leeds United’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Sheffield United on Friday have been announced, with Lewis Smith set to take charge at Elland Road.

Smith’s refereeing debut came on the Under-18 Premier League circuit back in 2016, taking charge of the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.

Since then, the official has worked his way up the pyramid and has taken charge of over 220 matches, three of which coming in the Premier League, as well as gaining experience in Japan’s J1 League.

The referee has overseen matches in all of England’s top four divisions so far this campaign, as well as appearing three times in the Carabao Cup.

Smith’s first outing in the Premier League this term came at Portman Road as Ipswich Town held Fulham to a 1-1 draw in Suffolk.

The clash will be just Smith’s second visit to Elland Road, having only ever officiated the Whites in one previous fixture – last season’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle.

Friday’s evening will be the first time Smith has been in the middle of a match involving Sheffield United.

2024/25 stats:

Games (all competitions): 11

Yellow cards issued: 37

Red cards issued: 2

Other match officials selected:

Assistant referees: Paul Hodskinson & Matthew Smith

Fourth official: John Busby