Leeds United will be looking to make it back-to-back Championship wins when they host Coventry City.
The Whites defeated Cardiff City 2-0 last time out. Despite returning to winning ways after their first defeat of the season against Burnley, it wasn’t the most enthralling affair.
Up against 10-men for three-quarters of the match, Leeds were not able to kill the hosts off until the 87th minute. There were actually some boos from the away end due to Leeds’ lack of tempo.
A dominant display against the Sky Blues would go a long way to restoring faith in Daniel Farke. However, Leeds will have to do something they didn’t manage once last season.
Leeds took just one point from their two matches with Coventry in the 2023/24 campaign. Mark Robins’ side found a way to really frustrate the Whites, which could make it another tough afternoon.
Gavin Ward appointed referee for Leeds vs Coventry
Leeds were on the right end of some big decisions for a change at Cardiff. Josh Smith had previously left Farke fuming at Preston North End last season, but not on Saturday.
Smith dished out a red card to Cardiff’s Joel Bagan and awarded Leeds a spot-kick for a challenge on Jayden Bogle.
However, the man with the whistle against Coventry has already angered Leeds in one match this season – Gavin Ward.
Ward was the referee for Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Hull City and left Joe Rodon, Manor Solomon and the Elland Road crowd all furious in the same half during that match.
In the 24th minute, Rodon went up to win a header from a loose ball. However, Tigers striker Chris Bedia quite clearly pushed him while he was still in the air.
With Rodon on the deck, Ward decided against giving a free-kick, allowing Bedia to run through on goal and almost put the away side in front, but for Illan Meslier’s save. Rodon was furious.
Later in the half, Solomon then thought he should’ve been awarded a foul close to Hull City’s penalty box. Lewie Coyle was practically tearing Solomon’s shirt off from behind, but nothing doing. It’s fair to say Elland Road let him know.
What is Leeds’ record with referee Gavin Ward?
Despite Ward’s less than impressive performance last time at Elland Road, Leeds actually have a good record with him refereeing.
In the 11 matches he has officiated Leeds during his career, the Whites have won seven of them.
Having said that, the most recent match he had been in charge of prior to that win over Hull City was back in February 2020, when Leeds defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Riverside.
Coventry, on the other hand, have been refereed 21 times in total by Ward, winning just six and losing 10. The most recent was their 1-0 loss at Stoke City on the opening day.
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