Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 13 May 2026 17:00, UK

Daniel Farke will want to win every game left, despite Leeds United having nothing left to play for.

The German is a competitive man, and finishing as high as possible in the Premier League still provides some added financial benefits.

Relegation is no longer a fear, with the Elland Road outfit mathematically safe from that possibility with West Ham losing to Arsenal.

Additionally, European football is out of reach, meaning the Whites are effectively on the beach heading into this weekend.

However, after the Premier League’s latest official appointment for Leeds versus Brighton, Farke is surely going to sigh based on his history.

Michael Oliver appointed for Leeds vs Brighton

The Premier League has made its announcement on the officials set to take charge for matchweek 37.

With Leeds hosting Brighton in the final home game of the season, it will be Michael Oliver who takes centre stage. Meanwhile, it will be Stuart Atwell taking on the VAR duties.

Oliver has officiated 19 games involving the Whites, with the LS11 outfit having a losing record under him.

They have won just five games, drawn five and lost nine. Their last win with Oliver officiating came in the 2022-2023 season, where Jesse Marsch oversaw a 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield.

It gives them just a 26.3 per cent win rate heading into the final Elland Road match of the season.

Oliver was also in charge for the reverse fixture this season when Brighton defeated Farke’s side 3-0. The German will be hoping for different fortunes this time around.

Especially after referee controversy in Leeds’ game against Tottenham.

Why Daniel Farke will be unhappy with Michael Oliver appointment

Back in September, when Leeds United faced Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw, Oliver awarded a free kick to the Cherries, which left Farke bemused.

Midfielder Anton Stach was penalised for a foul on Ryan Christie.

The Whites’ manager was left in disbelief, believing this was the first time a foul of that nature was awarded in the Premier League.

He stated: “Never a free-kick, much too soft, first time this has ever been given as a free-kick at Premier League level. Maybe you could argue it was giving the referee a decision, but it was never a foul.”

In the end, Antoine Semenyo scored from the resulting set piece, which is likely why the Leeds boss was left particularly unhappy on this occasion.