Why Leeds United and Ethan Ampadu will be irritated by Stuart Attwell appointment vs Sunderland

Leeds United have learned that Stuart Attwell will officiate their upcoming clash with Sunderland.

Daniel Farke's side are preparing for a trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

The Premier League clash will come exactly a week after the Elland Road draw to Manchester United.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a point on the day, but many expected more from the hosts.

The same will be said for a trip to the north east as a struggling Black Cats side lie in wait.

Things may be made harder for Leeds as Ethan Ampadu will remember what Attwell did the last time the two sides met.

Why Ethan Ampadu has bad memories vs Sunderland

The LS11 outfit have certainly had a mixed recent record against the Mackems.

That continued into last season as Farke's men failed to secure victory in either outing.

The first was a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, while the second was a controversial 1-0 defeat at Elland Road.

Atwell was in charge of the latter, and the Premier League has now appointed him for the upcoming clash.

Habib Diarra scored the only goal on that day in March after Joe Rodon had a header ruled out for offside earlier.

The midfielder got the chance from the penalty spot after Attwell was called by VAR to conduct an on-pitch review against Ampadu.

Handball was shortly given against Wales international as the ball bounced off his arm and away from danger.

That proved to be the match-winning moment for the Black Cats, much to the frustration of the hosts.

To know that Attwell was in charge that day and will do so again in the next meeting between the sides won't go down well.

What Leeds will expect from Attwell vs Sunderland

There is obvious frustration likely to be felt towards the match official at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

That won't be helped knowing that the Yorkshire outfit actually have a negative record under Attwell's watch.

In nine Premier League games refereed by the 44-year-old, Leeds have won just three.

They have seen two draws and four defeats, with an average of 2.11 yellow cards per game.

That won't improve the feeling of Farke or Ampadu as they go in search of a third league win of the campaign.