Sheffield United: Why the referee appointed for Wolves clash is a good omen for the Blades

Sheffield United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this Sunday, in what should be an enthralling encounter in the battle between fifth and sixth - a situation few would have been able to predict before the season began.
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The Premier League have now released the details of the match officials for the upcoming weekend’s top tier action, revealing that David Coote will be the man in charge of the big game at Molineux.

He's refereed two Blades matches already this season - their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, and the 1-1 draw with West Ham United - and has officiated the club's matches on 14 occasions in the past; including the crucial 1-0 win at Elland Road against Leeds United last season.

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The referee has shown one red card across the Blades games he's been in charge of, which was given to John Fleck back in 2017 in a 2-1 home loss to Bristol City – a decision which Chris Wilder heavily criticised in his post-match press conference.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, United's record with Coote refereeing is pretty impressive, with just two losses across the 14 games. Wolverhampton Wanderers have, however, also fared well with the 36-year-old in charge, winning nine out of the 14 games he's overseen.

In records reaching as far back as 1892, the two clubs couldn't be closer matched, with the Blades winning 39 games to Wolves' 38, and 36 draws also taking place. United haven't managed to claim three points on their last five trips to Molineux, but will still be hopeful of picking up their first win at the West Midlands ground since 2002, when a Michael Tonge brace helped them cruise to a 3-1 victory.