Sheffield Wednesday will travel to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Sunday to take part in the first Steel City derby since 2019.
Danny Rohl’s side go into the derby on fine form. With exception to their bizarre 6-2 defeat to Watford last weekend, the Owls have more than matched their recent opponents.
However, going into the derby, they will have to be at their best to get a result with the Blades sitting second, two points off the top of the table.
Rohl has already emphasised the importance of the Steel City derby as he takes charge of the rivalry for the first time.
On top of the players, referees can also play a big factor in the outcome. Therefore, Sheffield Wednesday News has highlighted all the key information you need to know about the officials on the weekend.
Who is the referee for Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday?
The Championship has announced that upcoming referee Lewis Smith will take charge of the Steel City derby clash at Bramall Lane.
The match will be the second Sheffield Wednesday game the Englishman has overseen this season after previously refereeing the Owls’ 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argle in game week one.
Read more: The five most memorable Steel City derby matches from a Sheffield Wednesday perspective.
Lewis Smith’s record against Sheffield Wednesday
According to WhoScored, Smith has taken charge of four Sheffield Wednesday games.
These ties have seen eight yellow cards and one red card shown to the Owls. In the 2023/24 campaign, Smith controversially set off captain Barry Bannan in the 1-0 defeat to Bristol City. This decision was later overturned via an appeal.
Lewis Smith’s record against Sheffield United
The Steel City derby is set to be only Smith’s second game refereeing a Sheffield United game according to WhoScored.
The only game the referee has taken charge of so far is Sheffield United’s 2-0 loss against Leeds United in October 2024.
During this match, Smith handed out two yellow cards to the Blades players with Leeds only picking up one.
Officials for Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday
On top of Smith, the referee will also be given a helping hand in officiating the game.
The two assistants for the match are set to be Sam Lewis and Alex James while the fourth official will be Dean Whitestone.