Oxford United: Match officials announced

The match officials for Leeds United’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Oxford United on Saturday have been announced, with James Bell set to take charge at Elland Road.

The Select Group 2 referee has been in the middle for 13 matches so far this campaign, officiating 10 times in the Sky Bet Championship, once in League Two and twice in the Carabao Cup.

Having taken charge of two matches involving the Whites last campaign, a 4-1 home victory over Huddersfield Town and a defeat against Blackburn Rovers, Bell then was in the middle for United's pre-season success over Valencia CF, before Daniel Farke’s side slipped to a defeat against Burnley in September.

Oxford United, meanwhile, have struggled for form in the four matches Bell has officiated. After losing their first three against Doncaster Rovers, Plymouth Athletic and Wigan Athletic in League One, the Yellows were then held to a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road by Luton Town.

Earlier in his career, Bell also refereed the 2019/20 National League Play-Off final at Wembley, which saw January’s FA Cup opponents Harrogate Town beat Notts County to earn promotion to League Two for the very first time.

2024/25 stats:

Games (all competitions): 13

Yellow cards issued: 58

Red cards issued: 5

Other match officials selected:

Assistant referees: Ian Cooper & Hristo Karaivanov

Fourth official: Scott Oldham