Sunderland handed referee for Sheffield United clash who left Championship boss fuming last weekend

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Sunderland and Sheffield United go head-to-head on Friday night in the biggest game of the season so far for the Black Cats.

It’s a game Sunderland will be hoping can set a real marker for the rest of their campaign, as Regis Le Bris’ side look to get back to winning ways after five draws in a row.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, are flying high at the top of the table and could put some real distance between themselves and Sunderland with a win at Bramall Lane.

Le Bris has three players walking a suspension tightrope going into that game, so the matter of the match officials may well be something the Sunderland manager has at the very least considered.

• READ MORE: Danny Collins says one Sunderland star has to ‘produce more’ for Regis Le Bris

Gavin Ward denied Stoke City winner late on vs QPR

The referee for the game on Friday night will be Gavin Ward. A highly experienced and, more often than not, controversy-free match official, Ward would ordinarily go into this game with very little spotlight on him.

But, last weekend, Ward officiated the clash between QPR and Stoke City, and angered Stoke manager Narcis Pelach by ruling out a late goal from Bae Jun-ho for handball.

Speaking to Stoke on Trent Live about the decision that cost his team the win, Pelach appeared reluctant to discuss the matter in too much detail, but said: “The referee said it was a handball, in the first contact… The referee whistled what he saw, he whistled late… He must’ve seen a handball.”

With so much at stake in his next game, fans will be hoping to watch Sheffield United vs Sunderland without having to worry about any refereeing decisions impacting the result.

• READ MORE: West Brom boss admits Sunderland are so good at one thing as Black Cats trio impress

Sunderland cannot let situation affect their system

There is no avoiding the fact that this game against Sheffield United is huge, for both teams. That kind of pressure can be hard for players — and indeed referees — to handle at times, but the Black Cats have to keep their heads on Friday.

If they can ignore the pressure cooker of the Bramall Lane atmosphere, and play their own game, there is no reason Sunderland can’t claim an important win and make a statement for the rest of the season as we head into the festive period.

Regis Le Bris may have to alter his system slightly to ensure the right personnel are on the field, but it will all be about discipline and concentration for Sunderland, against one of the very best teams in the second tier.

Win, and Sunderland will be right back in the mix at the top of the table. Lose, and they could end up slipping away from this title race altogether.