Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have had contrasting starts to their Championship seasons, with the Teesside side having a perfect start while the Blades are rooted to the bottom of the division.
Rob Edwards has proved to be an inspired appointment at this point, having won three from three in the Championship, with the club securing an impressive 2-1 win away at Norwich City in their latest fixture.
These results have come despite the club being linked to several signings to help strengthen the squad, demonstrating how strong a position they are in, with the club set to sign Kaly Sene.
Meanwhile, Ruben Selles has got off to the worst start at Sheffield United, with the Blades yet to secure a point this campaign, getting off to the worst start with a shock 4-1 defeat to Bristol City.
However, they may look at the referee appointment for the weekend as a sign that things are about to get better.
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Sheffield United have an impressive record when referee Lewis Smith is in charge
The Blades are yet to win this season; however, their record with Lewis Smith in charge is impressive, as they have a 66.6% win percentage when this referee is appointed, that is according to WhoScored.com.
Smith’s last game in charge of the Blades was last season when they managed to beat Rob Edwards’ former side; however, he was not at Luton Town for that defeat.
Sheffield United won 1-0 while away at Kenilworth Road in February 2025, with Anel Ahmedhodžić as the goalscorer.
The defender is no longer at the club, and there is set to be a refresh in the Blades’ backline, as they signed Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta.
While Smith is a professional, and there is no doubt about him hoping certain sides achieve victories, Sheffield United fans may find joy in the fact that the club he has taken charge of most is Sheffield Wednesday, and they only have a win percentage of 28.6% when he takes charge of Owls games.
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History is to be made with Lewis Smith in charge
Personal history will also be made in this fixture for Lewis Smith, as the referee is set to take charge of a Middlesbrough fixture for the first time ever, according to WhoScored.com.
So, Middlesbrough will be looking to continue their fine form and achieve a 100% win record under Smith in this game.
Ruben Selles will be looking for any advantage he can lean on, and the fact the club have a good record with Smith in charge, so he will hope this has a positive impact for his Blades.