This is the second time Atkinson will officiate at St. James' Park this term, with the West Yorkshire official taking charge of United's opening league game of the season - a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal - in which the 48-year-old brandished four yellow cards, booking Newcastle's Miguel Almirón for simulation.

Atkinson has refereed six games this term, showing 20 yellow cards, including eight in the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, but is yet to brandish a red card.

Atkinson, who has been a Premier League referee since 2005, has refereed at international and Champions League level as well as refereeing the 2011 FA Cup final and the 2014 League Cup final.

Lee Betts and Constantine Hatzidakis will be the assistant referees at St. James' Park while the fourth official is Darren England. Anthony Taylor will be the video assistant referee with Andy Halliday as the assistant VAR.