The Leicester-based official took charge of the Magpies' game at Southampton in October - one of 12 matches he's refereed this term.

He's shown 28 yellow cards and one red in those fixtures, across the Premier League, Championship and Carabao Cup.

And throughout the whole of last season, he flashed red cards on only two occasions.

Friend started refereeing at the age of 14 in the Leicestershire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance before being promoted to the National List of Referees.

He progressed to the Select Group of Referees ahead of the 2009/10 season and refereed the 2013 League Cup final between Swansea City and Bradford City.

On Saturday, Friend will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis and Matthew Wilkes. Roger East will be the fourth official.