The Leicestershire official has been appointed for the Stamford Bridge clash, which will be the third Magpies game he has taken charge of this term.

The first came at St. Mary’s in October as United drew 2-2 at Southampton, and the second came in the league meeting between Newcastle and Chelsea in the capital, which Antonio Conte’s side won 3-1 in December.

It will be Friend’s 21st game of the season, and during that time the 46-year-old has issued a total of 49 yellow cards and just the one red – to Leeds United’s Liam Cooper in their 3-1 defeat at Cardiff City in September.

Friend – who has overseen games in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup so far during 2017/18 – will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis and Ian Hussin on Sunday, while Simon Hooper will be the fourth official.