The Magpies head to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to build on Wednesday night's 3-3 draw with league leaders Liverpool at St. James' Park, and Robinson had been given the task of overseeing what would have been his first match involving the Magpies so far this season.

But a late change has seen Hooper step in instead for his second fixture involving Newcastle this term, after United's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in October - a game in which he booked Fabian Schär, Sandro Tonali and Sean Longstaff, along with six Blues players

Swindon-born Hooper was the man in the middle for Eddie Howe's side's victory at Brentford on the final day of last season, when the Magpies won 4-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium. On that occasion, he issued yellow cards to Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Joelinton.

This term, the 42-year-old - a top flight official since 2018 - has refereed primarily in the Premier League, but has also taken charge of three Championship games.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 35

Yellow cards issued: 143

Red cards issued: 3

Assistants

Assistant referees: Tim Wood and Steve Meredith

Fourth official: Steve Martin

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Assistant VAR: Nick Greenhalgh