The clash at St. James’ Park will be Hooper’s first top flight appointment of the season so far, and his sixth outing in total.

Wiltshire whistler Hooper has been a Premier League referee since the 2015/16 campaign, though he was only promoted to the Select Group 1 list earlier this summer.

His only Premier League game last term was the Magpies’ 1-1 home draw with Burnley, though he officiated 42 games in total during 2017/18.

And so far this term, 36-year-old Hooper has refereed five fixtures across the Championship, League One and League Two, showing 18 yellow cards. He is yet to brandish a red card this season.

He will be assisted by Richard West and Daniel Cook on Saturday, while Mike Dean will be the fourth official.