The 49-year-old has been appointed for what will be a crucial fixture for both sides, with Steve Bruce’s Magpies looking to move further away from the drop zone with a victory over the Baggies, who currently sit 19th in the table.

It will be the first time Atkinson, a top flight referee since 2005, has overseen a game involving United so far this term. A FIFA listed official between 2006 and 2018, Yorkshire-born Atkinson took charge of five Newcastle games last season, which were all home games for Bruce’s side – including the United head coach’s first game in charge against Arsenal in August 2019.

He has an FA Cup final and League Cup final appearance under his belt from what has been a distinguished career in the middle, and has also refereed internationally, including at the 2016 European Championships.

This season, Atkinson has again been a regular in the Premier League, and has also officiated in both of the main domestic cup competitions in England. Across 22 matches in all competitions, he has issued a total of 55 yellow cards and just two reds – one of which was given to the Baggies’ Jake Livermore in their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in December.

Lee Betts and Nick Hopton will assist Atkinson on Sunday, with Robert Jones acting as fourth official.

Peter Bankes will be the VAR, assisted by Andy Halliday.