The 50-year-old’s appointment has been confirmed for the clash at the Vitality Stadium (3pm kick-off), which will be just the second time Dean has overseen a fixture involving the Magpies this term.

His first United game of 2018/19 came at St. James’ Park, where he dismissed DeAndre Yedlin and booked seven players in total – including Ciaran Clark and Ki Sung-yueng – in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in December.

Dean, who refereed just one Magpies fixture in 2017/18, was also the fourth official during Rafa Benítez’s side’s thrilling 3-2 win over Everton last Saturday.

In all, the Wirral whistler has taken charge of 28 games across the Premier League, Championship, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and League Two this season, dishing out 114 yellow cards and 10 reds in the process.

Dean – who has issued 99 red cards since becoming a top-flight referee in 2000 – will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Adrian Holmes this weekend, while Lee Probert will be the fourth official.