The Magpies host the Seagulls at St. James' Park, bidding to reach the quarter-final stages of the competition, and this will be the third time Taylor has officiated a fixture involving Eddie Howe's side this term.

The Manchester-born official, who has refereed two FA Cup finals, was the man in the middle for United's 3-1 away win at Nottingham Forest in November and showed a total of two yellow cards, booking Newcastle defender Dan Burn.

The 46-year-old whistler, a FIFA listed referee since 2013, oversaw Newcastle's 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day and showed a straight red card to Villans striker Jhon Durán as well as showing three yellow cards, booking Kieran Trippier and Joelinton.

2024/25 stats

Games (all competitions): 30

Yellow cards issued: 103

Red cards issued: 2

Assistants

Assistant referees: Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn

Fourth official: Robert Jones

VAR: James Bell

Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis

Support VAR: Graham Scott