The West Sussex-based official has, however, taken charge of a match involving the Magpies this season - he was the man in the middle when United faced Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in August.

He also refereed three Newcastle games during the 2016/17 season in the Sky Bet Championship. He took charge of a 2-0 home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers (sending off Vurnon Anita), a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers and a 3-1 defeat at Ipswich Town.

So far this season, he has refereed 14 games - a dozen in the Championship and two in the Carabao Cup - and shown 43 yellow cards and one red.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn. Anthony Taylor will be the fourth official. Kevin Friend will be on VAR duty, assisted by Matthew Wilkes.