Eddie Howe's side travel to the capital to face Enzo Maresca's Blues at Stamford Bridge and this will be the first time Hooper has officiated a fixture involving the Magpies this season.

The Swindon-born official took charge of Newcastle's 4-1 win against Chelsea last term, sending off Blues defender Reece James at St. James' Park as well as brandishing nine yellow cards, booking Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Matt Ritchie.

The 42-year-old was also the man in the middle for United's Emirates FA Cup quarter-final tie away at Manchester City in March, booking Lascelles, Fabian Schär and Miguel Almirón during a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Promoted to the Select Group 1 of referees in 2018, Hooper oversaw Newcastle's 4-2 win at Brentford on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign and booked eight players that afternoon, including Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Joelinton.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 35

Yellow cards issued: 143

Red cards issued: 3

Assistants

Assistant referees: Adrian Holmes and Simon Long

Fourth official: Rob Jones

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin