It will be the first time that the Cheshire official has refereed at St. James' Park in the league and only his third match involving the Magpies - the most recent coming just a couple of weeks ago when he was the man in the middle for United's Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Brentford.

He was also in charge when Newcastle drew 0-0 with Oxford United in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round last January, as well as overseeing United under-21s' Checkatrade Trophy win at Crewe Alexandra in the 2017/18 campaign

Jones was promoted to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Select Group 1 in August following a rapid rise through the refereeing pyramid, which included refereeing the League One play-off final between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town at Wembley in May 2018.

He has taken charge of seven games in all competitions this season, showing 14 yellow cards and no red cards. He did not send a player off last season, either, although he did flash 114 yellow cards in 34 matches.

On Sunday, Jones will be assisted by Mark Scholes and Darren Eaton. Martin Atkinson will be the fourth official with Lee Mason the Video Assistant Referee at Stockley Park, assisted by Adrian Holmes.