It will be the Yorkshire official's first visit to St. James' Park this season - and his first match involving the Magpies since he took charge of the Tyne-Wear derby in March 2016.

Having started refereeing at the age of 16 in his local Bradford leagues, Atkinson rose through the divisions and was appointed to his first top flight fixture in April 2005, as Manchester City took on Birmingham City.

He has since become regarded as one of the country's top officials, and in recent years has overseen the 2006 FA Community Shield, the 2011 FA Cup final, and the 2014 Capital One Cup final as well as the 2015 Europa League final and three Euro 2016 matches.

So far this term, the 46-year-old has refereed 11 matches - ten of them in the Premier League - and shown 32 yellow cards and two red cards.

On Wednesday night, he will be assisted by Stephen Child and Adrian Holmes. Andrew Madley will be the fourth official.