Saturday 13th JanuaryNewcastle United vs Manchester CitySt. James' ParkKick-off 5:30pm GMT

The 38-year-old will be the man tasked with keeping order as the Magpies look for a first league victory in four attempts, with Pep Guardiola's men the first opponents to arrive on Tyneside in 2024.

Kavanagh, a top flight referee for almost six years, has already taken charge of a game between the two sides this term - the Magpies' 1-0 win over City in the Carabao Cup in September, when Alexander Isak's goal separated the teams.

This will be the fifth game involving Eddie Howe's men that Kavanagh has overseen so far this season. He also refereed their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in November, the 4-1 reverse at Tottenham Hotspur last month and the 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Kavanagh, who hails from Ashton-under-Lyne, is also on FIFA's list of international officials, having been promoted to that level in 2019.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 16Yellow cards issued: 65Red cards issued: 2

Assistants

Assistant referees: Simon Bennett and Neil DaviesFourth official: Tim RobinsonVAR: Peter BankesAssistant VAR: Simon Long