The Bristol-born official was the man in the middle for the Magpies' 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October, sending off Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff at St. James' Park.

Friend, a member of the Select Group Referees since 2009, has taken charge of an FA Cup final (2019) and League Cup final (2013) over the course of a refereeing career which has spanned three decades. His first top-flight appointment came in 2009.

In the 15 games Friend has refereed this term - which includes 12 in the top-flight, two in the Championship and one in the Carabao Cup - he has issued 46 yellow cards and three red cards.

On Thursday, Friend will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Darren Cann with Oliver Langford as the fourth official. Mike Dean will be the video assistant referee while Ian Hussin will be the assistant VAR.