The Magpies face the Eagles at St. James’ Park (3pm kick-off) with just one place and one point separating the sides in the table, and 36-year-old Attwell has been appointed for the fixture which will be just his second outing involving United this term.

He was the man in middle of Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Cardiff City in January, while last season the Nuneaton official refereed four United games, including the 1-0 win over Saturday’s opponents Palace in October 2017 and the 2-1 win at Leicester City last April.

Attwell, who was first promoted to the Select Group of Referees ahead of the 2008/09 campaign, has been appointed for Premier League, Championship, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and League Two games this season, refereeing 26 games in all.

In that time he has shown a total of 83 yellow cards, including one to Cardiff’s Victor Camarasa against the Magpies, and three red cards.

He will be assisted by Simon Long and Richard West on Saturday, while Craig Pawson will be the fourth official.