Following the international break, Steve Bruce's side return to competitive action against Frank Lampard’s Blues and this will be Pawson's second game involving the Magpies at St. James' Park this term.

The Sheffield-born official was the man in the middle for Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat against Manchester United last month, awarding a penalty to the Red Devils after a VAR review and also issuing a yellow card to Emil Krafth.

In the nine games the 41-year-old has officiated so far this season across the Premier League, Championship, Europa League and Nations League, he has shown a total of 31 yellow cards and handed out two reds.

Pawson, who made his Premier League bow as an official during Newcastle’s top-flight defeat to Swansea City back in March 2013, refereed three United fixtures last term: a 5-0 defeat at Leicester City in which he sent off Isaac Hayden, a 2-2 draw against West Ham United at St. James' Park and a 2-1 loss to Watford, with both of the Hornets’ goals coming from the penalty spot.

On Saturday, Pawson will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Harry Lennard while Robert Jones will be the fourth official.

Simon Hooper has been named as the VAR and will be assisted by Scott Ledger.