The Wiltshire whistler is a member of the Select Group of referees but, having missed the whole of last season due to injury, has yet to take charge of a top flight match this term - and has only done so once since United's 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in May 2015.

He is, however, no stranger to Newcastle supporters, having officiated several Magpies games during his career.

So far this term Probert - who refereed the FA Cup final in 2014, when Arsenal beat Hull at Wembley - has been in the middle for 17 games in all competitions. He's shown 25 yellow cards and one red.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Mark Pottage and Philip Dermott. Oliver Langford will be the fourth official.