It will be the Warwickshire official's second game involving Newcastle United this season, after he took charge of August's 3-1 defeat at Norwich City.

That day, he showed four yellow cards, booking Paul Dummett, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff as well as the home side's Max Aarons.

In total, he has refereed nine games this season across the Premier League, Europa League and Championship, showing 49 yellow cards and one red. Last term he showed 99 yellow cards and four red cards in 30 matches in all competitions.

Attwell was the youngest person ever to referee in the Premier League when he officiated a draw between Blackburn Rovers and Hull City in August 2008 at the age of 25, before Northumberland-based Michael Oliver broke the record two years later.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Neil Davies and Richard West. Alan Young will be the fourth official while Jarred Gillett will be on VAR duty at Stockley Park, assisted by Ian Hussin.