Attwell in the middle for Cherries clash | OneFootball

The Magpies face their head coach Eddie Howe's former club at St. James' Park looking for what would be a tenth successive victory in all competitions, with Attwell selected to keep order when the Cherries arrive on Tyneside.

It will be the 42-year-old's second appointment for a game involving United this term, following the 4-0 win at Ipswich just before Christmas - a game in which Alexander Isak bagged a hat-trick and Attwell booked two of the Tractor Boys' player at Portman Road.

Attwell - a top flight official for four years between 2008 and 2012, before beginning a second stint in the Premier League in 2016 - also referees in European competition. He has refereed in the UEFA Conference League, as well as the Championship, Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup, so far this term, while last season he oversaw an international friendly between Australia and New Zealand as well as Nations League and Conference League action.

The Warwickshire-born official is yet to keep his cards pocketed in 2024/25 so far.

2024/25 stats

Games (all competitions): 16

Yellow cards issued: 61

Red cards issued: 2

Assistants

Assistant referees: Constantine Hatzidakis and Natalie Aspinall

Fourth official: Dean Whitestone

VAR: Peter Bankes

Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt