Newcastle take on Brighton at St James’ Park in the late evening kick off.
The Magpies with a win against the Seagulls.
Martin Atkinson is the man in charge of the match tomorrow, but what’s his Premier League record so far this season and when he's officiating Newcastle?
Atkinson has appeared in all five Premier League games this season. He’s dished out 20 yellow cards so far, the second highest amount this season behind Anthony Taylor. Eight of these cards came in a feisty North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.
United players might have to be on their best behaviour as Atkinson is one of the stricter refs in the top flight. According to WhoScored.com, he's whistled for 24 fouls per game - the third most of any top flight ref. That's compared to Andre Marriner, who is the most lenient of the elite refs this season with just 15 fouls per game.
And he’s already officiated a Newcastle match this season - their opening day defeat to Arsenal .
Atkinson brandished four yellow cards in this fixture, Miguel Almiron being the only Newcastle player amongst this group.
The 48 year-old has also awarded around 24 fouls per game, also the second highest amount this season.
The referee’s record with Newcastle in the Premier League doesn’t make for bad reading. In the last ten years, Atkinson has refereed 28 games of which Newcastle have won 12, drawn six and lost ten.
However, he’s not afraid to dish out a couple of cards. He’s shown 48 yellows and five red cards in all his Newcastle fixtures during this period.
It's a key game for United. In his press conference this morning Bruce said: The vast majority of the team have been for a while now so they understand the demands & the importance of a game against Brighton.
"They’ve had a total change of style, so it’ll be a difficult game, but we’re at home & it’s a wonderful opportunity."
