The Magpies take on the Toffees at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the first of two meetings between the sides in the space of five days, with a Premier League game to follow at St. James' Park on Monday.

And Thursday's tie will be the first time Hallam has refereed a match involving United, with the 33-year-old having moved up to the top flight earlier this year.

Hallam was a trainee at Stevenage and took up refereeing after being released by the Boro in 2012. His ascent has been a swift one: in 2024, he oversaw his first game in the EFL, and in January 2026 he took charge of his first Premier League game between Manchester City and Wolves.

So far this season, he has refereed two top flight games, four Championship fixtures and a Carabao Cup tie, and is yet to keep his cards pocketed.

2025/26 stats

Games (all competitions): 34

Yellow cards issued: 111

Red cards issued: 0

Assistants

Assistant referees: James Mainwaring and Constantine Hatzidakis

Fourth official: Sam Barrott