The Magpies travel to the Den to take on Alex Neil's Lions, who currently occupy seventh spot in the Sky Bet Championship, as they aim to continue their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign.

Pawson oversaw three of the Magpies' Premier League fixtures last term, including Newcastle's goalless draw at Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season, handing a straight red card to Ezri Konsa.

The South Yorkshire whistler also took charge of Newcastle's 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, with the only yellow card of the game issued to Dan Burn before being appointed for November's 4-1 win against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The 47-year-old, who refereed the 2018 Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, took charge of his first Premier League game in March 2013 as Newcastle suffered a 1-0 defeat against Swansea City.

2025/26 stats

Games (all competitions): 27

Yellow cards issued: 81

Red cards issued: 3

Assistants

Assistant referees: Lee Betts and Matthew Wilkes

Fourth official: John Busby