Friend reunited on Thursday night

It will be the Leicestershire official's first match involving the Magpies this season, although he has taken charge of 19 games in all competitions so far this term, showing 75 yellow cards and one red. 

Friend, 50, has been refereeing since he was a teenager, rising through the ranks in Leicestershire before entering the professional game's pyramid in the 2000s. He has been a top flight official since 2009, and refereed both the 2013 League Cup final and the 2019 FA Cup final, as well as the 2012 Community Shield.

On Thursday at St. Mary's, he will be assisted by Simon Beck and Eddie Smart. Graham Scott is the fourth official, with Andre Marriner on VAR duty at Stockley Park, assisted by Derek Eaton.