Match officials confirmed for Cottagers clash

Eddie Howe's side travel to Craven Cottage targeting a third consecutive Premier League win for the first time since September 2023 and Bankes has been tasked with officiating the encounter in West London.

The Lancashire official, promoted to the Select Group 1 of Referees ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, was the man in the middle for Newcastle's 2-2 away draw against West Ham United last season and handed out six yellow cards that afternoon, booking Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães and Miguel Almirón.

A FIFA listed referee since 2021, Bankes' first Premier League red card was issued in February 2020 to Newcastle's Austrian loanee Valentino Lazaro during a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 11

Yellow cards issued: 58

Red cards issued: 1

Assistants

Assistant referees: Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh

Fourth official: Leigh Doughty

VAR: Rob Jones

Assistant VAR: Mark Scholes