The referee has been confirmed for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
It is set to be a seismic afternoon at St James’ Park, as Newcastle United and Chelsea go to battle in the race for Champions League qualification.
The two sides are level on points and goal difference ahead of Sunday’s game, with Eddie Howe’s side sitting above Enzo Maresca’s team on goals scored.
A win puts Newcastle on the brink of Champions League qualification, and the Magpies may have been given a good luck charm ahead of Chelsea’s arrival on Tyneside.
Referee confirmed for Newcastle United vs Chelsea
The Premier League have announced that John Brooks will be the referee for Newcastle United vs Chelsea on Sunday.
Darren England will be on VAR duty. He recently refereed the Magpies’ 5-0 win over Crystal Palace that saw Nick Pope concede a controversial penalty. Fortunately, it was saved by the England international.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
When it comes to Brooks, he has actually been a good luck charm for Newcastle United this season.
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He has refereed the Magpies three times, and witnessed three Toon wins. Not only that, but they have been massive wins for Howe’s side.
The first was a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak heading the winner. The second was another win over Arsenal, this time in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. And the third Newcastle triumph that Brooks officiated was the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.
Newcastle have won 100% of their games that Brooks has refereed this season, while it is the opposite for Chelsea.
He has also refereed Chelsea on three occasions, but those appearances have brought three defeats for the Blues.
Newcastle United sweating on Fabian Schar’s fitness
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Newcastle United fans are awaiting news on Fabian Schar’s fitness.
He was substituted in stoppage time during Newcastle’s draw with Brighton, with Sven Botman replacing him.
After the game, Howe was unable to confirm if Fabian Schar was suffering from cramp or a muscle problem.
“I’m not 100% sure what’s happened with Fabby,” he said.
“Fabby was limping. I don’t know whether that was cramp or a muscle injury, so we’ll have to check.”
If Schar is injured for the game against Chelsea, Botman is on standby to return to the Newcastle United starting XI.