Newcastle United are looking in good shape to claim an automatic promotion place in the Championship this season, ensuring an instant return to the Premier League following relegation last time around.

The jovial Newcastle fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been in better spirits since August and they are hopeful that Rafael Benitez’s men can complete the task in hand.

Today sees the Magpies travel to League One outfit Oxford United in the FA Cup, with many of their supporters in the Tavern expecting a stunning victory and an easy passage into the fifth round.

It seems like just yesterday when the Magpies’ ardent supporters were downing pint after pint here in the Tavern after their miserable relegation, although they are now hopeful that those days are firmly consigned to the past.

Lee Clarke looks at two players who simply must start for Newcastle today.

Daryl Murphy

The former Ipswich Town man has netted in each of his last three outings for Newcastle United and it is vital that Benitez gives him the nod once more.

Murphy’s confidence is brimming right now and it would be foolish for the Magpies’ manager not to let him loose once again on League One opposition.

One Newcastle supporter is playing on the fruit machine in the Tavern and he says he was disappointed to see Murphy pick up an injury earlier in the season, although he is glad that the talisman is now fit and firing.

Rob Elliot

The Newcastle goalkeeper hasn’t played a game yet this season following a serious injury, although the game with Oxford could be the perfect occasion to get him back out onto the pitch.

The agile keeper has been the subject to interest from other clubs of late and he could depart the club before the window slams shut.

One Newcastle supporter is tucking into a continental breakfast of a croissant and a coffee here in the Tavern and he thinks Elliot should definitely start in the game against Oxford this weekend.