First the bad news – unavailable are Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer (both suspended), Hugo Viana and Nobby Solano (injured) and Jonathan Woodgate (ineligible).
Steve Harper is available despite his domestic suspension and will sit on the bench, Andy Griffin is back after an elbow injury but is unlikely to force his way into the starting line up.
In midfield Gary Speed looks set to come in for Solano with Jermaine Jenas playing on the right, unless Sir Bobby springs a major surprise by selecting Brian Kerr and pushing Kieron Dyer forward.
Shola Ameobi is a certain starter up front, with one of Lomana LuaLua, Carl Cort or Michael Chopra alongside him.
Squad: Given, Harper, Karelse, Hughes, Bernard, Griffin, Elliott, Bramble, O'Brien, Dabizas, S. Caldwell, Dyer, Speed, Jenas, Robert, Kerr, Acuna, Ameobi, LuaLua, Cort, Chopra.