The big news is that Kieron Dyer has been given the all clear after having an X-ray on his problematic shin injury and is set to start.
Jermaine Jenas has also been included in the squad after recovering from an Achilles problem, while Laurent Robert is available again after suspension meaning Hugo Viana is likely to return to the bench.
There are no new injury worries so Robert’s return is likely to be the only change from the team that started against Chelsea, but Steve Harper will return to the bench in place of Tony Caig after completing his suspension.
Boro have some new injury doubts – Chris Riggott is definitely out after having surgery on a torn cartilage so Ugo Ehiogu will return after his rib injury.
Malcolm Christie is suffering from a virus and is likely to be replaced by Massimo Maccarone up front, while Steve McClaren will make a late decision on the participation of Brazilians Juninho and Doriva.
Squads:
Us: Given, Harper, Hughes, Bernard, Griffin, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bramble, Speed, Dyer, Robert, Solano, Jenas, Viana, Kerr, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, LuaLua.
Smoggies: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Ehiogu, Southgate, Queudrue, Boateng, Greening, Geremi, Christie, Ricketts, Cooper, Maccarone, Job, Nemeth, Crossley, Doriva, Murphy, Whelan.