Dan Gosling could get his United debut, as Leon Best is also facing a fitness test on a heel injury, with Shola Ameobi (hamstring) and Andy Carroll (thigh) out and currently on a winter sunshine break.
Cheik Tiote is unlikely to be risked with the Tyne-Wear derby just nine days away.
Defender Mike Williamson, youngster Shane Ferguson and Nile Ranger could all get a piece of the action, but Jonas Gutierrez looks set to miss the match due to injury.
Jonas took a whack on the leg against West Ham early in the game.
Alan Pardew: “Jonas is a little bit worse than we thought and is definitely out and Steven Taylor, who has a hamstring, will be out as well.
“Shola Ameobi will also miss out and Leon Best will also have a fitness test.
“Mike Williamson did very well before I came to the club.
“But he has an opportunity under myself and it is a great one for him.
“The players that have served us well will be in the squad.
“Danny Guthrie will get a chance and Dan Gosling may get a piece of action, but he hasn’t played a reserve game yet so I will see – it is early days for him.
“He is progressing well and I am so pleased for him.
“He will be like a new signing for us in a couple of weeks.
“Outside of that it will be about the squad, and Fergie (Shane Ferguson) is the youngster in it.”