Titus Bramble has been named in the squad for the game with Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City, but with only one reserve team appearance to his name since suffering a hamstring injury he is unlikely to start unless both Andy O’Brien and Andy Griffin fail to make it.
O’Brien is still struggling with the back injury sustained at Wolves but is described as probable, as is Griffin who sustained an elbow injury after a fall in the gym.
In midfield Sir Bobby must choose between Clarence Acuna and Nobby Solano, as Jermaine Jenas has made himself almost undroppable in recent weeks. Hugo Viana and Gary Speed are still out injured.
Up front Alan Shearer thankfully returns from suspension, with Shola Ameobi reverting to the bench.
Keegan is likely to partner Nicolas Anelka with Shaun Goater up front, after Robbie Fowler opted to stay with Leeds.
Danny Tiatto is likely to return in midfield where Keegan will choose between Eyal Berkovic and Ali Benarbia for the playmaker role.
Peter Schmeichel is almost certain to miss out, so expect to see Carlo Nash between the sticks.
Squads
Us
: Given, Harper, Griffin, Hughes, Dabizas, Bramble, O'Brien, Caldwell, Bernard, Elliott, Jenas, Acuna, Kerr, Dyer, Solano, Robert, Ameobi, LuaLua, Cort, Bellamy, Shearer.Man City
: Nash, Dunne, Howey, Distin, Jihai, Berkovic, Foe, Horlock, Jensen, Anelka, Goater, Benarbia, Wright-Phillips, Weaver, Wiekens, Huckerby, Tiatto, Mettomo.