Ugo Ehiogu has only had 90 minutes of Reserve team football, plus a couple of minutes against Arsenal, since his long lay off, but could make his first start since January. At right back Stuart Parnaby is struggling with a knock and it may be too soon for Michael Reiziger and Tony McMahon to return.
Only Gareth Southgate and Franck Queudrue are certain starters. Reliable Colin Cooper is drafted into the squad along with youngster Andrew Taylor.
Mark Schwarzer is also a major doubt following his "warm up" injury against Arsenal, so Brad Jones will once again deputise.
The rest of the team don't fair much better with Bolo Zenden, Joseph-Desire Job, Mark Viduka, James Morrison, Gaizka Mendieta and Malcolm Christie
all on the treatment table.
It's likely that the midfield and the forward line will continue as per the Arsenal game, however, Zenden could be in for a surprise return after making good progress from his injury.
Possible line-up:
Jones, Cooper, Southgate, Ehiogu, Queudrue, Parlour, Boateng, Doriva, Downing, Nemeth, Hasselbaink