Martin Jol has doubts over midfielder Jermaine Jenas and striker Dimitar Berbatov. Jenas failed to train on Thursday after receiving a knock on his toe while Berbatov is nursing an ankle injury. Both players were on the scoresheet in their 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Tuesday night and Jol remains hopeful they will recover in time. Captain Ledley King is still sidelined after surgery to cure a knee problem.
Everton will be without veteran defender Alan Stubbs because of a hamstring problem. However, the Toffees are boosted by the return of full-back Nuno Valente and centre-back David Weir following groin injuries. Summer signing Joleon Lescott gets the chance to start his first Premiership match, having come on as substitute for Everton twice this season and never having played in the top flight when his former club Wolves were last in the division due to injury.
