Marlon King is expected to have recovered from his hamstring and illness problems that prevented him from starting at Reading last weekend and return to take his place up front at the expense of Anthony McNamee. 
Meanwhile, Jay DeMerit is expected to retain his place at the centre of defence at the expense of Clarke Carlisle after excelling at the Madejski Stadium.
Carlisle is likely to be named amongst the substitutes and the ex-Queens Park Rangers star, together with James Chambers, Al Bangura and McNamee all had a run out for the reserves against Ipswich Town last Monday.
Southampton have injury problems ahead of the clash and Darren Potter (Achilles), Matt Oakley (ankle), Djamel Belmadi (Achilles) and Martin Cranie (hamstring) are all rated as doubtful.
Better news surrounds the prospects of Alexander Ostlund and Marian Pahars who are both fit and hoping for a recall to George Burley's starting line up.