Watford, buoyed by their first away victory of the campaign in the FA Cup against West Ham United at the weekend, travel North without on loan goalkeeper, Ben Foster who can not play in the fixture as part of his loan agreement between the two clubs.
Richard Lee is set to deputise between the sticks while Darius Henderson and Mackay Mackay, both of whom picked up knocks at the weekend are expected to recover in time to retain their places.
Will Hoskins is likely to return up front after being cup-tied at Upton Park and new signing from Sheffield United, Steve Kabba is also in the hunt for a debut.
On the debit side Captain, Gavin Mahon and influential defender, Dan Shittu are still doubts following their recent injuries and may join Lee Williamson (toe) plus long term knee injury victims, James Chambers, Clarke Carlisle and Marlon King on the sidelines.
Manchester United meanwhile have injury concerns surrounding Louis Saha who has been struggling with a knee injury.
Wayne Rooney may be left out of the starting line-up ahead of the Red Devils important clash at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, but Edwin van der Sar is likely to reclaim the goalkeeping jersey from Tomasz Kuszczak, and Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to the squad after a brief break in Dubai.