Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate (both groin), Younes Kaboul and Wilson Palacios (both knee) are all unavailable but William Gallas could start after scans revealed a hamstring problem he suffered in training on Tuesday was not serious.

Long-term absentee Tom Huddlestone (ankle) took part in training this morning but is still two weeks away from full fitness.

Provisional squad: Gomes, Pletikosa, Cudicini, Hutton, Gallas, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, Khumalo, Corluka, Bale, Sandro, Jenas, Lennon, Pienaar, Rose, Crouch, Kranjcar, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Van der Vaart.