Peter Crouch is set to start for Liverpool but Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres are out.
Alvaro Arbeloa returns after injury while second-choice keeper Charles Itandje is set to start and Harry Kewell could get a run-out.
Cardiff striker Robbie Fowler lines up against his former club.
Kevin McNaughton, Roger Johnson, Trevor Sinclair and Paul Parry are injury doubts and on-loan Manchester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel is ineligible.
Michael Oakes will return to the starting line-up in Schmeichel's place, with youngster Josh Magennis on the bench as David Ford is cup-tied.