Chelsea welcome back Didier Drogba and Mikel John Obi after suspension for the trip to Middlesbrough.
But the Blues have injury concerns over Ashley Cole (ankle) and captain John Terry (knee).
Both are expected to miss out along with suspended Wayne Bridge, who serves the second of a three game ban for being sent off against Fulham in the reserves.
Squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Obi, Lampard, Essien, Kalou, Shevchenko, Sidwell, J Cole, Malouda, Drogba, Pizarro, Wright-Phillips, Carvalho, Sinclair.