David Meyler is expected to return to Hull City's starting XI to face Leeds after parent club Sunderland opted against triggering a recall clause for the midfielder this week.
Despite Martin O'Neill publicly declaring his intentions to bring Meyler back to the Stadium of Light, counterpart Steve Bruce has been allowed to keep the Irishman for now.
Meyler missed the 0-0 draw with Leicester serving a one-match suspension for collecting five yellow cards, but is likely to return to the right of a three-man central midfield.
That would free up Robert Koren to return to a more advanced role, possibly behind fit-again Sone Aluko. Jay Simpson could make way, while Nick Proschwitz would have to bide his time once again.
Alex Bruce misses out against another of his former clubs today.
The defender serves the third and final game of a three-match ban for his controversial red card against Huddersfield and will be available for Tuesday's trip to Blackpool.
Both Matty Fryatt (Achilles) and Joe Dudgeon (knee) will hope for better fortunes in 2013 as they continue their battles back from their season-ending injuries.
Rodolph Austin returned from a six-week lay-off in Leeds United's 4-2 loss at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day but Neil Warnock accepted a question mark will surround the midfielder's inclusion today.
The Jamaican suffered ankle ligament damage last month and fatigue was obvious when he fell badly off the pace in midweek.
Austin's influence makes him a key player for Warnock's men but David Norris could be preferred at the KC Stadium.
The other decision surrounds captain Lee Peltier, who missed the trip to Forest with a groin strain.
The 26-year-old, who spent a brief spell on loan with the Tigers in 2007, has featured in all but two league games this season, but was rated as a major doubt for today.
Leeds' Boxing Day failings could also push Warnock into changes in attack.
Ross McCormack is pushing for a chance in the starting XI, with El Hadji Diouf the most likely to make way if Warnock persists with a 4-4-2 shape.
Should he follow the trend of so many other visiting managers to the KC Stadium, both Diouf and McCormack could be used to flank top scorer Luciano Becchio in a 4-3-3 approach.
Leigh Bromby and Ramon Nunez are both long-term absentees following knee surgery.
