Kick-off is at 3pm and all tickets for both the away end and adjacent neutral sections have now been sold.
Squad: Sammy Ameobi, Sylvain Marveaux, Nile Ranger and Steven Taylor remain on the injury list, whilst Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cissé are all away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Assertions that Yohan Cabaye would be OK to feature after leaving the field on a stretcher last Saturday have now given way to doubts over his availability, but Peter Lovenkrands is in contention for a place in the squad for the first time since the Norwich away game last month.
And there are reports that Danny Guthrie - who partnered Cabaye in central midfield - is also carrying a knock.
Rob Elliot continues as goalkeeping cover in the absence of Steve Harper, who reported swelling around his knee after a recent training session.
FFC: Strike pair Moussa Dembele and Orlando Sa will both miss Saturday's game through injury. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer remains sidelined with back trouble meanwhile, but midfielder Dickson Etuhu is available again.
Former Magpie Aaron Hughes has lost his place in the Cottager's starting XI and watched their last seven first team games in all competitions from the bench without getting the call.
Fellow old boy Damien Duff meanwhile scored his first Premier League goal of the season (fifth in all competitions) in that Ewood Park reverse.
Martin Jol's side have beaten QPR, Liverpool, Bolton and Arsenal on home ground this season, while the points were shared with Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City.
A trio of sides have left with maximum points so far: Everton, Spurs and Manchester United.
Ref: Lee Mason - third outing of the season for this Lancashire-based whistler, following the 4-3 Carling Cup away win at Forest and 0-0 home Swansea stalemate.
