Aston Villa hope defender Nathan Baker will be fit after a hamstring strain.
Boss Steve Bruce remains without Africa Cup of Nations duo Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew, but has the option of bringing in new signing Henri Lansbury.
Preston are without suspended duo Greg Cunningham and Ben Pearson.
Midfielder Pearson completes a two-match ban, having collected 10 yellow cards, while full-back Cunningham reached that mark last weekend and is replaced by Tommy Spurr.
Striker Jermaine Beckford is back from a four-game suspension and former Villa midfielder Daniel Johnson has overcome a bout of flu.