Kevin Keegan will ring the changes when Manchester City play host to Preston.

The City boss slammed his players' attitude after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Wimbledon last week, and is set to bring in some new faces as the Blues look to avenge a 2-1 defeat by North End back in October.

Striker Paulo Wanchope is set to go straight back into the side after returning from international duty with Costa Rica in the Gold Cup, while centre-back Steve Howey could also be thrust back into the spotlight after recovering from a foot injury.

Midfielder Danny Tiatto is also available again after serving his three-match suspension for his dismissal against Norwich last month.

Stuart Pearce and Ali Benarbia play their last games before beginning their own three-match bans for recent red cards.

Preston will gave a late fitness test to skipper Sean Gregan ahead of the tough trip to Maine Road.

The influential midfielder limped off in the 4-2 midweek win over Sheffield Wednesday with a badly swollen foot but has responded well to treatment and might yet make David Moyes' starting line-up.

Colin Murdock remains on the sidelines with a stress fracture of his foot, but fellow central defender and long-term absentee Michael Jackson could make a surprise return after his ankle injury.

Chris Lucketti also returns in the heart of the North End defence after a one-match ban, though first-choice goalkeeper David Lucas is still out with a hamstring problem.