Sheffield United striker Ched Evans is in contention following surgery on a hamstring problem this summer.
Darius Henderson is sidelined, leaving Richard Cresswell and Daniel Bogdanovic to compete for a place up front.
MATCH PREVIEW
Dave Jones, the longest-serving manager in the Championship, may need his experience to ensure his Cardiff side suffer no hangover from May's heartbreaking defeat in the play-off final.
Of the Championship clubs that have been in the top flight, only Preston have been out of if longer than City, whose chances of getting there for the first time since 1962 would be boosted by a good start to the campaign.
They face a Sheffield United side that narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, finishing two places and five points away from the top six after a difficult season in which injuries took their toll.
Their squad still looks light on numbers but boss Kevin Blackwell has made a potentially important signing in the shape of Leon Britton from Swansea. The midfielder will relish an early chance to impress against his former club's bitter rivals.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Sheffield United have won 25 and Cardiff 23 of the 66 previous league games between these clubs.
• United have won only one of their last six Championship matches against the Bluebirds.
Cardiff
• This is the fourth season in a row Cardiff are starting a league campaign at home, and they have won their last two opening-day matches.
• Only champions Newcastle opened the scoring in more matches last season than Cardiff, who scored first in 30.
• Chris Burke is set to make his 200th appearance in English and Scottish club football.
Sheffield United
• United came from behind to draw in 10 Championship matches last season - more than any other team.
• They have not won on the opening day since beating Leicester in 2005.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport