Kevin McNaughton may again be asked to partner Roger Johnson in the centre of defence as the Bluebirds seek to bounce back from Wednesday's midweek defeat to Watford.
The 2-1 defeat to the Hornets was Cardiff's third straight home loss this season.
Wingers Joe Ledley and Peter Whittingham are pushing for a recall while striker Steve Thompson may earn a starting berth at the expense of Robbie Fowler.
Fowler has yet to score for the Bluebirds and has been struggling recently with a back injury.
Preston boss Paul Simpson is missing on-loan Newcastle striker Andy Carroll for the trip.
Carroll was sent off during Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe and begins a three-match suspension.
He could be replaced by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor, who staked a claim for a place in the starting line-up with two more goals for the reserves in midweek.
The former Liverpool frontman took his tally to four in three appearances for the second string as North End beat Bury 3-1 at Deepdale on Wednesday.
Mellor should at least make the bench at Ninian Park after failing to make the 16 in two of the last three matches.
Simpson, whose side have taken just four points from their opening six games, is still without Paul McKenna, who is around a month away from returning from a long-standing groin problem.
Goalkeeper Wayne Henderson is hoping to be passed fit after missing the last three games with a back strain but midfielder Adam Nowland and winger Joe Anyinsah have both left the club on loan for League One clubs Gillingham and Carlisle respectively.
Sporting Life