Goalkeeper Brad Friedel will return to the Aston Villa starting lineup to face a West Ham United side who have no fit senior strikers.
Mexican striker Guillermo Franco picked up an injury in training for Gianfranco Zola's West Ham and joins Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer and Luis Boa Morte on the sidelines.
Youngsters Frank Nouble or Freddie Sears may start as the lone striker.
With defenders Danny Gabbidon and Herita Ilunga both out, Julian Faubert and James Tomkins will both start in defence for West Ham.
However, midfielders Mark Noble and Scott Parker are back in contention and will replace Kovac and Junior Stanislas in the starting eleven.
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill will recall goalkeeper Brad Friedel after resting the American for the League Cup Semi Final match in midweek.
Also likely to start will be right back Luke Young, with Carlos Cueller moving back to a central defensive role alongside Richard Dunne.
With Emile Heskey having started the Carling Cup match in midweek, O'Neill could recall striker John Carew to the starting XI alongside Gabby Agbonlahor.
KICK-OFF: SUNDAY JANUARY 17th 13:30 GMT
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