It is understood that Middlesbrough-born central defender Matthew Bates could make his debut in place of Colin Cooper, who will be rested ahead of the trip to Manchester United. The veteran would be disappointed to miss out on representing Boro in Europe, but there will be more games to come.
The game will come too soon for Ugo Ehiogu to return and Chris Riggott may be ruled out with a thigh strain.
With Gaizka Mendieta and Ray Parlour probably missing it could give young James Morrison a chance. The 18-year-old impressed against Chelsea on Saturday, even during the short amount of time he had on the pitch.
Mendieta will have a fitness test before a decision is made on whether he will travel, while Parlour has a nasty gash on his knee, which could keep him sidelined for a week or two.
Thursday could also be an opportunity for Malcolm Christie to make his first team return. Mark Viduka has been carrying a thigh strain, so he could be rested, while Joseph Job was substituted on Saturday with what looked like a hamstring injury and could be out for several weeks.
Szilard Nemeth should recover from a stomach upset, which ruled him out on Saturday, but personally I would try Christie upfront with JFH.
Boro travel to the Czech Republic with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg which, barring some extreme disaster, will see us through to the new group stage of the UEFA Cup.
Possibly team (editors choice):
Schwarzer, Parnaby, Southgate, Bates, Queudrue, Morrison, Boateng, Doriva, Downing, Christie, Hasselbaink. Subs: Nash, Cooper, Zenden, Nemeth, Viduka