New signings Elias Kachunga, Josh Windass, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and loanee Izzy Brown can all be expected to be in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s televised Carabao Cup first round tie at Walsall.
The other summer acquisition, defender Chey Dunkley from Wigan, continues to recover from a knee injury sustained last season and is not likely to figure in the squad.
Garry Monk also has to choose between Joe Wildsmith and Cameron Dawson in goal while Liam Palmer is away on international duty, being an unused sub in Scotland’s 1-1 Nations League home draw with Israel on Friday evening.
The game against division two Walsall is live on Sky Sports and kicks off at 2.15pm.
Looking ahead to the season, with Wednesday starting at minus 12 points in the Championship, Monk said: “We have come back in with a positive attitude and we are looking forward. I spoke to the players at the end of last season, even though it’s only a short break.
“I sent them all a letter, all the players that were going to be here, about what I wanted coming back and what needs to happen moving forward.
“That transition was coming and it wasn’t just about new players, it’s about themselves. The key is to open your mind to a little bit better and want to achieve more.”
He added: “They have taken everything on board and done more on and off the pitch in terms of the mentality approach to what we need to do.
“New players coming in helps them see that transition more but it is more about ourselves and mentality. We know the challenge that is ahead of us. It’s huge. It is probably one of the biggest in terms of the recent history of the club.
“The players have worked so hard and I feel that they are ready.
“There are still a lot of improvements to go and there are going to be setbacks along the way but I truly believe it feels fresh and new. I think the players feel it as well.”