Thompson will take his place in the centre of midfield as United will be without Jonathon Douglas at Prenton Park as the Eire international completes the five-match suspension he incurred at Colchester United last season.
Robert Bayly is also banned following a red card on the final day of the 2006-07 term at Derby.
Striker Leon Constantine, who accepted a two-year deal with Leeds on Tuesday, is suffering from an ankle injury and could miss the first fortnight of the season.
Tore Andre Flo is also likely to be missing while his battle against a fractured foot goes on.
Full-back Frazer Richardson is doubtful having missed the latter stages of pre-season with a hamstring strain and his absence would leave Dennis Wise short at right-back.
Scott Gardner, who started against Wigan Athletic last weekend, would come into contention, while fellow youngsters Jonathan Howson, Ben Parker and Tom Elliott are all vying for places.
United will also be without cover for keeper Casper Ankergren unless they tie up Scott Loach's loan move from Watford in time for kick-off.
Experienced midfielder Shaun Derry is out until October after undergoing surgery on an Achilles problem last season.
The Whites (from): Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Heath, Lewis, Parker, Gardner, Thompson, Weston, Westlake, Howson, Carole, Delph, Beckford, Kandol, Elliott, Hughes.
Robert Bayly is also banned following a red card on the final day of the 2006-07 term at Derby.
Striker Leon Constantine, who accepted a two-year deal with Leeds on Tuesday, is suffering from an ankle injury and could miss the first fortnight of the season.
Tore Andre Flo is also likely to be missing while his battle against a fractured foot goes on.
Full-back Frazer Richardson is doubtful having missed the latter stages of pre-season with a hamstring strain and his absence would leave Dennis Wise short at right-back.
Scott Gardner, who started against Wigan Athletic last weekend, would come into contention, while fellow youngsters Jonathan Howson, Ben Parker and Tom Elliott are all vying for places.
United will also be without cover for keeper Casper Ankergren unless they tie up Scott Loach's loan move from Watford in time for kick-off.
Experienced midfielder Shaun Derry is out until October after undergoing surgery on an Achilles problem last season.
The Whites (from): Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Heath, Lewis, Parker, Gardner, Thompson, Weston, Westlake, Howson, Carole, Delph, Beckford, Kandol, Elliott, Hughes.