Zheng should partner Darren Ambrose in the centre with Andy Reid and Jerome Thomas, making his first start of the season, on the wings.
Possible team for Sheffield Wednesday: Weaver, Semedo, Fortune, Bougherra, Thatcher, Thomas, Zheng, Ambrose, Reid (c), Bent, McLeod
Manager Alan Pardew said "I'm hurting because I want to win, and I want this team to be a winning team,"
"We need to put that right on Saturday.
"I feel this will be a tough game for us because Sheffield Wednesday are coming here without a victory as well. You can imagine there might be a few fireworks because they will be as motivated as us to try to win.
"We've got to make sure we keep our heads and play our football, but at the same time play a game that hurts the opposition more.