Whelan injured his back at Hull on Saturday and was taken off at half time but the young Irishman is now back to full fitness and should start the game.
If Whelan does come back, he will again partner Steve Adams in the middle of the park, who came back and did really well last weekend.
Peacock impressed in an unfamiliar right-wing position at the KC Stadium and Sturrock is still thinking about playing him there or back in attack.
Nicky Weaver will play his last game for the club before going back to Manchester City - David Lucas should be fit to face Preston on Boxing Day.