Whittingham, the Bluebirds' top scorer this term with 19 goals, misses out with a torn groin muscle while left-back Kennedy is sidelined with a calf injury.
Goalkeeper David Marshall is fully fit again following a knee ligament injury and could replace Peter Enckelman between the sticks.
Adam Matthews is also hoping to return to the side but fellow defender Gabor Gyepes is struggling with a back problem sustained in the recent defeat at Preston.
City have been severely hampered by injuries this term and continue to be without Joe Ledley (hips), Stephen McPhail (ribs), Mark Hudson (ankle), Miguel Comminges (thigh), Josh Magennis (broken fibula) and Kelvin Etuhu (ankle).
