Ex-Huddersfield and Crystal Palace boss Bruce will put out a side containing the likes of England stars Emile Heskey and Matt Upson as he aims to progress in a competition in which the Blues reached the final four years ago.
Penalty shoot-out heartbreak was to follow after Trevor Francis's side drew 1-1 with Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium, and had they won the Blues would have qualified for Europe.
But Bruce is aiming to go one better this time around after seeing what effect winning the competition had on Middlesbrough's fortunes two years ago.
Bruce said: "We can't win the Premier League. We've been mid-table in all the three seasons I've been here but where can we go?
"We have to try and win a cup. That's why I'll put my strongest team out against Scunthorpe, because it's our chance. It's five games - that's it!"
Other players expected to make an appearance include Jermaine Pennant, Muzzy Izzet, Mikael Forssell and Walter Pandiani.