Players Knock At Taylor's Door

Although the City manager will be without defender Rui Marques, on loan from Leeds, he has many players returning to the squad. Damien Delaney could move back to defence to reunite his partnership with Leon Cort, but Taylor is keen to utilise him in midfield. The other option he has suggested is playing Alton Thelwell at centre back. He's been left out for the last three games, but may be tried in the position for the first time in his three years at the club. Thelwell is also an option at right-back, his natural position, to replace the inexperienced Scott Wiseman.

If Taylor goes with Delaney in defence then John Welsh could come back into the side to partner Keith Andrews in central midfield. Another option is for Stuart Green to move into the centre of the park, with fit again Ryan France returning on the right wing. Mark Noble misses out after returning to West Ham to be treated for a back injury.

Alan Rogers and Stuart Elliott will both be hoping to return to the side after fully recovering from illnesses, but Andy Dawson and Kevin Ellison could stand in their ways after deputising last week.

Striker Billy Paynter failed to score in his first start in over a month at Ipswich last week, and Craig Fagan and Darryl Duffy are queuing up to take his place. Ben Burgess is also back in light training, but isn't ready to be considered for the first team yet, while ex-Leeds player Nick Barmby is also still unfit.

Expected line-up (4-4-2): Boaz Myhill; Alton Thelwell, Leon Cort, Damien Delaney, Andy Dawson; Ryan France, Stuart Green, Keith Andrews, Stuart Elliott; Darryl Duffy, Jon Parkin.
Subs from: Matt Duke, Alan Rogers, Mark Lynch, Robbie Stockdale, Scott Wiseman, John Welsh, Kevin Ellison, Craig Fagan, Billy Paynter.