You're the boss - Norwich v Colchester

Fan's team selection (Norwich Evening News - 30 October 2006)

You're the boss

Gallacher; Drury, Shackell, Doherty, Colin; Eagle, Etuhu, Safri, Ryan Jarvis; Dublin, Thorne.
Subs: Camp, Hughes, Spillane, Rossi Jarvis, Robinson

With half the Norwich team on the injury table, and in the wake of two horrible defeats, Peter Grant must go back to basics to ensure three points against Colchester.

The remaining players know and are comfortable with 4-4-2. Now is not the time to tinker. Only two points separate Coventry in 8th place and City in 18th, so a home win tonight could shoot City back up the table, as well as provide a much needed morale-booster.

The Championship’s leading goal-scorer, Robert Earnshaw, and the ever-energetic Darren Huckerby are unlikely to win their race for fitness and with Lee Croft freshly crocked, Grant may be forced to hand Peter Thorne his first league start of the season alongside Dion Dublin.

Gary Doherty has on numerous occasions in the past stepped forward to lead the line, but when paired with Dublin, like with Teddy Sheingham during his time at Spurs, pace would be sorely lacking. Thorne may not be that much quicker over 10 yards, but after so long on the sidelines he would surely relish the chance to start and be out to prove a point.

Doherty, as was shown against Stoke, is a defender, so let him play where he plays best and leave the midfield duties to Youssef Safri (back from injury) and Dickson Etuhu who are more than man enough to boss the centre of the park when in the mood. Given the opportunity, Robert Eagle and Ryan Jarvis on their respective flanks would provide the pace to trouble the Colchester back-line and the service for Dublin and Thorne.

Regardless, City need a result.