Thatcher back from ban

Ben Thatcher returns from an eight-match ban as Manchester City look to bounce back from last week’s mauling at Wigan by beating Middlesbrough on Monday.

The former Wales defender has not been involved since his horrific assault on Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes in August and is one of a clutch of previously absent senior stars who are hoping for a recall.

Sylvain Distin (hamstring), Darius Vassell (knee), Nedum Onuoha (hamstring), Hatem Trabelsi (ankle) and DaMarcus Beasley (ankle) are all expected to be available after recent injuries as City look to record their first Premiership win against the Teessiders.

Team (from): Weaver, Hart, M Mills, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Jordan, Sinclair, Trabelsi, Barton, Hamann, Reyna, Beasley, Samaras, Corradi, Vassell, Dickov.