Thatcher seems set to replace Stephen Jordan now the former Wales international has completed the eight-match ban he picked up for his disgraceful attack on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes in August.
Like Vassell and Onuoha, Thatcher came through a closed-doors reserve team outing against Bury unscathed on Thursday afternoon. And while Pearce expects the 30-year-old to come in for some jeering from the opposition fans, he feels the defender has plenty to contribute to the City cause.
"Mickey-taking goes on throughout the game," he said.
"I am sure Jermain Defoe will get some stick this weekend after he bit someone.
"I just hope Ben gets treated the same way as everyone else.
"The main thing for us is that he is fit and available. We are pleased with the way he has approached his suspension because it is one of the most frustrating situations you can have as a player.
"When you are fully fit and working as hard as everyone else, then find yourself with nothing to do on a Saturday, it is very tough.
"Hopefully, Ben has learned from what happened and we can move forward from now on."
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SP is comparing what Thatcher did to Defoe's nibble. Mendes could have been seriously injured by Thatchers challenge and at worst Mascherano could have got a bruise. SP is becoming a bit of a laughing stock.
What visiting fans
"Mickey Taking"? No footballer would find it remotely funny that Thatcher tried to inflict a serious head injury on a fellow player, when the ball was on the way out for a throw-in. There was no excuse, reason, explanation, for this action. Therefore his fellow professionals will regard him as an unstable loose cannon, liable to assault any of them at any time. This is not funny, it is a matter of public safety. How is the Bury right winger? Has he woken up yet?
Vassell must play on Monday!
The guy should never play for us again, it was pure GBH from a player who has very limited ability and like D.Mills for some reason he has it in his head he is a hard nut, he is responsible for giving away stupid free kicks in dangerous areas of which we know we can't defend and is a liability, keep faith in Jordan.
it does not matter if ashley cole or roberto carlos played at left back for city jordon or thatcher have no help in front of them when was the last time city had anyone on the left side who tracked back to help the full backs.call sinclair what you like but he does track back and help richards. all this is sp lack of signing a desent left sided midfielder.
I'm not one to have a go at the manager, but if he plays Thatcher, he's lost the plot completely.
Well said Dave in Manchester, correct in every way, although Jordan, an all-round more complete player, has done his cause to make the left-back slot his own in Thatcher's absence. Thatcher is a thug who should never play for us again. It'll be interesting to see what response he gets this evening from the crowd.
how many visitng fans, about the same as there will be coach drivers. two rows if your lucky.