I don't think there's much danger of City boss Glenn Roeder making wholesale changes to the Canaries' line-up out of choice tomorrow – despite the fact that opponents Bury really shouldn't really pose too many problems.
After all, had Norwich been sitting nicely in one of the top six places in the Championship right now, then maybe the manager could think about resting half a dozen or more of his first team regulars and taking a chance that those coming into the side would have enough in terms of experience and quality to still be able take care of whatever the League Two strugglers could throw at them.
Others sides may indeed be in a position to do that tomorrow, but it's imperative that City are able to continue this excellent run of form with a victory, not only to place themselves in the hat for a potentially lucrative fourth round tie, but mainly to ensure that this positive momentum is carried forward into the next league game at Barnsley next Saturday.
Anyone carrying a slight knock or in need of a breather will certainly not be risked. And while Roeder may feel that one or two players need to be given 90 minutes to stake a claim for a place in his first team squad on a regular basis, or to prove to him that they have what it takes to be a part of what he wants to achieve here at Norwich, he will also be only too aware that he can't afford to overly weaken his line-up and risk the Canaries' being the victims of a cup upset.
Winning the game is the absolute priority, but considering that the transfer window has just opened, any fringe players given a chance tomorrow can surely take it as being a final opportunity to convince the boss of their worth, and accordingly they simply have to deliver.
At Crystal Palace on Tuesday City produced an excellent performance against a considerably in-form side, and the manner of some of their approach play in particular caught the eye.
It was as though the players on duty realised that while their recent performances have undoubtedly been satisfactory, a similar display at Selhurst Park would not be enough for them to secure a result.
Lee Croft seemed like a man on a mission after being handed a rare start under Glenn Roeder, and he certainly grasped his opportunity with both hands.
He did more than enough to warrant keeping his place in the side tomorrow, and so it will be interesting to see if Roeder breaks from what has now become a familiar set-up to his midfield whereby he has played with just one wide player and three central midfielders, in order to keep Darren Huckerby happy.
Of course given the standard of opposition tomorrow, a 4-4-2 formation with both Huckerby and Croft involved from the start could hardly be viewed as him taking a risk, and indeed many City supporters are of the opinion that this is how City should be deployed in every game.
On top form Huckerby and Croft will cause any defence numerous problems, but you have to hand it to the City boss for sticking to his guns in the league games and doing it his way in midfield given the fact that Norwich have now lost only one of their last nine games.
And judging by how Croft responded to being given a chance on Tuesday, the competition for places is producing exactly the type of reaction from players that Roeder would have been hoping for.
Visitors Bury will basically arrive at Carrow Road tomorrow with the brief of enjoying their day first and foremost and with the view that anything other than a defeat being an unexpected bonus.
There is a no pressure on them whatsoever and they really have nothing to lose, but given their current form in League Two a cup shock tomorrow seems highly unlikely.
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