Canaries won’t be underestimating East Anglian rivals

Colchester have been tipped as one of City's major rivals for promotion - by Bryan Gunn. 'I would expect them to be challenging,' said the City boss. 'Certainly for one of the top six, seven spots come the end of the season.'

Colchester have been tipped as one of City's major rivals for promotion - by Bryan Gunn.

“I would expect them to be challenging,” said the City boss. “Certainly for one of the top six, seven spots come the end of the season.”

Gunn has done his homework on today's opponents - he watched their last home game of last season and spent Thursday night analysing videos of their pre-season games.

“We've watched them on a number of occasions and I sat up and watched through most of the games they have played this season - it's going to be a tough fixture,” added Gunn.

“Colchester brought in some new signings at the end of last season - Paul Lambert was obviously trying to rebuild the squad then, and he has also been buying wisely throughout the summer, so they, like ourselves, have got new faces.

“They will be competitive, they will be strong, physical - we know what to expect and we have to stand up to that and hope that we win the little battles on the field and then with the help of the supporters and the play we have had during pre-season get on top of the game and take our chances when they come.

“It's certainly a tough fixture for an opening fixture, but at the same time it is an opportunity for us to set down that marker I have talked about.”