Nicolas Anelka (foot) and Trevor Sinclair (knee) have also sustained slight injuries in training but should join Thatcher in the City line-up at Belle Vue.
Belgian de Vlieger gets his chance as David James has been given longer to regain full fitness after Euro 2004.
James and City's other international stars - Claudio Reyna and Paul Bosvelt - all returned a week late to pre-season training.
Meanwhile, Sun Jihai remains on international duty with China so is another definite absentee.