Since Stoke’s promotion, many methods have been employed to try to nullify the threat posed by Rory Delap’s bullets into the box.
Dean Windass tried distracting him with some unusual warm-up routines, Lucas Neill attempted to engage in some towel-related mind games and, just the other day, Burnley tried pushing the advertising hoardings closer to the pitch, but still goal after Stoke goal stems from a Delap throw.
Aston Villa won’t need any fancy techniques to shield themselves from an onslaught – they’ve got Richard Dunne, while the presence of James Collins
The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies
Maicon to Manchester Utd or Manchester City
Roman football rag Corriere dello Sport today claim Utd and City are fighting it out for Inter Milan’s neglected wing-back, who wishes to ‘pursue happiness’ at a different club. Real Madrid have reportedly bid €20m, while Fergie has allegedly set aside €25m of his Ronaldo money to land the Brazilian, but both could be blown out of the water by Mark Hughes’ chequebook. The Spoiler truth-o-meter: One would imagine Maicon would aspire to play for Madrid or the Red Devils, but his agent says his €3.5m-a-year wages do not ‘reflect the worth of his client’, suggesting City and their bottomless pit of cash may be able to tempt him.
Richard Dunne to Sunderland The Daily Mail says Steve Bruce’s side are close to capturing the City defender for the princely sum of £5m.
The players who form the backbone of the top flight
On Wednesday, we brought you the Pepe Reina-free Big Four XI, and today it’s time to look at the best of the rest. The likes of Jo and Luka Modric have been excluded as we’ve yet to see how they adapt to Premier League football. Plus, there’s no Dimitar Berbatov because we’re assuming he’s off to Old Trafford, or maybe the Nou Camp.
Shay Given (Newcastle)
Why Given over James, Friedel and Howard, you ask? Well, the other three can always rely on their defence for support which is a luxury that the Newcastle goalkeeper has never been blessed with. The Irishman is the only man this century to twice wear the number one jersey in the PFA’s Team of the Year.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The young left-back was one of Spurs’ only solid performers at the start of the last campaign before an injury in December ruled him out for the rest of the season. The Welshman also boasted an impressive scoring record with three goals in nine domestic starts.
Richard Dunne (Manchester City)
Despite his error last night, the Irishman is one of the best defenders
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