UP TOP: Wilfried Bony
I always cast my mind back to the first time I saw him play at the Stadium of Light – I couldn’t believe how strong and powerful he was, but also how athletic. I remember him clash with Jack Colback in the middle of the park and I couldn’t help but laugh because poor Jack was trying so hard, but he just couldn’t push him off the ball or get round him and Bony simply stood and said ‘don’t’. For a club like Manchester City to pay the amount they did for him shows there is a lot of talent there, and although he’s gone out on loan I’m sure it won’t be long until he shows his class once again.
BATTLE OF THE STOPPERS: Lee Grant or Shay Given
It’s worth remembering that Lee Grant is only on loan from Derby County, so you have to give him a lot of credit because he’s come in and performed really well, with the display against Manchester United the cherry on top. That said, I’d personally like to see Shay Given feature – even more so had we been at home – because there’s history there and I’ve known him for over 20 years. He will always be remembered for his time at Newcastle United but he also spent time here, and he’s a fantastic professional who has enjoyed great longevity.
HOT OR COLD: Marko Arnautovic
I went to watch him play against Bosnia & Herzovogina a couple of years ago and it was immediately obvious that he had real ability. He can do something magic but at the time he wouldn’t track back, even though it was clear there was greatness there. Over the past few years he’s started to work harder – be it through maturity or understanding, I prefer the latter – and he’s got a fantastic reputation at Stoke and in the Premier League. If he’s up for it, it’ll be hard to stop him.
BUNDLE OF ENERGY: Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri is a bundle of energy and he’s a player who real excites those who watch him. He has fantastic skill, drives at his opposite number and can take it both ways, but above all he can do something from nothing and produce a goal out of the blue. We have to watch him from the first whistle til the last because if you give him an inch he can punish you.
FIT OR MISS: Joe Allen
Joe Allen has arguably been Stoke’s biggest positive of the season but he’s looking increasingly likely to miss out due to a hamstring injury. If he does, that would provide Sunderland with a boost because he’s a player who can score goals and create them. I thought he did well at Liverpool but it was probably time to move on, and he hasn’t looked back with his performances culminating in that late equaliser at Old Trafford. He can dictate the tempo of the game and if he doesn’t play he leaves a big void in that role behind the forwards.
HEART OF DEFENCE: Ryan Shawcross
Ryan’s been at Stoke City for years and you have to admire that. I’m a big fan of loyal players and he’s a good old fashioned centre back who loves to defend and get stuck in. That said, Duncan Watmore tore him to bits last year and really got at him and that will be in his mind, so hopefully Duncan gets another chance on Saturday and the results are the same.Likewise, if Shawcross performs to the top of his game our forward players are in for a real battle.
BACK TO FRONT: Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson is an incredibly interesting player because he loves to get forward but is equally passionate about defending, which is rare. Modern-day full-backs love to attack but sometimes they don’t enjoy the grittier side of the game, so to see a player who does is great and he’s a very good pro. He was recalled to the England squad last week despite Stoke’s form which shows he’s performing at a high level, and he will play a key role in terms of the way we attack and defend. It will be an intriguing test for Patrick van Aanholt should he start.
