Stoke City v Manchester City: Michael Owen in contention for FA Cup clash
STOKE striker Michael Owen has put himself in pole position to play a major part in trying to knock Manchester City out of the FA Cup this weekend.
The former England striker came through the first 45 minutes of yesterday's 1-1 friendly draw with Derby at the Football Association's St George's Park complex near Burton.
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Michael Owen is guaranteed at least a place on the bench for Saturday's big fourth-round tie against Manchester City.
That, together with last weekend's first goal for the club in the 3-1 league defeat at Swansea, guarantees him at least a place on the bench for Saturday's big fourth-round tie against City (12.45pm).
"That was a big goal for Michael because I know how much it meant to him to reach 150 in the Premier League," said Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
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"It's a great achievement, and even with all his experience it won't do any harm psychologically.
"This latest 45 minutes just keeps him ticking over nicely.
"He's come through it all right, as did quite a few other senior players, so it was a worthwhile exercise."
Jermaine Pennant played the first 45 minutes after returning from a loan spell at Wolves, while Rory Delap also figured in the first half following his recovery from groin surgery.
Mama Sidibe played the opening 45 after his loan stint at Sheffield Wednesday.
A younger Stoke team played the second half and scored through youth-team striker James Alabi.
Meanwhile, Pulis has confirmed that American international Brek Shea will not join in the transfer window.
Pulis had been hoping to study the 22-year-old utility player in a week-long stay, but negotiations with the MLS appear to have hit a stumbling block to prevent any deal before the end of the month.
"I can't see him coming now," Pulis stated. "We'll see what the future brings."
FANS are reminded that tickets remain on general sale for the Manchester City tie priced £20 for adults, £10 for over-65s and £5 for under-17s.
34 Comments
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by LiamOSullivan
Saturday, January 26 2013, 5:39PM
“And Owen neverplayed, sinceDeano was preferred. No sense whatsoever.”
by Pottedrengen
Saturday, January 26 2013, 11:44AM
“They do have Zabaleta, probably one of the most decent men in the game today. A real artisan amongst the artists, bohemians and immature in the Citeh squad.”
by MyVince
Saturday, January 26 2013, 1:20AM
“Perhaps the inference is that they have good players who are indecent.
Whatever, they are very effective players.
The point to make is that Man City don't seem to get the better of Stoke
at the Brit and so, as long as the players are up for it, as they were against Liverpool,
Stoke should win”
by wintertime
Friday, January 25 2013, 8:39PM
“No he asked if they were decent. Big difference lost on you”
by Pottersruleok
Friday, January 25 2013, 8:25PM
“Did stars-stripes just ask if anybody knew if there are any good players who play for Man City ?? Just like he had no idea what the sky boxes are in the stadium he claims he goes to every week, he now thinks there are no good players who play for Man City.
It really does make you wonder doesn't it ?”
by LiamOSullivan
Friday, January 25 2013, 3:52PM
“You've got it all wrong, rules. Nobody cares about you - at all.
We're just having fun at all your lies and your inability to wiggle yourself out of your web of deceit.”
by wintertime
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:03AM
“The fact that Yaya is away is possibly the key for our success. However they do have Barry, some idiots would say he cant play in midfield because he played the first ten years of his career at lb, but he's a really sly performer who tends to hold back when Toure is there but shines when he isn't.”
by Stars-stripes
Friday, January 25 2013, 6:50AM
“To true myvale Mancini might play a weak side leaving Tevez on the bench and play balotelli, he might decide to give kompany a rest toure is away at the Africa cup and Hart is looking dodgy at the moment. Can you think of any decent players who play for man city because I'm struggling, anyway good draw for the vale last night at Wimbledon so you must be happy.
Why don't you ask pottersruleok if you can share his box?”
by MyVince
Friday, January 25 2013, 12:29AM
“Well Stripes, last time I looked Bradford were 60 places below Aston Villa,
so based on your reckoning, Pulis should have no problem overcoming
Man City, since Stoke are only 8 places below them.
I fully expect Stoke to beat Man City since they always seem to hold their own
against them at the Brit.
Pulis needs a good Cup run, as the only other target he aims for is 40 points
a Season.”
by Potterspeil
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:29PM
“Sorry to labour the point, but for the third time, can I again ask you how much your sky box costs you, what tier of the ground it is on and what is the name outside your door?
Why all the prevarication?
I'll give you another option as my earlier question may be too intrusive?
Do the sky boxes serve:
a) silver service fayre
b) prawn sandwiches
c) dubious buffets”