Stoke's Andy Wilkinson is relishing the challenge of trying to shackle Aston Villa's wingers.
Full-back ready for in-form wingers
Stoke's Andy Wilkinson is relishing the challenge of trying to shackle Aston Villa's wingers on Saturday.
Villa have underlined their top-four credentials with impressive victories away to Manchester United and Sunderland over the past few days.
Wilkinson is wary of the threat they will present, especially from wide positions where Stewart Downing and Ashley Young have been terrorising opposition full-backs.
Versatile defender Wilkinson started the 2-2 draw against Wigan at left-back but could be moved to the right with Robert Huth suspended.
He is not taking his selection for granted but hopes to be given the opportunity to show that he can compete with such gifted attacking players.
Test
"Every game in this league is a test, but especially going there and with how well they are doing," Wilkinson told
The Sentinel.
"I was up against Ashley Young last season. He is quick and likes to get his deliveries in the box early.
"You have to get tight to him - but not too tight otherwise he goes straight past you. It's not easy.
"Hopefully, I will be playing. It is never easy, but I thrive on testing myself against the best players in the world."
Stoke have proved a resilient outfit since winning promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and Wilkinson is targeting a shock result at Villa Park.
He said: "I don't think they will look forward to playing us, because of how strong and determined we are. Hopefully, we can cause an upset."
