Shay Given believes dealing with Rory Delap's long throw will go a long way to nullifying Stoke's threat.
City ace believes team-mates need to master long throw
Manchester City keeper Shay Given believes dealing with Rory Delap's long throw will go a long way to nullifying Stoke City's threat on Tuesday.
Roberto Mancini's side take on The Potters for the second time in four days after the sides drew 1-1 in their FA Cup fifth round tie at Eastlands on Saturday.
It was Delap's long throw that led to Ricardo Fuller's leveller at the weekend and Given believes they must deal with Stoke's special weapon if they are to claim the points.
City are desperate to pip the likes of Liverpool and Spurs to that all-important fourth place in the Premier League and the Irishman believes it is vital they win at The Britannia.
Ability
"You see it every week on Match of the Day, you know what is coming, you know what to expect - but it is another thing dealing with it," stated Given.
"At the Britannia Stadium you have the narrowest pitch in the Premier League and Delap can wang it to the near post, to the far post, anywhere! He's got that ability.
"So, we know what's coming. If we win Tuesday's game we move into fourth position. And then we go back again the following week for the replay.
"So, hopefully, by the end of the three games we'll finally know how to deal with Delap's long throw! But, certainly, if we want to win the FA Cup and finish fourth in the league then we've got to come out on top of that long throw - and deal with how they play."
