Woodgate to face City

Jonathan Woodgate joined Stoke City in a 'pay-as-you-play deal' in a bid to resurrect his injury ravaged career

Jonathan Woodgate is set to keep his place against table-topping Manchester City despite a horror show at right-back for Stoke City last time out.

The 31-year-old was hauled off after just 19 minutes at Wolves after he gave away a penalty and was fortunate not to see red having already been booked for a previous foul on tricky winger Matt Jarvis.

But with skipper Ryan Shawcross banned for the match at City, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid man is likely to return to his more familiar role in the heart of the defence.

Potters boss Tony Pulis said: "Jonathan will probably start at City and I've got no problems with throwing him back in.

"The Wolves game has gone now and he fully accepted the reasons behind my decision. It will have no bearing on my future selection and he will be involved at City.

"He is a vastly experienced player but just because he's played for Real Madrid doesn't mean I'm not going to take him off."