Stoke boss Tony Pulis has told his side to stay “nice and tight” as he looks to add a cutting edge to their strong defensive qualities in the Premier League (Stoke 1/7 – To Stay Up).
The Potters have defied the odds since their promotion from the Championship in 2008 although their robust approach to the game has often drawn criticism while the long throws of Rory Delap have also played their part in claims of a direct approach.
Pulis could not care less, however, although he is looking to take some of the pressure off his defence by adding more goals to the mix following the summer arrivals of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jermaine Pennant and Kenwyne Jones, among others.
Gudjohnsen and Pennant could be handed Stoke debuts on Monday night when Aston Villa make the trip to the Britannia Stadium, with the Villans still led by caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald given the delay in new manager Gerard Houllier formally taking charge (Stoke 6/4, draw 9/4, Villa 9/5 – 90 minutes).
“We are looking forward to the game,” said Pulis. “Bringing the new players in has given the place a lift, it has given it the bubble it needs, and what we need now is a good performance and a good result.
“We have more options up front and to score goals, which has always been a major worry for us, but we have to make sure we stay nice and tight as a group.
“Over the two seasons of the Premier League we have had 26 clean sheets and we have to work hard to make sure we maintain that but we now have more quality and cutting edge up front.”
On his marquee signings, Pulis added: “With Pennant and Gudjohnsen we are hoping they will give us that.
“(Marc) Wilson can also score goals from midfield so we are hoping they will be able to add a bit more to us when we have the ball.
“But we won’t play any differently, we will play to win.
“Sometimes the reputation we have for a certain style is unfair but I’m not bringing the players in to change the style or reputation or curry favour with people outside who say we do this or that.
“I will always do it the way I think is right and how it suits this club.”
Villa also have big ambition for the future when Houllier does finally arrive after freeing himself from his commitments as technical director of the French Football Federation.
The former Liverpool boss wants to win trophies, break into the top four and also help his players improve their game.
The 63-year-old said: “I’m hoping to be here for the Bolton game (on September 18) or right after the Bolton game.
“I’ll attend the Bolton game and maybe we will start from after there.”
Villa can be backed at 9/1 to finish in the top four this season while they are 16/1 shots for FA Cup glory.
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