Back Aston Villa to stifle Rory Delap’s sling

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Since Stoke’s promotion, many methods have been employed to try to nullify the threat posed by Rory Delap’s bullets into the box.

Dean Windass tried distracting him with some unusual warm-up routines, Lucas Neill attempted to engage in some towel-related mind games and, just the other day, Burnley tried pushing the advertising hoardings closer to the pitch, but still goal after Stoke goal stems from a Delap throw.

Aston Villa won’t need any fancy techniques to shield themselves from an onslaught – they’ve got Richard Dunne, while the presence of James Collins and Carlos Cuellar will come in pretty handy.

Most importantly of all though, they have the league’s best defensive record, with just 21 goals conceded in 26 games, including none when Stoke visited Villa Park in December.

The Potters have been silenced just twice at home this season – by Manchester United and Birmingham – but back Villa to become the third to keep a clean sheet there at 2.9 (19/10) on Betfair.

Triple B Accie: Another option for your Saturday afternoon punt is a treble on Birmingham, Bolton and Burnley seeing off Everton, Wigan and Wolves, paying £74.15 for a fiver stake with Betfair.

Posted: March 11th, 2010 by Michael Lintorn |