by Martin Spinks
martin.spinks@thesentinel.co.uk

TONY Pulis admits he’s got some teasing decisions to make regarding his three Ws ahead of tonight’s clash with Manchester City.

Dean Whitehead looks certain to return from his weekend break, but that could mean Glenn Whelan making way in midfield.

Pulis must also assess Andy Wilkinson’s physical condition – in terms of injury and fatigue – before deciding if he can continue at right-back.

And with skipper Abdoulaye Faye pushing for a recall after recent back problems, Pulis may now have the option to rest Wilkinson after some sterling displayswork of late.

“I just felt it was right to give Whitehead a breather on Saturday because of the energy levels be brings to the team,” explained Pulis.

“He’s played most of our games and done brilliantly, but I just felt it was the right opportunity to rest his legs.

“I really wanted to rest Rory Delap as well for Tuesday, but obviously things changed and he had to come on in Saturday’s game.

“Dean will come back in, so the big problem now is who I leave out. I thought Salif and Glenn did well on Saturday and got better and better, but I might have to disappoint one of them.

“You talk about the engine room in midfield and that has been an engine room for us because of the shifts they’ve been putting in.”

Wilkinson retired in the second half at Eastlands with an ankle problem, but Pulis is also concerned by the workload recently placed on his shoulders.

“Wilko looked a little bit tired to me,” Pulis continued. “He gets the short straw because we put him up against the best players, especially wide.

“His attitude and application is first-class, but he was getting tired on Saturday and his ankle was hurting.

“But he didn’t say anything to anyone because that’s the way he is.”

Pulis warns that Manchester City will be the proverbial wounded animal this evening after having their nose tweaked on their own patch during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

“They will be hurt by the fact we did take them on,” he reasoned, “and they do have great players – and have just taken on Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough.

“We’re playing a team that’s spent £250m on players, so they’ve got a lot more depth, but we have the spirit and commitment. That goes a long way.

“They’ve got players in every position that can hurt you – and I mean every position.

“It’s ridiculous in many respects, but that’s the way City are.”

And Pulis is certain of at least one change to Manchester’s starting line-up from Saturday.

“I’m absolutely convinced Patrick Vieira will play. The French manager came out and said if he plays regularly for Man City he will captain France in the World Cup.

“And I wouldn’t be surprised if Micah Richards plays if he’s fit again. It just shows the depth and quality of their squad.”