Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Sunderland have accepted a bid from Stoke City for defender Danny Collins. (Sky Sports) 
New Portsmouth recruit Tommy Smith has put in a good word for his former Watford team-mate Mike Williamson, after the defender was also linked with a move to Fratton Park. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton's bid to complete a loan deal for Valencia's Argentine midfielder Ever Banega (on photo) has hit problems because his club cannot find a replacement for the 21-year-old. (Daily Mail) 
But Moyes is set to seal a £5m deal for Atletico Madrid's 25-year-old Dutch defender John Heitinga, who arrives hot on the heels of £5.3m signing Sylvain Distin. (The Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will swoop for Derby striker Rob Hulse to boost his forward line after Tuncay's departure to Stoke. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham have told Zenit St Petersburg they are ready to accept £10m for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. (Daily Mail) 
Everton will ask Tottenham about taking David Bentley after being quoted £15m for the former Blackburn winger last week. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton could swoop for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford for £3m, who would be free to leave Elland Road for nothing in the summer. (Independent) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has given his blessing for Andriy Shevchenko to leave the club before the close of the transfer window with the Ukrainian striker expected to rejoin his former club Dynamo Kiev. (Times) 
Newcastle want Everton striker James Vaughan on loan because Shola Ameobi faces a month on the sidelines with a foot injury. (The Sun)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is believed to have offered Nyron Nosworthy and Daryl Murphy as part of a deal for Hull defender Michael Turner. (Daily Mail) 
Wigan have launched an audacious bid to take Celtic's Australian striker Scott McDonald on loan for the rest of the season. (Daily Record) 
Newcastle will attempt to prevent Kevin Nolan from rejoining Bolton Wanderers after Gary Megson announced his intention to take the midfielder on loan. (Northern Echo) 
Sunderland could provide England goalkeeper David James with the escape route out of Portsmouth. (Independent) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsene Wenger has accused UEFA of a witch-hunt after they charged Eduardo with diving in the Champions League clash with Celtic. (The Sun) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned midfielders Anderson and Michael Carrick their places in the Manchester United squad are not guarenteed and they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. (The Times) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is the likely choice to boss Great Britain's 2012 Olympic team and and is becoming a serious contender to succeed Fabio Capello when he leaves the England job.(Daily Mirror) 
Fenerbahce's veteran Brazil defender Roberto Carlos has revealed he would like to team up with countryman Ronaldo at Corinthians once his contract at the Turkish club ends. (Goal.com) 
Goalkeeper David James will get an England recall at the expense of Paul Robinson. (Daily Star)
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has admitted he is surprised no club has yet bid for defender Brede Hangeland, but he is still keen to hang on to his prize asset. (Metro) 

AND FINALLY

Such is the condition of Ledley King's knees, the only way the Spurs captain can keep fit is by cycling in the gym and having a 20-minute run-out in training the day before a match. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Stoke City - Sunderland

After three rounds in Premier, Stoke already showed they’re capable to secure their status in Premier. Opening win at home (3-0) against new-comers Burnley got the real weight after Burnley defeated Man.Utd. and Everton. Then heavy 0-4 defeat at Enfield (that surely didn’t discourage them) and first point on the road against Birmingham (0-0). So, key of the success is the same like in previous season, winnings at home and grabbing as much points away as it is possible. Last season, only Everton, Chelsea, Man.Utd. and West Ham took all three points from Britannia Stadium (Stoke collected 35 of their 45 points at home). Club’s management is very active in the finish of transfer window. Beside earlier signed Dean Whitehead (ex Sunderland midfielder), German international Robert Huth has completed his transfer to Stoke from Middlesbrough, with Tuncay expected to join him once personal terms are agreed. Also, Sunderland defender Danny Collins is in talks over a potential move to the Potters. It seems the club is a little bit stronger than in previous season and we should expect at least the results at same level. Defender Ryan Shawcross will have a late fitness test, while James Beattie should be fit to play despite limping off against Birmingham with a knee injury. Boss Tony Pulis rested his keys in Cup against Leyton and all will be ready for the game.

The Black Cats have made their best start to a Premier League campaign. Two wins from three games give a faith the club can finish in top half of the table. It is the result of big investments in new players in past two years and the current squad under the lead of Steve Bruce seems very competitive, but surely will need some time to reach their limits. After opening win on the road against Bolton (1-0), Sunderland noticed a defeat at Stamford Bridge (1-3), but team didn’t disappoint with performance. In the last round team made, public judgment is, very lucky win (2-1) against Blackburn at home. During the mid-week, Bruce gave a chance to fringe players vs. Norwich, who used it on the right way and with 4-1 win on the road just additionally raised the confidence in the club. Fit-again goalie Craig Gordon could make his first league appearance since April, with first solution Marton Fulop nursing a heel injury. Mentioned defender Danny Collins, a transfer target for Stoke, is unlikely to be involved in this encounter. As Stoke, Sunderland usually put the better displays at their Stadium of Light than on the road. Last season noticed just three away wins from 19 games and I simply don’t believe they can take three points at Britannia, where btw. they have lost their last two visits.

Considering the players’ individual qualities, Sunderland have a clear advantage. But, Stoke have a home crowd behind, they traditionally notice good results there and visitors are still far from using their full potential. I think hosts will win, but just in case cover a draw with more than decent odd (about 1.74). So, dnb on  home side.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)