New Stoke City signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could make his debut in their next Barclays Premier League game against Aston Villa if he can get match fit in time.

The former Chelsea, Tottenham and Bolton striker was one of three deadline day signings for Stoke who also secured the services of defender Marc Wilson and winger Jermaine Pennant.

Gudjohnsen spent the second half of last season at White Hart Lane but started only four games before returning to Monaco, where he had failed to impress after moving from Barcelona in the summer of 2009.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis said of the 31-year-old: “He’s a fantastic player and will provide that little bit more quality that we want. He’s looking to come in and make an impact.

“He’s a fantastic professional. To play where he’s played and to have that record, that speaks volumes for the lad and his character.”

Gudjohnsen is not match fit but Stoke do not play again until the home game against Villa on 13th September, and Pulis is hoping he will be in contention.

“He’ll do a mini pre-season and we hope he’ll be close when we play again,” added the Potters boss on Sky Sports News.

Stoke have had a disappointing start to the season, with losses to Wolves, Tottenham and Chelsea, but Pulis is hoping his new recruits, coupled with the earlier signings of Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters, can make a difference.

He added: “It shows the way the club’s moved on but we’ve got to make sure they come in and have the same attitude as the rest of the players. If they do that then hopefully they’ll make us a better team.”

Full Time Result betting for the Midlands derby has Stoke at 2.30 to pick up the win, Aston Villa can be backed at 2.87 while the draw is 3.25.

Stoke are currently 5.00 to be relegated from the Premier League 2010/11.

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has dismissed reports that a possible move for him to Fulham was one of the reasons behind Martin O’Neill’s shock resignation.

Friedel was the first player to speak publically about O’Neill’s departure, and the American admits that he was surprised at his decision having taken training yesterday.

There was speculation that Friedel was being allowed to join the Cottagers in addition to James Milner going to Manchester City.

But Friedel told Sky Sports News: “That story was made up. I’ve never had contact from Fulham or with Fulham.

“I never had a conversation with Martin O’Neill about Fulham. I really don’t know where that came from.”

Friedel will be in goal for Saturday’s visit of West Ham and he insists that the squad’s focus is on getting a win and that they are fully behind caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.

Full Time Result betting has Aston Villa at 1.90 to get the early win, while it is 4.33 that West Ham emerge victorious and 3.30 that it is a draw.

He said: “We are all surprised (about O’Neill leaving). Yesterday was training as normal and I was just sitting at home with the kiddies when the news came up on television.

“Today we had our meetings about going forward and it’s down to us now to do the right thing for the club and get three points against West Ham.

“We were just told Kevin MacDonald is taking charge and it’s just our duty as players to get ready for West Ham. We trained as normal.

“Kevin is well respected by all the players and training was good this morning.

“All the lads really put the work in. Hopefully it won’t be an issue and we can get the three points.”

Out-of-favour central defender Curtis Davies has claimed he was one of several players not given a fair crack of the whip by O’Neill, as he was one of six players transfer listed this summer.

He said: “I was shocked about Martin O’Neill going. I got home, got a text that the gaffer resigned, and it was true. I didn’t see it coming to be honest.

“But a lot of players have been frustrated by not having a fair crack of the whip and I’m one of them.

“There is no guarantee whoever comes in is going to play you or not play you.

“But if you feel you have got a chance, then you are happy. As long as someone who comes in who is fair, I am sure people will be happy. I felt I didn’t have a chance.”

The current leading contenders for the vacancy at Villa Park are US coach Bob Bradley (4.00), former Spurs boss Martin Jol (9.00) and former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson (9.00).

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes David James’ decision not to uproot his family meant he could not join the club.

The Parkhead outfit were keen this summer to bolster their goalkeeper options following Artur Boruc’s sale to Fiorentina.

Lennon identified James as an excellent replacement, however, he has now opted to sign a one-year deal with Bristol City.

The Bhoys boss is not bitter about missing out on the deal, stating James has genuine reasons not to move to Scotland.

“I think (James’ snub) is more to do with the family reasons and being sort of closer to home so that’s why he chose Bristol City,” he said on Sky Sports News. “He would have been ideal for us in terms of experience, presence and charisma. He ticks all the boxes there. It’s one of those unfortunate things in football.

“It’s a genuine personal reason. It’s nothing to do with money. I spoke to his personal representatives today. We wished them good luck with that.”

Lukasz Zaluska was in goal for Celtic’s midweek drubbing to Braga and Lennon says the Polish keeper remains his number one.

“He’s number one at the minute,” he continued. “He needs to persuade me that he can be number one consistently.

“I’m looking for someone to come in and challenge Lukas. We need two quality goalkeepers.

“We’ve lost one and I’ve got another and I need to bring one more in.”

Chelsea’s chief executive Ron Gourlay is adamant star striker Didier Drogba is not for sale and has also pledged more transfer funds to boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Both bits of news will come as a welcome relief to the Stamford Bridge faithful with only Yossi Benayoun added to the squad so far and Drogba’s agent sparking rumours of a move to Manchester City.

But Gourlay has made it clear that Drogba, back at the club’s training ground today after groin surgery, is not for sale.

He said “Didier will be a Chelsea player next year. Didier is under contract.

“The thing about this time of year is we always get (this). For our players to be in the news – it’s normal.

“But Didier Drogba will be a Chelsea player next year.”

The Ivory Coast striker, who was the Premier League’s leading goalscorer last season, can be backed at 6.50 to recapture his title.

Betting for the Premier League 2010/11 Leading Goalscorer:

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Gourlay also said that funds would be made available if Ancelotti wanted to strengthen his title-winning squad, following the acquisition of Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool for £5million.

The Israel captain’s pre-season progress has been hampered by a slight groin problem but he is expected to be included on the club’s forthcoming tour of Germany.

The club have also lost defender Alex and goalkeeper Petr Cech through injury and chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has confirmed that funds will be made available to Ancelotti should the Chelsea boss require them.

“If Carlo wants to bring a player or two into the squad then we will look at that,” Gourlay told Sky Sports News.

“It has to be the right player to fit into the squad and obviously at the right price.

“If these things all come together then fine, we’ll strengthen the squad. But only if Carlo feels it’s necessary.”

Meanwhile, Deco’s future also continues to be the subject of continued speculation with Fluminese rumoured to be ready to land the Portugal midfielder.

But the player was today undergoing double training sessions at Cobham. It is understood he wants to return to his native Brazil to be with his ill son.

Reigning champions Chelsea, 2.50 to regain their title, kick-start the season at home to newly promoted West Brom. The Blues can be backed at 1.14 to get the perfect start, with West Brom 15.00 to cause an upset and the draw 6.50.

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