As always, Stoke have nothing to play for.. very much doubt they'll be giving away monnaie for injured opposition.
And if anything, De Jong will be mindful of his tackles on Ben Arfa. He's a brutal player but he's not a brainless chav like Catts for example..
He may have more of footballing brain on his shoulders, but he's still instinctively brutal though. Players like that are untrustworthy. A harsh bodycheck, right into HBA'a thigh/hamstring area (and that would only draw a yellow, as a first offence) would be enough to do the job.
On a game-by-game basis (even with nothing to play for) there's little room for compromise in Stoke's physical or battering ram style of play.
The player I'd worry about from now on til the end of the season is Balotelli. If he's in the mood he could seriously hurt any of our players, most likely Hatem.
Isnt he banned for the rest of the season. Plus Mancini said he wont play him again....?