full-backs

Both full-backs, Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal, were suspended for the encounter with United in Rome and Guardiola also lacked the injured centre-half Rafael Márquez.

Manchester United must be more than efficient to overcome Barcelona | Kevin McCarra 2011

Harte feels that many managers now look for their full-backs to fit a different template, one designed for the likes of Ashley Cole and Daniel Alves but with which lesser footballers struggle.

Reject Ian Harte beating strongly as Reading push for Premier League 2011

Selecting Craig Gardner and Jack Colback as his emergency full-backs proved a masterstroke.

Martin O'Neill rejigs Sunderland's backline to stifle Manchester City | David Pleat 2012

Isa Nacewa is one of the most in-form full-backs in the northern hemisphere.

Heineken Cup final key clashes: Leinster v Northampton 2011

His movement on Saturday disconcerted Sunderland's defenders, unsettling full-backs and centre-halves alike.

Chelsea cheered as Fernando Torres helps lift Stamford Bridge 'stigma' 2012

O'Neill's deployment of makeshift full-backs had a further upside.

Martin O'Neill rejigs Sunderland's backline to stifle Manchester City | David Pleat 2012

Even when Mancini gambled with a series of attacking substitutions at the Stadium of Light, City were unable to find the cracks in a resolute Sunderland defence featuring two midfield players deployed as emergency full-backs on either side of a pair of central defenders released during the summer as superfluous to Sir Alex Ferguson's requirements.

Manchester City and Liverpool need a solution for striking flaws | Richard Williams 2012

All four of his recognised full-backs are injured, and he is also without Thomas Vermaelen, also injured, and the suspended Johan Djourou.

Arsène Wenger prizes a Champions League place above winning the FA Cup 2012

The manager has lost all four of his specialist full-backs, together with Johan Djourou, the centre-half who has provided cover at right-back of late, and Wenger will once again string four central defenders across his back-line for the trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Arsenal consider loan options after injury setback for Kieran Gibbs 2011

To illustrate how Beck was losing the plot, his original line-up that night contained four centre-backs, two full-backs, two nut-job midfielders and two strikers.

At which grounds can you watch football for free? | The Knowledge 2011