Stoke ready to push on

Stoke City can take a big step towards winning automatic promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship by beating Bristol City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday - a match that will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.

The Potters, generally quoted at evens, go into the weekend fixtures on the heels of West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, and, with two straightforward fixtures to end the campaign with, know that a success will give them an outstanding chance of going up.

Stoke stuttered through March and lost to rejuvenated Crystal Palace in their latest home fixture, but a 2-1 win away to Coventry City last weekend has put them back on track and it says much for their early-season form that they remain in with a shout of lifting the title.

Tony Pulis’s men showed great resolve to win at the Ricoh Arena after being behind at half-time and, as a bonus, star striker Ricardo Fuller was back on the scoresheet, albeit from the penalty spot. That was his first goal for nine matches and could easily revive his appetite.

Stoke’s final two games are away to Colchester United, who have already been relegated, and at home to struggling Leicester City.

Bristol City are quoted at 11-4 by VC Bet but have been staggering towards the finish line and look vulnerable. The Robins have won just one of their past eight fixtures and have scored just five goals during this period.