Pete Smith looks at permutations for City staying up

LET’S start with the positive - Stoke City can’t be caught by Plymouth Argyle or Cardiff City and the bookies don't see them being caught by a third team either.

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But a packed away end drifted out of Elland Road on Monday having seen their team take a thrashing from Premier League-bound Leeds United and no doubt wondering just how they will react to drag themselves over the line and stay in the Championship.

Stoke lost 6-0, to take away the spring in their step that came from winning three and drawing two of the previous five games.

It is Sheffield United up next and they could be a wounded animal after seeing their hopes of automatic promotion ended on Monday evening by defeat at Burnley, who are also on their way back to the top-flight.