Stoke City manager Mark Robins insists his team will be safe from the drop if they can match their recent performances.
The Potters found themselves in real danger of dropping into League One last month, but a run of good form has pulled them away from the bottom three. A run of three wins and two draws saw them move up to 16th, but they were given a humbling on Easter Monday when they were hammered 6-0 by Leeds United.
The Staffordshire-based side remain 17th and four points above the relegation places. As a result, they can secure their safety with a win over Sheffield United tomorrow night. However, a defeat will leave them in potential danger, especially as they face fellow strugglers Derby County on the final day.
Robins Taking Nothing For Granted
Although Robins is confident his team can do what’s needed to retain their Championship status, he is fully aware that they can get sucked back into the battle. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, the former Coventry City boss said:
“We’re in a position when we’re always going to be in control of things and our performances have got to be good enough – and if our performances are good enough, we’ll be absolutely fine. If they’re not, then potentially we won’t.
“We have to make sure we give everything we possibly can and if we do that, it will be enough.
“You can look at everything and obviously everyone else starts to look at the permutations and what can happen. What could happen is that we could win two games and that’s something that we’re looking towards doing. There’s no other way for us.
“We could sit here and start to think like a lot of other people and the questions you’re asking are really relevant but from my point of view and our point of view we will be trying to pick up six points, the six points available.”
Writer’s View
Stoke’s recent wins over Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday should be enough to secure their place in next season’s Championship. However, the teams below them have shown that they are not willing to give up without a fight and there will still be plenty of nerves around the bet365 Stadium. It’s an odd time to face Sheffield United, who will be disappointed to have missed out on automatic promotion. It’ll be interesting to see if Chris Wilder’s side take their foot off the pedal knowing they have the play-offs to navigate. This could be a blessing for Stoke.
