Things are still very tight at the top, and even given everybody winning games in hand Stoke would be 5th and only 2 points from an automatic spot. A victory over Bristol City would lift the Potters above them, WBA vs Watford would probably see Watford drop by the wayside and it only takes one slip up from Hull to leave Stoke on their way up.
Of course, for this scenario to happen Stoke would need to win the last 4 matches in a row, a feat highly unlikely on current form. However, given the twists and turns already in this league it is entirely possible that even less than this would be enough.
The other teams challenging at the top all have tricky matches ahead - Bristol face Wolves, Stoke, Sheff Utd and Preston; Hull must play QPR, Barnsley, Sheff Utd, Palace and a trip to Portman Road; Watford meet Barnsley, West Brom, Palace, Scunthorpe and Blackpool; The Baggies will be outfootballing Watford, Wolves, Norwich, Southampton and QPR.
To gain an automatic spot Stoke need to start scoring goals and winning matches very quickly, but it is not over yet by a long shot as nobody has an easy run in. The dream is still alive.
GO ON STOKE!!