The fans might be moaning about Stoke City, but what do the bookies think of Gary Rowett’s men?
A routine 2-0 home victory over Ipswich Town at the weekend left supporters more frustrated than elated, but bookies deal in hard facts, not the manner of a win.
With that in mind, consider this. The Potters are now unbeaten in eight games, have lost just one in 12 and they moved into the top half of the Championship table for the first time this season with victory over the Tractor Boys.
Although not appreciated by many fans, the win also lifted Stoke to within six points of the play-off places.
So what has all this done to the Potters’ promotion chances in the eyes of the bookmakers? Are punters now backing them to do the job after an iffy start to the season, or do they remain no more than a good value outside bet to make the play-offs? And how are they now figuring in the relegation odds?