STOKE City boss Tony Pulis fears the exceptional circumstances of his side's trip to Colchester United tomorrow will make it an even tougher game for his side.

While much of the talk among U's fans has centred around the fact that it is the final league game at Layer Road, Potters supporters have quite a different agenda.

A Stoke win - and defeat for promotion rivals Hull City against Crystal Palace - will seal a Premier League place for Pulis's side.

They currently lie second in the Coca-Cola Championship table with two games to go - three points above the Tigers.

Promotion is within touching distance - but boss Pulis is anticipating a testing afternoon in north Essex.

He said: "Because of the ground and the situation, it'll be a very tough game.

"I've been there quite a few times and it's a difficult ground to go to because it's so tight.

"We will respect them the utmost but to be honest I'm more concerned about Stoke City."

Thirty-eight points - and 22 places - currently separate the two clubs in the Championship table.