Tuesday 13 March 2018 11:43, UK
We look at how Manchester City can seal the title against rivals Manchester United on April 7, live on Sky Sports...
Manchester City's relentless march towards the Premier League title continued on Monday Night Football, with a David Silva double sinking Stoke at the Bet365 stadium.
City's 2-0 win at Stoke helped them maintain their 16-point gap over second-placed Manchester United, and it seems inevitable they will lift the Premier League trophy for the third time since 2012.
The earliest City can now win the title is on April 7, when they play host to city rivals United, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
Manager Pep Guardiola has stressed it does not matter when the title is won, but captain Vincent Kompany described the possibility of being confirmed as champions against United as a "once in a lifetime opportunity".
United's victory over Liverpool on Saturday at least quelled their fears of rolling out a guard of honour, but how can City seal the title on derby day?
We take a look at the permutations...
To become champions on April 7, City must first keep their 16-point gap at the top. This can be done by matching or bettering United's result on March 31, with Jose Mourinho's side hosting struggling Swansea at 3pm before City head to Everton at 5.30pm.
Having at least a 16-point gap is essential if City want to win the title against United, because victory over their rivals would hand them an unassailable 19-point lead with six games remaining. City's goal difference of +65 (to United's +35) also puts them in pole position should the two sides somehow end the season level on points.
One scenario also exists where a City draw with United can confirm the title. It sounds complicated, so here are all nine scenarios based on March 31's potential results...
City beat Everton, United beat Swansea
City will maintain their 16-point gap, meaning victory over United will seal the title.
City beat Everton, United draw with Swansea
City will open up an 18-point gap, meaning victory over United will seal the title. A draw against their rivals would mean only goal difference can deny City, if they lose their remaining six games and United win all six and overcome the goal-difference deficit.
City beat Everton, United lose to Swansea
City will open up a 19-point gap, meaning victory or a draw against United will seal the title.
City draw with Everton, United draw with Swansea
City will maintain their 16-point gap, meaning victory over United will seal the title.
City draw with Everton, United lose to Swansea
City will open up a 17-point gap, meaning victory over United will seal the title.
City lose to Everton, United lose to Swansea
City will maintain their 16-point gap, meaning victory over United will seal the title.
City draw with Everton, United beat Swansea
City's gap will close to 14 points, meaning there is no scenario where City can win the title against United.
City lose to Everton, United beat Swansea
City's gap will close to 13 points, meaning there is no scenario where City can win the title against United.
City lose to Everton, United draw with Swansea
City's gap will close to 15 points. Victory over United would not seal the title, but the 18-point gap would mean only goal difference can deny City, if they lose their remaining six games and United win all six and overcome the goal-difference deficit.