Bolton a priority for Holland

Ipswich captain Matt Holland admits his side's hopes of staying up effectively now rest on winning Saturday's trip to Bolton.

Ipswich captain Matt Holland admits his side's hopes of staying up effectively now rest on winning Saturday's trip to Bolton.

However, the Republic of Ireland midfielder insists they will have no fear of needing to gain a point at Anfield in the final game of the season if their fate still depends on it.

Ipswich temporarily moved out of the bottom three yesterday with a goalless draw against Chelsea only for Blackburn's evening win against Southampton to push George Burley's side back down into 18th place.

They now have just five games to save themselves, with three of those against Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

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Holland insists the squad still believe they can survive, but having set themselves a safety target of 40 points, Saturday's game at the Reebok Stadium is now absolutely vital as seven points are still required.

If Ipswich win, they would move above Bolton on goal difference.

If they lose, they would be left needing a miracle. Even a draw may not be good enough if sides around them win.

"We've always said 40 points is the target so we need two wins and a draw. They are tough fixtures but I think Bolton is the big game for us," said Holland.

"We need to win that one as we would then go above them on goal difference."

Fulham, who are level with Bolton on 36 points, three ahead of Ipswich and one in front of Blackburn, are also in danger of being dragged down into the relegation zone.

But while Ipswich are also placing their hopes on beating Middlesbrough at home, they are still likely to have to take points off either Arsenal at Highbury, United at Portman Road or Liverpool at Anfield.

"Why couldn't we take points off the top teams?" insisted Holland. "People recently wrote us off against Newcastle and Chelsea but we drew against them both.

"We also won 1-0 at Anfield last season so there's no reason why we can't do that again.

"Liverpool might need to win for the title and might be nervous. Who knows?

"We will hopefully have done the business by then but if it comes down to that, then so be it."