Bolton manager thinks that Town's European run has been the major factor behind the Blues' lack of success this season. He says Town's small squad made it difficult to cope with the extra games that Europe brought.

The Bolton boss said: "I thought life would be very difficult for Ipswich this season because of their European commitments.

"They had a relatively small squad to compete in Europe and I think they are still suffering from that scenario.

"A lack of results they achieved in the Premiership whilst they were playing in Europe, doesn't seem a coincidence.

"Europe was probably a hindrance rather than a help. I don't think the run-in makes them favourites to go down at all. Whilst they have an extremely difficult run-in, a result is always achievable at this stage of the season, no matter who you are playing against.

"They could well catch Manchester United or Liverpool off guard because they are focussing on the Champions' League. Quite easily, both of those teams might rest players when they come to play Ipswich Town.

"Ipswich might take advantage of that and could easily achieve a result. I feel a victory on Saturday for us will make us virtually safe but we still won't be a 100% until it is mathematically certain.

"Because the game is against Ipswich, a win for us will mean that they won't gain any ground on us and we'll go an extra three points ahead of them.

"The onus isn't on us to win the game; it is on them!"

Bolton will be without Gudni Bergsson, Stig Tøfting and Bo Hansen but the previously suspended Jussi Jaaskelainen is likely to return in goal.

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