Ipswich's Premiership life could almost be up by the time they face Manchester United on Saturday evening.

But no-one at Portman Road is prepared to give up until it is mathematically certain this season's UEFA Cup contenders are relegated.

Teenager Darren Bent's first Premiership goal against Middlesbrough on Wednesday night ensured a first win in 11 matches for Town.

That, at least, kept them within striking distance of safety, although nearest rivals Sunderland, two points ahead of them, will already have finished their match at Charlton when Ipswich kick-off against United at 5.35pm.

Goalkeeper Andy Marshall, who made an outstanding save from Gareth Southgate late on to preserve the 1-0 scoreline in midweek, said: "We're still positive, you've got to be.

"We're two points behind Sunderland and we can only hope they lose and then the rest is up to us. We can only do what we can do.

"Even if Sunderland do win, it doesn't put us down, so we'll play the game as though we're still trying to stay up because obviously it will go to the wire then.

"But hopefully Charlton can do us a favour, I know they haven't done too well over the last few weeks but I'm sure Alan Curbishley will get stuck into them and get them revved up for the game.

"Against Boro you could feel the tension building up, the fans were getting nervous but they stuck behind us and we gave them what they wanted, hopefully we can do the same on Saturday."

Sir Alex Ferguson is bound to rest some senior United legs for the Portman Road contest ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayer Leverkusen.

"I think it will benefit us, they play next Tuesday so we can only hope they field what would be a weakened side against us," added Marshall.

But Ipswich have an ever-lengthening injury list; Mark Venus and Sixto Peralta (both groin) picked up problems against Boro and the former is almost certainly out while Tommy Miller (foot) is extremely doubtful.