CREWE boss Dario Gradi vows his side will give it everything to try and retain their Championship status.

Despite the noose of Dean Ashton's departure and no win in 19 beginning to strangle all hopes, the Alex still have their future in their own hands.

But it's probably going to take a coupon buster at promotion-chasing Ipswich to make sure they don't drop into the bottom three ahead of the finale at home to Coventry.

And they'll have to pull off one of the shocks of the day without centre-halves Colin Murdock and Chris McCready and potentially key man Steve Jones.

It's a tall order although Gradi's adamant Crewe can stay where they want to be.

"Maybe we'll pull it off and win our last two games," he exclaimed.

"There is no reason we won't do it and I won't believe anything else until it's over.

"It's still in our own hands even though we've been having a terrible run. We could have won at Gillingham and if we'd took our chances in the first half, we could have beaten Stoke.

"We should enjoy it on Saturday, it's what we're in this league for.

"If we can start at Ipswich like we did against Stoke, fingers crossed we'll take our chances."

With only goal difference between them, Brighton will target leapfrogging Crewe with a result at relegated Rotherham.

Meanwhile Ipswich must win to keep their dreams of automatic promotion alive.

Gradi believes such high stakes could work in his favour.

"It'll be a proper football match, Ipswich will pass the ball about," he continued.

"Goal difference could still be a factor so we mustn't throw caution to the wind but we'll try and win it.

"Last time we won there they were a bit complacent because it wasn't so close to the end.

"They won't be this time but it may work in our favour if we can be cool, calm and collected like we started against Stoke.

"This is a hard league for us but it's worth fighting for and we like being in it. We'll give it a good go."

Billy Jones and Adie Moses are likely replacements at the back while Gradi waits on Jonah's fitness to lead the goal assault.

"We've got one or two problems but we've got cover," he revealed.

"Both centre halves look to me like their season is over.

"Colin Murdock has got a groin strain that has spread to his neck and Chris McCready's knee locked on Monday so I can't see him making it.

"The good news is that Billy Jones was back to his best for the youth team.

"He'll play somewhere and we've got Adie Moses.

"We've got Kuqi to worry about so I don't think I can go without (Richard) Walker.

"We'll see, Billy and Adie would be mobile.

"Jonah could be key for us.

"We were at our best when him and Dean were doing well and we always looked dangerous.

"But we need him to be fit and lively.

"We'll have to see if he can get back in training this week or it's a case of getting him fit for Coventry."

trobinson@guardiangrp.co.uk