Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has conceded that it may take a record number of points for his side to remain in the Championship this season.
Over the last 17 campaigns, the average number of points for the team that has occupied the final relegation spot has been 47.
However, this time around McCarthy has stated his belief that it may take upwards of 50 points to avoid dropping down into League One.
"It could take more points than ever. With everyone at the bottom battling away, it might be some of the teams that are spiralling down that have a problem," he told the East Anglian Daily Times.
"I've said from the day I walked in here that it could go right to the very end. It's going to take 50 points – more than that maybe – and everybody is scrapping for them.
"There's not a lot between the teams in this division. I can't do anything about other teams' results, we've just got to scrap it out and stay with it."
The Tractor Boys are currently two places and one point above the Championship's relegation zone.
