Even three points against Bolton would not guarantee seventh spot, and there is reliance on Spurs slipping up at Leicester - who have drawn their last three games - following two defeats on the trot at Newcastle and Arsenal.
Top scorer Jermain, who was set up by strike partner Fredi Kanoute to open the scoring on Saturday at Newcastle, says the players were not aware that Spurs had beaten Liverpool before playing at St. James Park.
"I don't think they knew, but anyway we just have to get on with it - there is one more game and three points to be won, and all we can think about is getting that win."
Of the defeat at Newcastle, he says: "I thought we played well in the first half but the goal before half time and the second goal killed it.
"At 1-0 up against a side like Newcastle you have to try to hold it because they are such a good side.
"It was frustrating to end up having to chase the game, so it wasn't so good for me and Fredi then.
"We held them after going a goal ahead but maybe Shearer's goal was offside. When he gets a chance like that, though, you know he will put them in.
"We got the first goal early on and I thought we could stay ahead, then when they equalised I thought that going away with a point would still be good - but it wasn't to be."
As for the loss at Highbury three days earlier, when Jermain replaced Fredi up front just before the Gunners scored twice in three minutes, he says: "Arsenal are such a good side and will probably win the league, but we were doing okay and ended up with an unlucky result."