He told the club's matchday programme: "With the number of teams involved in the relegation battle it will be difficult for all of them to get to 54 points.
"We will be going for three points agaisnt Bournemouth, if we do that we should be safe.
"And we can then concentrate in the final five games of the season on finishing as high up the table as we can."
Top scorer Billy Sharp could be fit to return to the starting line-up after making a return from ankle ligament though is more likely to have to settle for a place on the bench with Steve Torpey continuing his partnership with Andy Keogh.
Bournemouth hope midfielder Steve Foley should be able to play, despite suffering a calf injury during last week's 1-1 draw with Southend United.
But Cherris boss Sean O'Driscoll will have to do without Neil Moss (ankle), Josh Gowling (knee), Shaun Maher (foot) and Warren Cummings (leg).