BOLTON start a make-or-break week in their Premiership campaign against Blackburn at the Reebok on Saturday, even though it is only their second game of the season.

Matches follow at Portsmouth on Tuesday and against Charlton next Saturday before a two-week break because of England's European championship commitments.

Boss Sam Allardyce said: "It's a tough start to the season with two derbies and, after getting nothing from United, we've got to get going in this one at the Reebok.

"We've got to settle everybody's nerves by trying to get three points without leaving the back door open.

"That would give us a good platform to build on against Portsmouth and Charlton. Within the space of a week we could know what sort of season we are going to have.

Make or break

"We could set ourselves up for a very good season after these next three games and, if we don't, we could face a difficult time.

"If you haven't got enough points, even as early as four games, it becomes a struggle.

"We weren't far off against United but far enough to get a big defeat. Whether we deserved it or not it happened and we must make sure it doesn't happen again."

Youri Djorkaeff is back in full training without the protective mask he wore over his broken cheekbone when he came on as a sub against United. But he may use it tomorrow.

Defender Simon Charlton is also training after recovering from a knee injury but may be limited to a place on the bench.

Allardyce also confirmed that Emerson Thome, Sunderland's Brazilian centre-back, is the primary target in his desperate search for a new defender.

Thome, rejected by Rangers, is keen to come to the Reebok if a package can be agreed with the club and player.

Allardyce said: "I'm still trying to sort it out and, hopefully, we'll get there. At the moment I can't see anyone better for us than Thome."

Efforts to lure Brazilian World Cup winner Roque Junior from AC Milan appear to have foundered with Allardyce adding: "I don't think Bolton is big enough for him.

"That seems to the problem, even though we can offer him the Premiership stage."

Blackburn are on a high after last week's 5-1 thrashing of Wolves, a match in which Brett Emerton starred. The Australian midfielder already looks to be one of the buys of the summer and Allardyce will know that stopping him is central to Bolton's hopes.

Key opponent: Brett Emerton - for a long time it seemed that Emerton would move to either Manchester United or Arsenal, but the big two pulled out and their loss will be Blackburn's gain.

Last season: Bolton 1 Blackburn 1

Prediction: Bolton 1 Blackburn 1

BETFRED:

Match result: Bolton 6/4; Draw 11/5; Blackburn 6/4

Correct score (Bolton to win)

1-0 13/2
2-0 11/1
2-1 10/1
3-0 28/1
3-1 20/1

First/Last scorer:

Jardel 5/1
Pederson 13/2
Djorkaeff 7/1
Davies 15/2
Facey 10/1
Okocha 10/1
Giannakopoulos 11/1
Nolan 16/1
Frandsen 22/1

Scorecast:

Jardel & Bolton 1-0 28/1
Okocha & Bolton 2-0 80/1
Nolan & Bolton 2-1 115/1

Others odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

Will Bolton pick up their first points of the season? Have your say.

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