YOURI Djorkaeff and Emerson Thome have a good chance of returning to the Bolton squad for the match against Southampton at the Reebok tomorrow but even if they prove their fitness, both are likely to start on the bench.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was so delighted with his side's performance at Tottenham last week that he is likely to keep the same line-up even if the two players - who would normally have commanded an automatic place - are fit.

His assistant Phil Brown said: "Both players have come through a training session and although we will not be able to make a final decision until Friday afternoon it looks promising.

"I think the gaffer will possibly reward the players who played against Tottenham by keeping them in the team. And in the longer period, if we have players such as Youri Djorkaeff and Emerson Thome on the bench it will mean we are still winning games.

"The performance against Tottenham was the best by the team during my time here and it also had the best individual performance, by Jay-Jay Okocha."

Key match

Brown believes the match against Southampton could prove pivotal to Bolton's whole season.

He added: "If we can get back-to-back victories now by beating Southampton, that can change the course of the whole season. We have only managed it four times since we got in the Premiership and it does mean that you can turn the corner.

"We know it will be difficult against Southampton. They could end up a top-six side this season. We are now in our third season in the Premiership and are looking to get to the next level.

"Southampton are already at that level so Saturday is a great opportunity to see where we are."

Last season: Bolton 1 Southampton 1

Key opponent: James Beattie - Proving he's far more than a one-season wonder.

Prediction: Bolton 2 Saints 1

BETFRED:

Bolton 13/10 Draw 12/5 Southampton 17/10

Correct Score
Bolton To Win
1-0 6/1
2-0 11/1
2-1 17/2
3-0 25/1
3-1 18/1
3-2 28/1
4-0 80/1
4-1 50/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Youri Djorkaeff 5/1
Henrik Pedersen 11/2
Kevin Davies 11/2
Mario Jardel 6/1
Jay-Jay Okocha 9/1
Stelios Giannakopoulos 10/1
Glen Little 11/1
Ibrahim Ba 12/1
Per Frandsen 16/1
Kevin Nolan 16/1
Ivan Campo 22/1
Ricardo Gardner 25/1
Bruno N'Gotty 33/1

Jardel & Bolton 1-0 33/1
Okocha & Bolton 2-0 80/1
Nolan & Bolton 2-1 100/1

Odds subject to fluctuation. Other odds available on request. For all the latest odds ring BetFred on 0800 73 11 210.

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