SAM Allardyce claims he can bring the Premiership title to Bolton and Wanderers can sack him if he fails to deliver.

However, there is just one proviso to ‘Big Sam’s’ bold statement.

“Give me £140 million and I will win the championship,” says Allardyce ahead of tomorrow’s clash of the ‘have and have nots’ at Stamford Bridge.

“If I don’t then they can sack me tomorrow because if I can’t win it with £140 million then I don’t deserve to be in the job.”

Allardyce can only dream about the money mountain at Claudio Ranieri’s disposal since Roman Abramovich arrived at Chelsea.

And Allardyce believes he is under more pressure to keep Wanderers in the top flight than the Italian to win the Premiership crown.

Strength in depth

Indeed, the Bolton boss will be lucky to get £1 million to spend when the transfer window re-opens next month, never mind £140 million, especially after the club’s financial plight was revealed earlier this week.

And while Ranieri can draft in internationals to cover injuries and suspensions, Allardyce has had to draft Salford teenager Danny Livesey for the trip to London.

Brazilian Emerson Thome misses the game against his old club due to flu so Livesey-just back from a three month loan spell at Notts County-comes in as cover.

“Chelsea are more than capable of winning the championship this season,” says Allardyce. “The players have come together quicker than probably even Ranieri thought.

“And his tinkering has been more than acceptable because he has been able to continue with his results. He has stood by his beliefs.”

Thome’s absence this weekend again highlights Bolton’s lack of defensive strength in depth.

And Allardyce hopes Bolton’s potential new owner, Eddie Davis, provides him with funds to fill the gap in the New Year.

Russian international Viktor Onopko and Celtic’s Swedish defender Johan Mjalby are two players that would fit the bill.

Allardyce may renew his interest in veteran Onopko after Everton decided not to pursue the former Spartak Moscow player.

Experience

And on Mjalby Allardyce adds: “I would certainly have an interest if he was available on a free transfer but we would probably have to buy him.

“He is an exceptional centre half, not only for Celtic but for Sweden and they are one of the best international sides in the world in terms of results.

“I haven’t heard anything else from Onopko’s agent but maybe we might be able to resurrect something.”

Scottish starlet Derek Niven is set to join second division Chesterfield on a months loan. The 19-year-old midfielder arrived from Raith Rovers with glowing reports but he’s yet to make a first team appearance.

Last season: Chelsea 1 Bolton 0

Key player: Frank Lampard - For all the big signings, Claudio Ranieri has kept an English contingent at Stamford Bridge and along with John Terry Lampard has been immense this term.

Prediction: Chelsea 3 Bolton 0

BETFRED:

Chelsea 2/7 Draw 10/3 Bolton 9/1

Correct Score
Bolton To Win
1-0 18/1
2-0 50/1
2-1 28/1
3-0 150/1
3-1 100/1
3-2 80/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Youri Djorkaeff 12/1
Henrik Pedersen 14/1
Kevin Davies 11/1
Mario Jardel 11/1
Jay-Jay Okocha 16/1
Stelios Giannakopoulos 18/1
Glen Little 20/1

Jardel & Bolton 1-0 130/1
Okocha & Bolton 2-0 400/1
Nolan & Bolton 2-1 300/1

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

Tweet