Can Bolton Shake the Blackburn Jinx?

Bolton take on Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, without a home win against the mob from up the road since September 2000, when both teams occupied the division below.

Of course there have been victories, and memorable ones, but not at the Reebok. Youri Djorkaeff starred as the Whites came from 3-1 behind to win at Ewood Park in 2004, El Hadji Diouf was the hero/villain (depending on your allegiance) a year later and an Ivan Campo header was the difference in 2006.

Penalties have figured greatly in the last few encounters. The Whites have conceded seven of them in five games against Blackburn. Mike Dean, the referee on Sunday gave two, both missed, in the third match mentioned above.

Breaking the jinx is close to essential for Gary Megson`s men. After showing some improvement on a poor start to the season, they`ve conceded thirteen goals in the last three games with defensive frailties that have been apparent for some time being punished.

It won`t, as Mark Lawrenson will undoubtedly say, be one for the purists. Both teams lack quality, neither can defend. A win for the home side would confirm what has been referred to elsewhere as the 'Megson Cycle` - the Ginger One presides over a string of dismal performances, but picks up a few points now and then, just enough to hold onto his job.

The Whites could already be in the bottom three before the game is played. A loss and they`ll stay there and with a difficult game against Fulham the week after, the tenure may not be short.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.