IntroductionOh lordy. What a start to the season, two games and two defeats. The lack of impetus against the Smog Monsters of the North suggests that The Valley form that deserted the Addicks for much of the 2012/13 season could continue to be elusive. That being said, let us not lose sight that it is only a brace of games in to a 46 game marathon. Saturday’s game at Oakwell against Barnsley represents a real opportunity to kick start the season at the place of one of our most notable performances in recent years, a 6-0 hammering last season.
The OppositionLike Charlton, the Tykes as they are affectionately known have not picked up a point this season. They’ve not even scored a goal. A 4-0 drubbing at home to newly relegated Wigan on the opening day was followed by a gut wrenching last minute defeat by the seaside against Blackpool and to make matters worse the goalscorer was one of their own in the form of Scott Golbourne.
Barnsley’s marquee transfer this year took place when David Flitcroft and Pep Guardiola of Bayern Munich gathered for meetings that dragged well into the night to arrange the signing of Dale Jennings for £250,000. It was hoped that the signing that would change the fortunes of the Yorkshireman and push them onto the next level, unfortunately Jennings got sent off for a two-footed tackle on his debut and is now serving a ban.
Player to Watch
David Perkins – the battling midfielder always looks good against us with the drive and determination that is missing from our midfield this season. He could be the difference should we decide to play the pension collectors in the middle again…
The Line UpBradley Pritchard serves the final of his three match ban following his sending off against Bournemouth so the berth on the right of the midfield needs to be filled. With the fact that the game is away and Danny Green was a bit rubbish against Middlesbrough, expect Lawrie Wilson to line in front of Chris Solly. The rest of the defence will surely remain the same.
In the centre of the park, Captain Jackson didn’t even look 70% fit and could (should) be rested until he can have the impact that he did so many times last season. A decent cameo from Dale Stephens could see him slot in alongside Mark Gower with the freedom to push forward and support the partnership Chris Powell will persevere with – Kermorgant and Sordell.
PredictionFinally we get our season going with a repeat of last season’s w…
No, actually it will be a messy 1-0 away win.
COME ON YOU REDS!
Comments
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I'm gonna chicken out of this and call a 1-1 draw.
The side I would select: Hamer Solly Morrison Cort Wiggins .. Stephens Dervite Jackson (if fit) Harriott .. Church Pigott .. give Yann a rest and bottle up the midfield and bolster the defence with Dervite playing the 'anchor' midfield role allowing Stephens and Jackson as well as Harriott to play further up the field than is usually the case.
3-1 to the Reds
Hamer
Solly Morrison court wiggins
Dervite
Wilson Gower Jackson Harriot
Kermorgant
Best way to play football, If you don't concede you cant lose! exactly what is needed at the moment. The time will come to be more expansive and attacking, but first lets put points on the board and build some confidence back.
Going with a 2-1 to us.
Expecting a full explanation from perkins as to when we can expect this 3rd runway at heathrow...and 3 points to the SL.Reds ..maybe
Head says 1-1 nervy draw.
Nil nil is my favoured score, but I've a feeling we'll nick it one nil.
the agony continues
2-0 barnsley