IntroductionThe 'big one' feels that little less 'big' in the modern era. Whether it's a lack of enjoyment due to numerous negative results, empathy with football in general or a disjointed start to the season for Charlton, is unclear yet the fact remains the Addicks need a result against their local rivals this weekend in the early kickoff which is live on Sky (shudder).
Midweek results saw a defeat at Huddersfield for Charlton whilst Millwall surprised many by recording a 3-1 victory for the 8,451 fans in attendance against the early season pacesetters, Blackpool.
OppositionOne new manager and 10 new signings for Millwall saw a summer of transition for our friends from the waste disposal site. Steve Lomas' appointment was a risky one and up until Tuesday looked a doomed one. The former West Ham man led Millwall to a grand total of two points before the victory against Paul Ince's men, including a 5-1 humiliation at home to Derby which resulted in a ugly scenes featuring former loanee Adam Smith.
The Lions have scored seven goals in the campaign so far and with Steve Morison up front there will always be a threat should he get a sniff of goal. To add some additional (ginger) spice to the fixture, Nicky Bailey returns to the scene of his (literally) out of the world penalty efforts - there will no doubt be some gamesmanship from the former Valley captain and favourite.
Player to WatchUnfortunately it has to be Mr Bailey. We know what he is capable of, both good and bad. He scored a screamer in this fixture when dressed in red and after scoring midweek he'll be hoping to replicate his exploits in the blue of Millwall.
The Line UpDoes 5-3-2 work? Should we play with two natural wingers? Do we have the ability to have just two central midfielders? If Yann isn't fit, what the bloody hell do we do? These are just some of the questions Powell will be asking himself in the lead up to Saturday.
With Chris Solly missing a succession of games and the extent of Kermorgant's injury unknown picking a team for this week is a bit of guesswork. Sordell's performances have not exactly inspired when given the chance but his well publicised history with our friends in Bermondsey may give the Karma gods a reason to look favourably us on Saturday. Unfortunately, I think they're Millwall fans.
Richard Wood in defence seems to be growing in stature with every game he plays and I can see him partnering Michael Morrison in defence as Powell reverts to a back four with Solly returning. Poor old Dorian. Wilson may line up in front of the two-time player of the year, with the impressive Pritchard partnering Captain Jackson in the middle. Cameron Stewart's explosive cameo against Huddersfield could see him earn a first start on the left whilst Yann and Church start up top. Risky? Not against this lot, let's have some NLA sized balls and go for it.
Prediction1-1
Come On You Reds!!
Comments
Attendance: 18, 500
My head since 0-3
Lets hope my heart is right
The last time the Spanners had a Northern Irish International managing them we beat them 2-0 at the Valley.
HATE THEM HATE THEM HATE THEM
The m....... word is banned from our household and when i slip i get a dig from my 7 year old for saying it
take a point
a dull draw at best with a tame atmosphere
Hopefully a bit more fight than the game in March but I've been going long enough to know we won't win this
1-2 Hamer beaten from distance again, probably Bailey, and we have to endure Millllllllzzzzzz for the last half an hour.
15899 inc 3200 spanners
Really up for this game.....
This prescription is not just for the Millwall game on Saturday. To compete in this division, we must do it again and again.
I fancy us. WSS is on the right lines .. 4 4 2 is must be but I would have Dervite for Wood and Harriott for Wilson. Hope that Kermorgant and Solly are fit, if not play Pigott from the start, he can handle it.
CAFC 2 v Millwall 1
Actually looking forward to the forest game more.
Actually looking forward to the forest game more.
Me too! Expected a comfortable win this time last week. Now I'm not so sure. I think the turn out will be poor due to a combination of tv, prime ticket price, general apathy at the moment and fear of a ruck.
Kerm should be back though.
I am expecting us to roll over 2-0, just like last year.
Another limp defeat to them and i'm likely to throw a 'never stepping foot in The Valley again' tantrum of epic proportions. Be warned of low-flying dummies being spat out.