Second bite of the cherry time at The Valley this weekend.
With Leeds playing the ever-improving Norwich on Monday night we have the chance to be top dogs once again (for a couple of days at least). It is ridiculous to start talking about must-win games at this stage of the season, but with only 6 points separating ourselves in 2nd and Swindon in 7th it would be nice to have the comfort of a cushion once again.
With Colchester away at lowly Wycombe and MK Dons at home to Kent’s 2nd biggest club Gillingham, it is possible we could be sitting down in 4th if we don’t pick up the points against Udder’s Field. A heavy defeat and a decent win for Dickson Rovers could even see us slip into the hallowed “5th Place”. The duo of Theo Robinson and Jordan Rhodes upfront (13 goals in 12 league games between them) will provide a stern test for the Charlton back four who may well bring Sam Sodje back into the fold at the expense of Scrumcap.
It’s up front where Charlton’s problems seem to lie though, no goals in three league games and very few clear cut chances. Does Burton retain his place? Can the lively looking McKenzie got a look in up-front? Will Izzy get the chance to get in the right positions again and actually take his chances?
The other conundrum Parky has is with Semedo. The pivot is likely to be available but how do you fit him in the team? Spring has played well in his absence but who else can you drop?
Tough call on line-up and tactics this week and if anything less than 3 points is picked up, I fear the boo boys could be back in our midst, however ridiculous that may sound.
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Also, Racon's form seems to have dropped without Semedo in there but is it a direct consequence? I don't know.
I'd bring back Sodje definately but I am erring towards dropping Jonjo for a game. Controversial I know.
The point about Semedo being less of a threat than Spring is right. However, the more important question is how threatening the team is with Spring in it compared to with Semedo in it. Semedo does a lot of the un-glamorous, defensive work that frees up the creative players to creat chances. That's why I expect him to be selected (if fit).
Llera is not one of our best two centre backs right now. For that reason I expect Sodje to start alongside Dailly.
I also expect Shelvey to start; but to miss a few games fairly soon. Not because he's not good enough, but because, at 17, he needs to be used smartly. And, like Paul Walsh when we last got promoted from this division, he'll be better off with a few rests.
There may not be too many options open to Parky in reality.
Assuming everyone is nominally fit though I would start with last week's team for man management reasons as much as anything. However I would not shirk getting Semedo on for, probably Spring but Shelvey if he looks jaded, at half time and similarly Sodje if Miguel looks a bit iffy. One also has to consider that 36 year old Dailly has played all the matches (bar hereford I think) so may also need a rest meaning Sodje and Llera.
Semedo needs to come back in however well Spring has done imo.
Personally i don't want to play too many that are supposedly carrying knocks.
If everyone is match fit, i would bring back Sodje for Llera, and bring in McKenzie for Jonjo and play a more conventional 442. Spring has done little to deserve being dropped, and you would have to consider the impact it would have on him if he is taken out again whilst playing well. I'd start him, and make a big thing that you were putting trust in him. With Semedo in the wings, he knows what will happen if his performances drop, and its a shame we haven't got that form of pressure in too many other positions.
Hudders will look at what Oldham did and gamble their preparation that we will tacticly line up the same. Its not the time for wholesale change, but i do think its the right time for a tinker.
perhaps we should loan in Eastwood ??
Llera back on the bench.
I'd go 4-4-2, and try McLeod from the start and give Jonjo a rest.
Tough call this week.
We are not playing Gillingham this week...
Back to thread
Leave Bailey and Sam as they are with Spring or Shelvey to partner Racon as the two box to box midfielders.
Sodje in for Llera
elliott
Richardson---dailly--llera---youga
racon---spring---semedo---bailey
mckenzie-burton
Elliot
Richardson - Dailly - Llera - Youga
Sam --- Racon --- Semedo --- Bailey
Shelvey
Burton
and I would let them know beforehand that my team for Gilligham would be:
Elliot
Richardson - Dailly - Sodje - Youga
Sam --- Semedo --- Bailey --- Racon
McLeod --- Burton
come on you addicks.
Personally, I think that is totally unfair and demoralising on Spring. I'd also play two up front and rest Shelvey, who might as well not have been on the pitch last Saturday. But I really couldn't criticise Parky if he plays the XI which did so well back in Aug and early Sept.
However, if it's 0-0 at H/T, he surely has to be bold and go 4-4-2 immediately rather than waiting until 63 mins. If that means taking Shelvey off at h/t, so be it - and if a few people boo, then sod them.
I've backed us to win, because if we don't, that will be one win in seven - and we are far, far better than that! Bailey is due a goal - just one in the last seven games - and Burton will get his first in five games. So Charlton 2-1.
i think we'll lose though, we may well just need it to snap back into 2nd gear, we've got it in us to smash some teams, but not on this current run.