Charlton’s 2010 play-off adventure starts this Friday against Swindon in what can only be described as “crucial”. We would all like to go into the home leg on Monday with a nice healthy 3-0 lead but I believe a draw or slender 1-0 lead would be more than satisfactory.
Charlton’s recent performances, especially in defence, have been encouraging especially as two of those games were against the two automatically promoted teams. We are starting to look like a proper team again with a strong defence and a midfield that is retaining and controlling the midfield.
The last third of the pitch is where we seem to be struggling. There seems to be a lack of penetration from midfield and there is no sign of a “Super Clive” or genuine goalscorer currently. That being said, if it was not for an inspired display by Norwich’s Forster a couple of weeks back we could easily have put 4 or 5 past the runaway champions.
This is not a time for ifs’ and buts’ though – it’s a time for results – no matter how they come.
It is good to know from Dailly that the players have been gearing themselves up for the lottery of the playoffs for a while now and I hope the lure of a Wembley final, a new contract and personal pride will ensure we get to the Home of Football (and hopefully beyond).
Parkinson, despite his sometimes susceptible tactical flaws has been excellent in the past couple of weeks whether it is his triple substitution against Leeds or his careful management of trying to keep everyone fit and ready for action (Reid, Forster, Sodje).
As for the team selection I can see the same team as we played against Oldham although Sodje coming back in for Llera (how will that hit his confidence should he be called upon if needed?). Semedo and Racon are looking back to their early season form best and Bailey has once again “taken one for the team” and settled into the wide left berth and cracked in his first goal for a while.
Up front, Burton looks the nailed on first choice with a decision to be made whether it is Forster, Akpo or Mooney who partners him. Despite the derision from some quarters about what he brings to the team, I believe Mooney adds a lot more to the team and linking up the midfield and attack than what he gets credit for. We’ll see what Parky does.
What a great game to be involved in. Those who managed to get a ticket, sing your hearts out while thousands watch it from home urging the boys on. A 1-1 draw to bring back to The Valley is not the worst result and that’s how I think it will turn out.
Remember 1998.
Come on You Reds.
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Comments
The first third !!
I agree and think this will end up being a tight score draw.
i hope we can get em back to the valley with a draw at least but fear that swindon owe us one or two for our snakey late goals earlier on in the season
all those who are going roar em on(don't use the no roof excuse)
bad news for the addicks a small loss is my prediction
As for team selection, I agree with forster to start with burton, and the other 2 as plan B...other than that i'd keep the rest of the team the same with reid first sub after an hour. llera and sodje is a toughie, sodje seems less error prone, but then with llera we have some great distribution from the back. But with the need to keep the first leg tight i'd probably give it to sam...not too fussed either way mind.
1-2 charlont
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COYR
I would have Forster up top with Burton to start off with. Forster making the runs off Deon's touches. Reid to come on with 20 to go against tired legs.
I'd take a draw, but i think at the moment we are capable of taking a 1-0 [our favourite scoreline] back.
Huddersfield in the final.
Unless we're in front, then Reid to come on for Burton's partner with 20 to go.
Can't bring myself to predict the score, or result, for fear of jinxing the team.
Sing up travelling Addicks and let's hope we get through the next two games with a positive outcome.
COYR!
I feel same as Valley 11, dont want to predict and jinx the team. I'll be just getting in from wotk (19:30) and tuning in to Sky.
I'm hoping we can at least come away with a draw, but a win would be great......but i'm not predicting!!!
Bailey gets one as welll.
They of course score.
3-1 to us on a glorious Friday evening.
Back to the Valley and they score in the first 15 to make an excruciating 75 mins.
I'd love 3-1 but I remember winning by that scoreline in the League Cup at Swindon in '94 and then losing the second leg 4-1......
No. Extra time & then pens if level after 2 games.
The defence has been tremendous and Randolph has been a revelation. Can't see us letting in more than a single goal. Tougher at the other end but I think we will sneak a 1-1.
That might be no bad thing, because I can imagine us being more nervous defending a lead at the Valley than if it's level pegging. We will, of course, triumph at home - not least because I'm sure Swindon are still having nightmares about that nine-man, 93rd minute equaliser the last time they came to the Valley all those months ago...
To be honest, I think we could lose this first leg by a single goal. If you offered me a draw now, I would happily take it.
But wow i'm sad... last 2 nights i've dreamed about the game, first won we won 3-0 and second 1-0 with a massive pitch invasion when we scored
after recent improvement hopeful of a solid performance to bring back for the 2nd Leg