We go into yet another game with the prospect of making it six league wins on the bounce, a sequence not achieved since the dim and distant past known as "The Beginning of Last Season". Add the three cup games and it is now eight unbeaten.
Comparisons will be inevitable, regardless of the result v Rovers, but so much has changed in term of personnel and relative strength of the division you have to question the validity of any such.
One thing we can say it that while last time the defeated sides were dismissed as bottom feeders this time we have been, until Saturday, playing and beating other play-off contenders.
But success has only ramped up the demands of some fans. Where as a gutsy, fighting display and a win would have been enough we now seem to expect total domination, silky football and a three or four victory margin before any credit can be given.
We have been scoring goals (four, three, one, five and three during the run) but this can make it easy to overlook how the defence has been doing. The number of clean sheets is credit to them but man of the match performances from Robbie Elliot suggest that other teams are being allowed to work our keeper more than is good for us.
Rovers visit after what must be a morale boosting draw at leaders Brighton. Rovers on the up or Albion on the slide? Either way we have seen enough results across this division already to show that unless we turn up and are willing to graft we can and will be denied a win.
Team news will depend on the fitness of Wagstaff and Anyinsah. Scott's return seems certain if he is fit as Kyel Ried was less than impressive on the right v Yeovil and Johnny Jackson is very unlikely to be moved from wide left. We missed Waggy's direct running and combative tracking back, none more so than Simon Francis.
Smokin' Joe could be back but given his injuries and the availability of Benson and Martin a place on the bench might be the best he can hope for. Last season Akpo came off the bench late v Rovers to terrify their back four and score in a 4 - 2 win. One of Joe or Sodje would be enough to scare most defenders at this level but both!
With Dailly suspended, Fortune is the ready made stand in. Jon looked assured on Saturday and a run of games for him and a rest for the ageing skipper may prove a blessing in disguise with so many games still to play.
Rovers appear to be short of defenders due to injuries and suspensions which may give defensive midfielder Dominic Blizzard a rare start. If so the man who effectively ended Grant Basey's season, and his Charlton career, without so much as an apology or good will message can hopefully expect a warm welcome.
Upfront the Pirates have Hughes, Hoskins and Kuffour, goalscoring forwards to be wary of but they also concede goals a plenty, especially away from home.
My prediction is a tired Charlton finally overcoming Rovers 3 - 1.
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Comments
The crowd really do have a part to play in our team this season. We've seen all too evidently recently that our away form has improved when there is less anxiety and stress upon the team and, sadly, it appears it is the fans who are applying the stress.
Even at the weekend, in the midst of a great run of wins, I heard boos when it was 2-2 and this really has to stop. It doesn't help anyone.
We need to be realistic and appreciate that even now we are still a big scalp in this division and teams will come to us and see it as their cup final. Yeovil played their part in an entertaining game on Saturday and I don't envisage Brizzle being anywhere near as expansive. Trollopes men will not want a repeat of last seasons thumping so will probably be very tight and try to get us to break them down
If we can get an early goal it will open the game up nicely but we really need to be sure we don't start the stupid booing if it's all square after 20 mins.
I'm plumping for a tight, taut and nervy 2-1
Benno and Doherty
2-0
Wagstaff or Anyinsah back would be a boost, both even better.
Agree about the booing/negativity STILL going on after the run we are on, it is absolutely pathetic.
If the prat behind me carries on on Tuesday night I'm gonna have to enlighten him!
Hope Wagstaff is fit because (again) I thought Reid unbalanced the team - in particular Francis was exposed too often where Waggy normally helps out a lot.
3-0 to Charlton (Jackson/Racon again!! and Benson)
I predict a close game though with the Addicks coming out 2-1 victors.
As a footnote - I'm not at work tomorrow night therefore I will be able to provide match updates on here for those that cant get to the match or hear it on radio/player.
Think we actually play better when teams come to attack us rather than sitting back. Win 2-0.
Hoping for a solid 4-0 tonking though.
I keep saying it but our prospects depend on which of our midfields turns up. If Racon and Semedo play then we will give anybody in this league a game and win more often than not. If they don't turn up then the second half of the Brighton game could happen.
I've been predicting draws lately so will continue the superstition!
3-2 again?
@Plaaaayer I joined in training with the lads today and it feels good, so i should be ok for the match on saturday. Sorry for the late reply.
3-1 Charlton. Benson, Jackson, Martin. - Hoskins for them.
3-0 any problems will be our own making and it's not going to happen anyway.
For some reason, even the midfield and attack look rubbish without him.
It will be a cold and frustrating night without the skipper and end in a scrappy draw.
Looking forward to Semedo clearing the blizzard. Hope he does'nt see red though.
I think this just goes to show what an influence he has on the team as our captain.
Tonight is the time for some of the other experienced players to show their leadership and tactical awareness. Semedo, Racon, Jackson - I'm looking to you guys!
I thik this also highlights one of the biggest deficiencies in our squad - we may be a little light on leaders.