Unfortunately Preview Towers has not been able to find a polling function to grace the new Charlton Life forum, but the same cannot be said of Chris Powell finding some (15 and counting) players to grace the hallowed turf of The Valley ahead of the 2011/12 opener against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Rumours of all players to be given differing coloured boots with a swatch book provided to fans upon arrival at the turnstiles to identify them over the 90 minutes prove to be unfounded. Yet the new-look Charlton team could take time to get used to – let’s just hope it doesn’t take too long for the players to get used to each other. Pre-season games have certainly signalled the intent of how we will look to play this season, with a lot more passing and movement from midfield onwards and a no-nonsense back four looking to keep those sheets sparkling clean.
Bournemouth fans venturing up to Floyd Road for the second opening day fixture on the trot are likely to give mixed reactions to the probable first-teamers Wiggins and Hollands who played an important role in their play-off push last year. The back five is likely to be unrecognisable with Morrison and Taylor being the preferred centre back pairing and recent signing Andy Hughes looking to be (in Powell’s eyes at least) a step up in ability from young Chris Solly and the much maligned, and Bournemouth summer target, Simon Francis. Dependant on a poorly digit, Ben Hamer is likely to start in between the sticks.
The midfield will be without the expected first XI shoe-in, Danny Green due to suspension, so expect to see Scott Wagstaff try to claim that place from the outset. With Mikel short on match-fitness, Dale Stephens and Danny Hollands will work in tandem in the middle with what seems like the old boy, Johnnie Jackson, adding some much needed stability and balance to the left side.
With another striker looking to be brought in, pre-season line ups suggest a forward duo of Hayes and League One golden boot wannabe Bradley Wright-Phillips will look to munch up the much needed creativity and resulting chances from a more free-flowing midfield.
Expectations need to be tempered with such a big-turnaround in players but as has been mentioned so much, there is only “One Aim” this season and home form and a good start is so important. That being said, an early season eye-opener and bump to reality will hit The Valley on Saturday in an exciting but ultimately disappointing 2-2.
Come on you reds!
Comments
I can't make the first few games of the season .. goddamn it !!!!! ...... We have got to be up for it because Bournemouth certainly will be .. we have the more skilled and creative side and if we match fire with fire and with the crowd cheering every move:
3-0 Charlton
2-0 Charlton.
2-1 us but im preparing for an early upset.
The first time "Who are yer" will be directed by fans at their own players.
Our team against Harlepool way back in May read:
Elliot, Solly, Fortune, Llera, Bessone, Wagstaff, Semedo, Stewart, Harriott, Benson, Wright-Phillips
Subs: Sullivan, Francis, Doherty, Parrett, Eccleston, Racon, Nouble.
Bournemouth have been weakened by several players departing and we need to start gelling.
-------------Hamer----------
Hughes-Taylor-Morrison-Wiggins
Waggy-Hollands-Stephens-Jackson
----------Hayes/BWP--------
COME ON THE REDSSSSSSSSSSSS!
On paper we look stronger, more balanced and with more goals both up top and across the middle.
At the back still be convinced but Rome wasn't built in a day.
2 - 1 Charlton
let's not go all camp on ourselves and prepare our excuses before the event, we're in this league to win it and i'm more than convinced the midfield bwp and the new keeper are proper promotion material
the defence scare me, so we're gonna have to do it the peterboro way 2-1 to us to start with
and then next week we'll be able to spend the small fortune we get as we cash in on no.44
at the pick n mix in woolies :-)
Would love to see a regulation 2-0 with no real drama's in front of our own goal, but hey this is Charlton and we have never been able to see out a game in comfort no matter what 11 have been put out, therefore I predict us to take the lead early with a AFCB leveler just before half time.
Second half we come out all guns blazing with 2 further goals added by 65 mins, but enevatably AFCB add a second to leave us hanging on for the final 10 mins.
3-2 to CAFC
I'm with clem, can't see us winning.
Charlton ALWAYS stink the place up when the support is up for it--- looking forward to the game etc. We wont win this one but its along old season and im looking forward to the day and the season for the first time in years.
1 v 1
We'll score goals but still think a new CB is the absolute priority.
If our new skilful midfield can get agrip of the game in the middle of the park and our new look defence not get out-muscled I fancy this could be a well worked 3-0.
However as others have said we musnt get carried away with the new 'dawn'....so I am being conservative (with a small c) and will drive back home happy with a 2-1 win.
My match threads will start next Tues for the home game against Reading.
Whoever from here is going on Sat...I'll be visiting the Lib Club to meet up with fellow lifers.
Cheers
RM
3-0 to us and the end of what has felt like the longest pre season ever.
Really looking forward to this season which I think will be a huge success.
Bradley starts the season well with two, Jacko gets one and we get another from a set piece. Look good in possession and going forward but concede two from shaky defending.
4-2