If at the start of the season you had offered Charlton fans seven points from three games against the Sheffield teams (two of them away) then most would’ve bitten your hand off. An exceptional away performance at Bramall Lane and a first win at Hillsborough since 1953, saw the Addicks do the away double against United and Wednesday for the first ever time in their history. This weekend’s encounter sees the quartet of games against the Steel City complete and a win would create a most welcome buffer going into the remaining 19 or so games of the season.
Many are predicting that, despite it being at The Valley, the match against Sheffield United will be a tougher prospect compared to their massive rivals, Wednesday. And rightly so. Sheffield United currently sit top of the form guide having won five and only lost once in their last six matches and have scored 17 goals in the process. That being said, only two of those games have been away from home which in one they lost to Carlisle up at Brunton Park. Charlton should give the Blades the respect that they deserve, but should feel confident about getting a result.
The last time Charlton beat Sheffield United down Floyd Road was on their way to the Championship title back in 1999/2000 season when a solitary John Robinson goal was enough to win the game. In more recent times, a 5-2 spanking and a goal by the late Gary Speed saw the abrupt end to Alan Pardew’s tenure as Charlton manager. The previous season also saw a heavy defeat (0-3) with James Beattie and now Chelsea defender Gary Cahill scoring – some would say we’re due a performance against the red side of the Sheffield at home.
Powell’s team selection has been made relatively easy due to an effective performance up at Hillsborough last time out. The back five are providing a rearguard action which has long been missing from The Valley, and fullbacks Rhoys Wiggins and Chris Solly look destined to excel in a higher league – hopefully with Charlton. The emergence of Bradley Pritchard in the centre of midfield has been a real feel-good feeling (albeit at very early stage) and his quality to pick and pass and cover ground has really added something to our midfield. With Dale Stephens a surprise inclusion on the bench last weekend, you would think Bradley needs to keep up a high level of performance to retain his place in the starting XI. Danny Green was maybe the only player ‘on-par’ last week whilst others were excelling but there is no reason why he won’t start on the right with Captain Jackson on the opposite flank.
Despite morning speculation linking Yann Kermongant with Scottish giants Celtic, I fully expect the Frenchman to link up with Bradley Wright-Phillips who is desperate for a goal to kick start the second half of his season. There will be no better stage than to announce his goal scoring return than at this weekend.
Two top-of-the-table clashes in two weeks can define seasons, promotion and championship and there is a feeling that a victory will be a big step in completing ‘One Aim’. That being said a 2-2 draw is on the cards, but that’s not too bad considering our overall dominance of Sheffield this season.
Come on you reds!
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Comments
1 goal in each half. Another professional performance.
Win we go 7 clear with a game in hand at home, that's a huge lead and would enable us to survive a little "blip" if it ever comes. Sheff Utd will be more of a footballing team which I think suits us better as it'll give us chance to play a bit of football rather than having to slog through a game vs a Wednesday/Tranmere/Brentford.
Would be nice to see BWP find his scoring boots especially now he has competition with Haynes
http://stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/D2/oform.html
http://stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/D2/vtophalf.html
if it windy - 1-0 (morrison)
if its sunny - 1-0 (solly)
if its overcast - 1-0 (kermorgant)
fingers crossed it does all of the above during the afternoon and we win 4-0!
Cold and bright with sunshine and light scattered showers miday sunny and crisp from 2pm onwards,staying largely dry. Quite windy at times with a noticeable chill max of 11c.
COYR
It was a game in which we played well and lost underservedly so it didnt damage confidence or our momentum.
I cant make Saturday due to work but I'm hoping that the game lives up to the hype that it will receive much closer to kick off. I think both teams will score and right now, if you offered me a point I think I would take it as it keeps us in touch with yourself. You dont need to be Sherlock to work out if you win this and your game in hand you have to do something outrageously wrong to not be a Championship side next season.
Got it bang on last week so I'm on a role. Long may it continue.
Why have We played so many Away games compared to Home matches ?
Haynz meanz goalz !!
However, this is just the sort of game that is determined by everybody being on their mettle or a player error or a referreeing descision.
Hoping for a comfortable 2-0, not sure if it'll pan out that way, but due to picking up 3 points last week any points we pick up this week will be a bonus in my eyes
0-0 or 2-2.