Being a Preview Towers hack can be a thankless task. The pay is poor and the bosses harsh but at least there was always something new to write about.
But in recent months the team has been almost unchanged and the results so consistent that finding a new angle has been difficult.
It was tempting to do a quick cut and paste from the review written for the game's original date of 4 February but if the Club can produce a new programme then a fresh review is the least we can do. And for once the team selection really is a puzzle.
OK, the back five isn't going to change but the other 6 places could, and some would say should, change. BWP was dropped to the bench v Tranmere allowing Danny Haynes to make his first CAFC start. But the nifty striker pulled up with a tight hamstring so may not be risked v Rochdale.
Both BWP and Big Yann have failed to find the net in 2012 leading to calls for Haynes (if fit) and even forgotten man Paul Hayes to return to the starting XI.
Danny Green is also drawing mixed reviews and the clamour for Tranmere benchwarmer Scott Wagstaff to get some more game time is growing.
For many the balance across the middle, especially with Johnnie Jackson out, just isn't quite right.
One name not often mentioned is Andy Hughes yet it was his October spell as the holding midfielder that allowed both Danny Hollands and Rhoys Wiggins to get forward so effectively and when Charlton were notching 4 and 5 goal tallies. But there are sound arguments for any number of midfield combinations.
With games every Tuesday/Saturday for the next few weeks the temptation is there for Chris Powell to "rotate" his squad. The counter argument is that we are still 6 (six) points clear of 2nd place and a mere 11 clear of third so stick to what has worked well so far.
Charlton beat Rochdale 3 - 2 at Spotland in September. We had gone top four days earlier without playing due to Huddersfield 3 - 0 defeat of Sheffield Utd tipping the goal difference in our favour. We have been in pole position ever since.
Rochdale have spent much of the season in the bottom four and recently replaced their manager with Accrington Stanley's John Coleman. A last minute penalty last Saturday gave the Dale an important 3 points but they still sit 23rd. With only two away league wins all seasons this has to be a home banker. Doesn't it?
3 - 0 to the Addicks with BWP, Hollands and substitute Wagstaff on the scoresheet.
0
Comments
A very tricky tie.
COYR
The strikers aren't scoring, but it's not as if we're creating loads of chances that they are squandering, as we aren't dominating teams at the moment, in the way you'd expect the top of the table team to do most weeks. Maybe that suggests the problems lie in midfield?
Would be tempted to start Hayes and BWP up front, Kerms has been brilliant but if there's going to be a game where CP brings back Hayes then tomorrow night is as good a chance as any. Same goes for Waggy
looking at the table three points should be a formality–knowing CAFC as we all do, it won't be as simple as that but I'm still expecting the win and nine points clear which should help calm a few nerves among the 'flappers' on here
Our fans could well get on our players' backs so I think a draw if we are lucky.
I hope to be proved wrong by a resounding Charlton victory!
After a horrendous run, they had won 3 matches on the trot, I believe.
They were put to the sword.
Last time JJ was out we replaced him with a loan signing on the left. This may be the solution again.
0-1 (some old geezer next to me shouting out the whole game 'f***ing useless the lot of ya')
I think Tranmere was, theoretically, the first match he was available for.