Has the blip gone bust? After a run of games where players looked leggy; a once rock solid defence became porous; and a 17 point lead had reduced by eight there was an air of anxiousness engulfing the Addicks fanbase. Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat of League One form team Yeovil allowed a big exhalation for many whilst a three-man shake-up of the first XI injected some much needed freshness and drive. The game was by no means a classic, but a debut goal, a clean sheet and a seventh goal in seven games for top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips was most welcome.
Saturday sees Chris Powell’s troops travel north once again to take on Huddersfield who will be looking for a win to increase their chances of joining the Sheffield Tussle for second place. A win for Charlton and a couple of other results going against Simon Grayson’s men could see Huddersfield condemned to the playoffs for the 26th year running and we all know what happens then. Charlton ended Huddersfield run of unbeaten games since their formation back in 1908, but against the only team in the league that have lost fewer games that Addicks, any points we pick up will be a positive. Huddersfield have drawn nearly a third of their home games this season a problem that appears to have halted their early season push for automatic promotion but a win against Charlton and another against Massive could see them right back in the game – but the Addicks should be confident.
Charlton seem to step up their game against the teams around them - with 13 points picked up from a possible 15 against the three teams directly below - and if that goes to 16 come Saturday then we may start hunting for the key to the champagne fridge. The efforts of the team on Tuesday have given Chris Powell a selection headache for one of the few times this season. Two all-action performances from Daryl Russel and Scott Wagstaff could see them both keep their places in the team whilst a man-of-the-match performance from Leon Cort could keep Matt Taylor on the bench for consecutive games. Much depends on the fitness of Johnnie Jackson when it comes to the midfield line-up but Dany N’Guessan would be hoping to retain his place despite looking short of stamina at The Valley. Returning loanee Lee Cook will also be looking to force his way in the matchday 16 but it looks unlikely he will displace anyone who was on the bench against Yeovil.
Twitter clamourings for Paul Hayes to return from Wycombe having been on a prolific run could see him take a place on the train up to Yorkshire although Chris Powell has stated that he won’t call him back if he is not going to be involved. I expect him to stay and help the Wanderers with their relegation fight as Kermongant and Bradley Wright-Phillips continue up front.
Over a decade ago, a 35th minute screamer from John Robinson up at Huddersfield resulting in a 2-1 victory - although earlier in the season than this year - convinced many that the Addicks that it was going to be their year. The same result will confirm it once again in 2012. Charlton to walk away with a 1-2 win (and we’ll let Rhodes score this time).
Come on you reds!
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Comments
draw @ best but i'm expecting a 2-0 or 3-0 defeat , the spluttering to the finish line will carry on
is he trying to deceive us that he has written a long write up ??
(561 words)
We are facing a side who have a bit of expectation from their own fans to get a result for once which might work in our favour
1-0 to us.
Just like his "dad" he has been resolutely loyal to players but when he feels the need to act he does. And swiftly. Cort has been on the bench nearly all season and Taylor/Morrison have been the heart of the meanest defence in Club history yet he broke that partnership. Dale Stephens was a big buy and a big star early on but he too has been dropped after being given a long run since returning from injury. Green has given way to Waggy, who even his biggest detractors have had to admit has done well. Meanwhile Leon Clarke was outed faster than a Essex Cricketer in a betting scandal.
I can see N'Gussan dropping to the bench and Cook starting on the left with an otherwise unchanged side.
Key phrase up to 5.00 pm on Saturday will be "I'll take a draw" but I don't think that is how this team thinks. After getting the 3 - 0 win spot on for Tuesday's game I'm going for a one - nil to the Addicks.
I've got the keys to the champagne fridge by the way, so it's empty!
Bwp and waggy
Penalty to us.
3-0 to Uddersfield as they NEVER get beaten.
Rhodes BWP
Their CB his name escapes me. 1-2 BWP and Hollo
------------HAMER
SOLLY---CORT---MORRO---WIGGINS
WAGGY--RUSSEL--HOLLO--N'GUESSAN
---------KERMY---BWP
Subs:
SULLI
TAYLOR
PRITCH
COOK
GREEN
Their CB his name escapes me. 1-2 BWP and Hollo
------------HAMER
SOLLY---CORT---MORRO---WIGGINS
WAGGY--RUSSEL--HOLLO--N'GUESSAN
---------KERMY---BWP
Subs:
SULLI
TAYLOR
PRITCH
COOK
GREEN