Despite a routine win for Sheffield United over Chesterfield reducing Charlton’s lead at the top to six points, those extoling the virtues of the Blades assault on the top spot - which we have occupied for over six months - may be advised that over the past eight games Ched Evans and co. have only picked up a single point more than the Addicks. In fact, Sheffield Wednesday (top of the form table) and Huddersfield (second) have caught up only four and three points more respectively on Chris Powell’s men.
But let us not kid ourselves. The past five games have hardly been inspiring with home defeats against Colchester and Notts County and an away reverse up at the Galpharm last time out. Charlton need to step on the gas one last time this season to secure promotion and hopefully the League One Championship. Having been superb all season and building up at what times seem an unassailable lead, has given us the luxury of having a few bad days at the office, yet it would seem only a couple more could be afforded between now and May 5th.
Saturday could see a huddle (five) of Valley Alumni return to the shores of SE7, although another ex-Addick - Scott McGleish, who has scored in consecutive appearances down here - has moved onto pastures new. Leyton Orient themselves will consider themselves in a relegation battle with a potential two defeats seeing them in the dreaded bottom four, although a David Mooney goal secured them a good mid-week win away at Oldham.
Many fans will be having a cheeky couple of quid on Lisbie/Mooney/Spring/Campbell-Ryce (not Rachubka) to score this weekend, but we need to be concerned about ourselves and how we play. The team has been re-jigged due to rotation, illness and injury in recent weeks, and the stability we once enjoyed in weeks gone by has gone and we’re relying on people stepping up to the plate as we enter the business period of the season.
Whether or not Chris Powell believes Matt Taylor has had enough rest to return to the fold in place of Leon Cort remains to be seen, but his captain qualities may be needed with the continued absence of Johnnie Jackson. The centre of the park is where the most change and disruption has happened, and with Darrel Russel’s red card against Huddersfield, Dale Stephen’s could return alongside Danny Hollands unless Powell opts for the more tenacious Bradley Pritchard. It’s hard to call. Loanees Cook and N’Guessan will be battling for the left-wing berth, and with Cook potentially facing up against his old side maybe we can inflict the ex-player ‘curse’ on the O’s. Danny Green, conspicuous by his absence last Saturday could come in for the hot-and-cold Scott Wagstaff on the right.
Although the recently prolific Paul Hayes was recalled to the fold due to Yann Kermongant’s sudden illness, it would be a surprise if he retains his place alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips if the Frenchman is fit.
We need to get back on track and a repeat of the 3-1 win from last season will be just the tonic for a nervous fan base. It will also help the speed up recovery of Richard Murray.
Come on you reds!
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And go on to win by 3 clear goals and the same fans will be screaming we are going up at full time
sheff utd unbeaten in 5 and 9 goals in their last 2 games including 5 away at brazil 1970 are not to be sniffed at, these teams are on the prowl and we have to put a stop to the shitty dithering nothing footy we have been playing recently
we've come too far to fook this up but changes are needed and a 3-1 win will settle the nerves .....for now
Keep the faith guys..........we are going up
We will interestingly know the Massive's result prior to the game as they kick off early against currently poor Preston
I'll be laying my scarf outside the main entrance before kick-off.....................................
I'm going for a 3-2 win (again). Dubious BWP hattrick and a brace from Lisbie.
Little nervous on this occassion but looking forward to it. one that we really need to put to bed early.
2-1 i fancy either way
Rachupka has been nervy in Goal and is not liked by their crowd although according to my Orient pals he played well against another of his former clubs Oldham on Tuesday . They will not have a recognised Left back although this didn't help us at Brisbane Road because Ryan Dickson will be suspended following his red card on Tuesday.
Despite this , the fact that it is a London derby and the law of the ex potentially 5 of them does worry me.
Those of you who think our support is nervy would be interested to know that in my opinion their support is far more negative than we are and I was surprised by it .
My head tells me a nervy 2-0 to the Addicks.
him and mooney are probably the best strike force in the league.
worried...
if 80% of us drink 5 pints before the game we'll win comfortably.
if it's a nice day i see lots of alcohol being drunk, a raucous crowd and a much needed win.
They beat us at their place with a lucky deflection, we played almost the whole game with 10 men and SCP took off the wrong man (hush my mouth for saying such things).
The odds of them getting lucky again are small. They are at the wrong end of the table for a reason. We are at the top for a reason. We know that they will try the physical way of winning, but we have shown we can stand up to this. Also why Waggy should start and not Green.
Charlton to win 3-0.
We'll win,don't worry.