So here it is, the 2012/13 season, and what have we done? Another season over and new one just begun.
This campaign seems set to start with a whimper rather than a bang as the vagaries of the fixture calender mean that we play the league cup first round before the first Championship game.
This gives Chris Powell an interesting choice although it is one we at Preview Towers believe he made some time ago. Does he treat this like another pre-season game and give a run out to those who didn't get much game time at Craven Cottage or does he play a full strength side?
With only three new bodies through the door of Sparrows Lane so far it's not as if the squad needs time to gel so we expect to see a strong but 2nd string line up for this League cup clash (there is yet another sponsor this year but it is still the league cup).
If Powell's does go for the 2nd string option it is the defence that raises the most questions. The back line is still short with only three centre halves (Mambo seems to have fallen behind in the race for the first 18) and all three played a part v Fulham. Wilson, who was a sub in RM on Saturday could cover for Solly while Evina does the same for Wiggins. Unless trialist Dervite signs expect to see Matt Taylor start alongside either Morrison or Cort.
Although Haynes is injured, Powell may feel inclined to try the 433 he experimented with in pre-season even if it appears to need the pacey winger/forward to make it work. But he does have the option of Jordan Cook on the left. Either Wagstaff or the Swindon bound Green will take the wide right berth with the other possibly used behind the main striker.
Hollands looks a few weeks behind the others in terms of fitness following toe surgery so maybe given another run out alongside Kerker, who was impressive in a short cameo on the banks of the Thames.
Smith will be hoping for a start as Kermo's legs and BWPs knee are rested.
Orient we know well enough from last term but the Os have had a poor pre-season losing to Dartford, Luton, Ebbsfleet and Maidstone. Sidcup boy George Porter has left for Burnley and Matt Spring has also gone but they still have the young talent of Kevin Lisbie up front.
Chris "Son of Curbs" Powell takes these types of cup games as seriously as his dad so don't be surprised to see Charlton struggle to finish off the East Enders but we'll have enough hungry players eager to win a league place to win this one 4 - 2
It doesn't yet feel like the greyhounds are in the slips, straining upon the start but regardless the game's afoot: Football's back.
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Comments
Expecting something along the lines of:
Sullivan
Wilson
Taylor
Mambo (if fit)
Evina
Wagstaff
Kerkar
Pritchard
Cook
Smith
Yann
2-0 Addicks.
: - )
Worked well enough for 50 years or so.
And that's why the names are being velcroed on this season.
There is a long season ahead......
2-0 CAFC, Cook and Pritchard with the goals.
nollys prolly the only one looking forward to it , we know how he likes a cup compo !
2-1 Leyton Orient to win
Guess lots will be feeling a bit down now the Games are over ( well I am !) so another reason to get yourself down to The Valley and support the lads.
Hope SCP puts out a strong team in readiness for Brum & that a couple of goals will then allow him to bring on a couple of subs.
Optimistically a home win for me - don't care who scores .
Lisbe gets an easy one to give us a kick up the bum.