Introduction
With the resident team of Preview Towers all away trying to agree deadline day deals for Francis Jeffers, Hermann Hreidarrson and Sam Sodje, I have the tough task of previewing a trip to Nottingham for Chris Powell’s side. After a more than encouraging first week of the season which saw the Addicks remain unbeaten, the last four days of rumour has led fans and Powell himself begging for closing time Friday night. At the time of writing, no players have left the Valley but with offers apparently on the table for Chris Solly and Dale Stephens and the deadline 30 or so hours away, a lot could have changed by 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Opposition
Where to start? It’s been a rather interesting summer for Forest fans. The arrival of new owners from Kuwait has led to the sacking of manager Steve Cotterill and the appointment of one of his backroom staff, Sean O’Driscoll. The ex Doncaster Rovers boss has spent over £5 million on the squad and with players such as Henri Lansbury and Simon Cox now at his disposal, there’s an expectation both from owners and fans of a crack at promotion. Both players mentioned should start at the City Ground and there should be a few ex-Addicks in Greg Halford and Andy Reid in the starting eleven.
Potential Line Up
As mentioned before, a lot could have changed by kick off but if the same squad is on the coach on Saturday morning, then expect an unchanged team. Ben Hamer will look to continue his good form with new signing David Button taking his place on the bench. The back four will remain the same, but if Solly ends up in East London, Lawrie Wilson could make his full league debut. Dorian Dervite continues on the bench after Matt Taylor was ruled out for a month.
In midfield, Bradley Pritchard could move into the centre if Stephens moves to a hotel room in Birmingham with Danny Green or rumoured Forest target Scott Wagstaff starting on the right. And with Ricardo Fuller not fit enough to make the 18 until a certain local derby, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Yann Kermorgant will remain upfront.
Prediction
Like all Charlton fans, I remain hopeful that the same eleven who played in the goalless draw with Hull step out on Saturday in black and send 750 Addicks fans back to SE7 delighted with a superb performance and 3 points. 2-1 and a BWP double.
COYR!
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Comments
I'll go 1-2 to Charlton.
Cox is an excellent player.
We havent been in the Championship for the last year.
2-0
Going to be a very tough game, I think it will be key if we keep either Solly or Stephens. Keep them and we get a draw after a good hearty performance. One or both leave and we'll find our unbeaten run come to an end.
If they stay, same team and 1-1 draw.
If they go, 2-1 loss.
Does anyone know how Forest will line up. Are Reid and Lansbury both likely to start and if so will it be in a 4-5-1?
I know I would.
;o)
2-0 forest
Prove me wrong lads
However they seem a little vulnerable in defence at the moment.
If we can keep it tight, certainly not go a goal down or we will lose I reckon, then a set piece goal may well prove to be an'equaliser before they score'.
I would be elated if we can win, not too downhearted if it is an honourable defeat, and pretty pleased with a draw...I think we may get away with a 0-0 or a 1-1, but this division is still so new to us it is hard to forecast, especially at Forset with their new manager.
Just maybe we have a stunning individual performance from one of ours, built on a solid team effort.
Forest 2 - Addicks 0
Meanwhile in the real world....