Introduction
A relegation decider, a six-pointer, a win-at-all-costs, Powell must go if we lose…
After a promising start to life in the Championship for Charlton, any illusions of a comfortable season for the Addicks were shattered into a thousand pieces with successive defeats to Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Derby County. Although all defeats were only by a single goal, the sluggishness of Chris Powell’s men in the opening period of all three games continues to be a worry and the faith/stubbornness of sticking with the same line-up is being seriously questioned by the fan base.
Saturday’s game against fellow basement boys Ipswich gives the League One champions a chance to redeem themselves and show the fans that we can compete on an equal footing in the second tier of English football.
Line Up
Many expected/hoped that Rhoys Wiggins’ long-term injury would give a chance to former Arsenal product Cedric Evina yet Powell opted to go with Lawrie ‘Marmite’ Wilson – expect the same defensive unit at Portman Road. The centre of the park is where the majority of people think our weakness is. A lack of bite, drive and natural width is limiting the attacking threat of the Addicks causing a style that is far too labourous for the fast-paced nature of the Championship.
Danny Green will hope to retain his place in the starting line-up after scoring and assisting a goal at Pride Park and the subsequent introduction of Kerkar (with Jackson moving inside) and Fuller up top gives Chris Powell real food for thought. Despite Fuller’s noticeable impact in recent substitute appearances, expect Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant to start up front once again.
Opposition
Ipswich Town are yet to win at home in three attempts this season and are conceding over two goals a game (skewed by a 6-0 thumping by Blackpool earlier in the season) so Charlton will hope to create some chances to reverse their season’s fortunes. As for their team, the Addicks could come up against former loanee Lee Martin, whilst a close eye will need to be kept on prolific Championship striker Michael Chopra who already has two goals this season.
Prediction
Both teams desperately need a win although the Tractor Boys will be under more pressure in front of their home fans to perform. It’s hard to see Charlton picking up a win if they start the game like they have in the three previous outings but we have to hope that Chris Powell has shaken that particular trait out of the team. A back-to-basic draw will be most welcome. 1-1.
Come on you reds!
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Comments
unfortunately we are charlton
as usual a draw at best but more than likely we'll kick start ipswich's season
Jewel sacked in the morning.
The same won't happen in the case of SCP.
Let's knock one thing on the head now. There are FORTY games left this season. This is NOT a must win game.
But a more confident performance is definitely in order.
Fancy a draw.
Please let me be wrong
I see this as a potential win IF the right team is selected. It's about time Fuller was match fit If he isnt he needs to get cracking and do a few more circuits of the pitch.
Chris Powell needs to bite the bullet and drop a few of last year's 'heroes'. Fuller and Kermorgant is the right combination for a tough away game and midfield needs to be stiffened up. Equally, if Powell makes no changes and we win .. da boy's a genius !!
Hamer Morrison Dervite Cort Solly .. Stephens Hollands Kerkar Green .. Kermorgant/Wright-Phillips Fuller (still can't decide 'tween Bradders n Yann)
Hamer
Solly
Morro
Cort
Evina
Green
Jackson
Stephens
Kerks
Bwp
Yann
But I'm pretty sure it will be solly at left back again
Tight game we will win this fuller and kermy 1-2
If Powell makes these changes perhaps we will nick a win, if he doesn't make changes then we stay in bottom three.