Introduction
A much welcomed victory over Ipswich last time out for Charlton saw us creep out of the early-doors relegation zone with both Johnnie Jackson and Ricardo Fuller getting their first goals of the current campaign. Next up are the very epitome of a basket case club – Blackburn Rovers. The chicken loving owners have been running the Lancashire club in what only can be described mental ways for a while now – ultimately resulting in their relegation from the top-tier of English football last season.
Steve Kean (just about) remains at the helm of the team although his position seems to be about as stable as a Danny Haynes hamstring. Despite that, Rovers remain a favourite for promotion and a third place position in the league so far suggests that they are on course – even if only one man and his dog have been turning out to watch them.
The Team
Last week’s team at Ipswich was switched around by Chris Powell, firstly by a long-term injury to fan favourite Yann Kermorgant and secondly by lacklustre previous performances. Moving Johnnie Jackson into the centre of the park and giving Salim Kerkar his first start seemed to give the Addicks extra impetus alongside Danny Green who is grabbing his chance on the right as if a pair of brand new GHDs were the prize for a good performance.
A new on-loan striker is hoped for before Saturday’s encounter especially with Ricardo Fuller still building up his fitness due to a lack of pre-season. That being said, expect the former Stoke man to line up alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips who will be hoping to end a five game scoring drought.
Wiiilllsssooonnn will be hoping to continue to grow in confidence forcing Chris Solly to the left-back position once again, can this continue until the new year? We’re not too sure up here in Preview Towers. Everything else should remain the same, injury dependant.
The Opponents
The eight-million pound signing of Jordan Rhodes raised a few eyebrows when the transfer was completed but with six goals already in the Championship, the capture could prove to be invaluable should Blackburn make an immediate return to the Premier League. The other notable signings by Steve Kean (or by some Asian businessman) are former Charlton midfielder Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu and Portuguese legend – Nuno Gomes (4 goals so far). There is an obvious attacking threat to Rovers, yet they remain vulnerable at the back, conceding on average 2.33 goals away from the desolate surroundings of Ewood Park.
Prediction
Despite the craziness of the club, Blackburn’s quality is undeniable. A quick start, dictation of play and an early goal needs to be on the agenda for Chris Powell’s men on Saturday or it could be a long afternoon. Will we get it? I’m not too sure. 2-2.
Come on you reds!
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Comments
Stephens and Green with the goals
2-2
But morro needs to have young Jordan in his sky rocket again just like last year
CAFC 2 v Blackburn Rovers 0
3-1 to us. COYR!!!
Rhodes the only danger, but we've played him before.
Looking forward to watching Murphy melt!
I think 2-0 maybe 2-1 to us.
In the East for this one and looking forward to what I expect to be a good, attacking end to end game. Would leave this one out of an accy, can't really split any of the three potential outcomes.
Really hoping to see Kerkar impress. If him and Green both find form wide we could become a very decent side to watch.
No shame at all in that, and they will beat lots of teams this year. 0-2.
If we can get a point, we should see it as an excellent result.
Just read that back to myself before posting and realised if that actually happens I will be amazed. Can't see us keeping a clean sheet so let's hope BWP & Fuller are wearing their lucky pants.
An entertaining 3-2 to the Addicks...Kean gone by Monday. COYR!!!
Have a great birthday weekend !
DARREN DEADMAN
John Scott and Oleksandr Saliy
Fourth Official Tim Robinson
have us for a 2-1 win.