The introduction.
You'd think the players didn't like playing at the Valley so different have performances, and results, in SE7 proved compared to those on the road.
Whether that is coincidence, the nature of the opposition faced so far, the make up of the squad or just its manager's mentality we shall see as the season progresses but there is no doubt that we look more likely away from home and the points total backs that up.
A much improved performance at Elland Road has restored the confidence of some fans and has hopefully done the same for the players. Now can we build on that and take three points at one of the title contenders?
The Opposition
Relegated last season, Wolves lived up to their favourites billing early on but have had a miserable October so far. Defeats to Dougie Freeman's Red and Blue Army (snigger, snigger) and Huddersfield as well as a draw with Dougie Freeman's Blue and White Army (LOL) have seen the Old Gold slip to 6th. And only a win over managerless Blackburn has kept them that high.
They can still boast a number of classy players and retain the Addicks' old nemesis (Your so) Sylvain Ebanks-Banks. Doyle and Sigurdson are also dangerous forwards but try not to be too shocked to see former Addick Frank Nouble playing at such a high level. Carl Ikeme is another loanee who could make an appearance.
The Line Up
Preview Towers will be amazed if the 4 - 5- 1 used at Leeds isn't retained and more than likely with the same players. Dorian Dervite is set to become the new Semedo as a centre half moved into a defensive midfield role to give us a more solid centre. All he needs now is a song.
Ceddy Evina made what for many was a long overdue start allowing Solly and Wilson to link up on the right.
The only question marks will be over Stephens or Pritchard and Hulse or BWP. The answer is surely don't change a winning drawing team
The Prediction
Another tight game and another draw. 0 - 0
Hamer
Solly Cort Morrison Evina
Dervite
Wilson Pritchard Jackson Kerker
Hulse
0
Comments
Dervite oh, oh.oh
He comes from Gallic Gaul
He doesn't like Millwall
While I'm at it:
Championship wonder HULSE! (to the tune of Champion the wonder horse)
If I had a HAMER I'd HAMER in the morning I'd HAMER in the evening I'd HAMER all day (to the tune of if I had a hammer)
SHHHH, SHHHH It's LEON COURT (as opposed to silence in court)
Oh Lawrie we love you oh Lawrie we do ( to the tune of Tell Laura I love her)
Might need a bit of work but I've never pretended to be Lennon and Mc Cartney
:-)
i predict a 2-1 Addicks Win - goals from Jacko n Cort
hamer, solly, cort, morro, evina, wilson, hollands, devrite, jackson, kerkar, bwp
2-0 to the Addicks...Hulse and Wilson with the goals.
revert to long ball and slip down the league.
I'm pretty certain we'll get more points at home than away , how many times have we finished the season with more points away from home ??
2-1 to the wanderers
looking forward to making the trip!
Think they might have too much quality up front on the day so think maybe a 2-1 defeat.
Just as long as the travelling hordes sing Len's Hamer song, brilliant.
At least Steve Bull isn't playing - he always seemed to score against us.
The Championship is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.
"Chocolates?"
"No, Maltesers."
2-1 screamer from cort, smashed in from 3 yards, el classico centre defender pile driver after a goal mouth scramble lasting 3 minutes (proper old skool)... second goal nothing to shout about really, wilson with a clean strike from 20 yards out top corner.
the goal mouth scramble (LOVE THEM).
Sako for me is the key playere here. We need to keep a close eye on him and not let him shoot. He can hit the target from any angle and I see him as a future Premier League player. We also need to make sure we don't give away any silly freek kicks around the area with this lot.
Teams make the top six in this league if they can string a few results together, which no one is really doing consistently yet. It took Leicester a while and now look at them. I believe if we can keep within touching distance of the playoffs, then we can make a real charge for those positions when Yann, Fuller and Wiggins are all back. COYR!