Introduction
Back-to-back Championship wins for the first time since 2007 has seen Charlton rise up to the dizzy heights of 16th above the likes of Bolton, Leeds and Birmingham. Chris Powell has managed to pick up the squad after a disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Middlesbrough and whether it is by luck or design seems to have stumbled upon a first 11 where the individuals in it are comfortable and confident. A first clean sheet against Bristol City on Sunday since the victory over Blackpool by the same scoreline should give the back five some much needed confidence as they go up to Turf Moor where Burnley are scoring on average 2.13 goals per game.
The Team
The arrival of Danny Seabourne from Southampton has allowed Chris Powell, in the main, to have square pegs in square holes. Leon Cort makes a return up north where he was somewhat maligned by the Claret Army, but his partnership with defender-cum-striker Michael Morrison is going well – if not still a bit nervy in and around the box at times.
The Jackson and Stephens partnership is bearing fruit at the moment and if it can remain consistent, the centre of midfield could be a dench one. The enthusiastic Bradley Pritchard is doing a great job on the right although it sometimes appears he is running in treacle when he gets the ball at his feet, possibly nullifying the attacking threat down the right. His opposite number, Salim Kerkar has been instrumental in chance creation despite his awkward looking style and he’ll be hoping to add goals to his team contribution sooner rather than later.
With two goals in two games, the pacy Danny Haynes is keeping Bradley Wright-Phillips out of the starting XI and has publically expressed his happiness at being paired up with Rob Hulse so expect those two to begin the game up at Burnley. Ricardo Fuller made a welcome return to the action late on at Ashton Gate but with a strikeforce performing well, there is no need to rush him back straight away.
The Opposition
Charlie Austin. 15 Games. 17 Goals. It’s obvious where the threat is as only two other players have scored more than two goals for the Clarets (Chris McCann and Martin Paterson) so keeping him quiet is going to be key to picking up a result on Saturday. Despite Austin’s incredible personal achievement, the team as a whole is not pulling up any trees. Sitting just three points above the Addicks and with a negative goal difference (-1), they are there to be got at. Burnley have the 22nd worst defence in the league conceding just under two goals every game. That being said, the home form is OK winning 63% of their games at Turf Moor.
Prediction
This really could go either way and it doesn’t happen often in Preview Towers, but we’re going for a stalemate. 0-0
Come on you reds!
0
Comments
A point would be great any better marvellous.
Nervy rearguard action otherwise.
They look pretty strong at home. If i was a neutral i think i'd be backing Burnley, however Fuller instantly makes our bench stronger and could make a difference in the last part of a tight game.
2-1
2-1 us. JJ and Haynes.
Burnley 2 v CAFC 2
1-1 is my prediction.