IntroductionLast Saturday’s disappointing but not disheartening result against Bolton finally saw The Addicks lose for the first time since early November. To restart our unbeaten form we must re-visit Hillsborough and take on the Missives (and ‘Big Mig’) and hopefully defeat them just as we did last year through Johnnie Jackson’s excellent free-kick.
Despite dropping down to 14th, a win for The Addicks this weekend would still give us a chance of pushing up the table and getting closer to a Play-Off spot.
The OppositionWhile Charlton hadn’t lost since November 3rd until last weekend, Wednesday hadn’t won since the same date but that finally changed after a 1-0 away win against fellow Championship –strugglers Barnsley last Saturday. The win couldn’t have come quickly enough for the Owls and it has taken them within a point of getting out of that dreaded Relegation Zone.
After the victory away at Barnsley on Saturday, I can’t see Dave Jones changing his side too much but one noticeable absentee is none other than Jose Semedo who has missed their last three fixtures and isn't expected to be back to face his former side. However another famous ex-CAFC face that should play is Miguel Llera.
The Line -UpI would expect Powell to change quite a few things for this weekend’s game and especially in midfield where Dale Stephens will be suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend.
With Stephens out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Powell decides to change the formation back to a 4-4-2 and have Frimpong and Jackson in the centre and maybe recall Salim Kerkar back into the side on the left-hand side? I would definitely expect to see Lawrie Wilson continue on the right-hand-side however.
Anyway, after getting twists and turns from N’Gog for the remaining parts of the game at Bolton, Dorian Dervite should make way for Leon Cort to help bulk up the backline again with his brilliant partnership with Michael Morrison who again returns to his former club.
Upfront is another tricky situation for Powell, I personally can see Yann making way for Hulse and putting Haynes back upfront with the QPR-loanee to add some extra pace for the mighty Llera to deal with. The game might be a bit too soon for the return of Ricardo Fuller, so I would expect to see BWP still on the bench.
The Prediction0-1 away win-a similar performance to last season's trip to Hillsborough, nothing pretty but hugely effective.
Predicted Line-Up
Comments
Avoid defeat and ideally win.
Llera first scorer probably worth a punt :-(
They got promoted through a bunch of loanees who joined the club and have since cleared off (except poor Antonio who is stuck). They weren't the 2nd best side in League one last season so I am not surprised they are struggling.
Wednesday 0-2 Charlton
Kermorgant
Morro
Would have been interesting to see Kerker in his true position in the middle in place of Stephens but can't see Powell taking that risk.
Bench will be interesting. Cook or Green? Fuller?
Cort at the back to deal with the inevitable long ball from Sheffield Hoofday.
Operation Pig to make a reapperance if we don't win.
Haynes and Wilson to score the goals that give us a welcome away win.
2-0 Haynes and Wilson
Llera
Wilson
Jackson
Solly Morrison Cort Seabourne
Wilson Pritchard Devite Jackson Frimpong
Hulse
then with a win in sight (or in mind) Haynes and Kermogant on for Jackson and Devite. No? Anything but another defeat!
Only other prediction is our fans getting told that we cheated, were lucky and that we support a tin pot club on the way out from the locals.
Let's have more doom & gloom please !
You know it makes sense !
Oh that's us.