Introduction
With the nation getting fatter by the hour, football action this time of year comes around as quick as the next dive into the Quality Street tin.
If it is hard enough graft for us fans to drag our expanding arses off the sofa and get to the game, spare a thought for the poor players who get granted just enough time to down a Jagerbomb, roast a groupie and put their shinnies back in before the ref is blowing his whistle.
But while the sound of the dressing room will be a cacophony of unwrapping plastic of their new Dr Dre headphones, on the concourses behind the stand there will be a backdrop of nervous mutterings. Having taken a while to find their feet again in the Championship, Charlton seemed to have cracked what is required during November with a run of four wins and a draw. It provided a platform to step on, but it has not materialised.
No wins in five and three defeats in a row was not what was realistically expected through December, and the lacklustre performance of the most recent defeat to lowly Ipswich has certainly rung a few alarm bells.
Charlton need a win again, and hopefully the quick turnaround in games will provide that.
The Oppo
Sitting six places above the Addicks in twelfth, The Rams are equally failing to pull up any trees and appear to lack consistency. The arrive at The Valley off the back of two losses (Hull H, Burnley A), and made hard work in the reverse fixture earlier in the season when coasting at 3-0 as goals from Danny Green and Yann Kermogant made it a tighter finish than what should have been.
Two-goal hitman Jamie Ward was the thorn in the Addicks side that night, so supporters will not be shocked to learn that after three months out with a torn hamstring, he will be back and available for the trip tomorrow. The bench looks his likely starting position however. Midfielder Craig Bryson and defender Mark O’Brien are also both seen as doubtful. Derby have already lost in two trips to South London this season, and lets hope they complete the hat-trick.
Line Up
Gawd knows.
Its traditional this time of the year to ‘make use of the squad’ but when things are not going well it frustratingly appears to many as ‘not picking your best team’.
With Haynes, Fuller and Hulse all starting on Wednesday, it seems likely Kermorgant will start and if BWP can find his way out of the wilderness in time for kick-off, SCP might go all retro and pair them up again. Elsewhere, Wilson is likely to reappear after his suspension, and Pritchard must be pushing for a starting berth after impressing again from the bench on Wednesday. One of the centre halves will no doubt be rested for Dervite. My team (which it won’t be), would be:
Hamer
Solly
Cort / Dervite
Morrison / Dervite
Seabiscuit
Wilson
Pritchard
Jackson
Haynes / Kerkar
Hulse
Haynes / BWP
Prediction
Stop panicking and man up. 3-0 to the Addicks
What was we all worrying about ?
0
Comments
We need to attack, attack and attack with this team:
Hamer - Solly Morrison Dervite Evina (if fit) - Haynes Wilson Pritchard Kerkar - Fuller Hulse.
Wilson in central midfield, two 'wingers', two strikers and let's go for it.
CAFC 2 v Derby County 1
Stephens instead of Jackson
Probably the wrong thread, but we have to be the 12th man tomorrow as per the Cardiff game...This may be our last chance to influence what may be occuring in a certain Mr J's head.
SCP needs us more than ever before - please don't let him down !
Match thread will be back at 2 pm......lets hope we get the 3 points this time round......PLEASE!!!
I suspect the starting team will be closer to the 2nd half v Ipswich but with Wilson's return allowing Haynes to move up top.
Evina at left back seems an obvious change but who knows.
Hamer
Solly Cort Morrison Evina
Wilson Stephens Pritchard Jackson
Hulse Haynes
The Prodigal Sons (BWP + Waggy) to return off the bench and combine for a late winner.
Charlton will carry out a precautionary pitch inspection at 9am on Saturday ahead of the clash with Derby.
1-1
Chard Bromhead. Bourne Hitch
Hook Ardendorfe. Jones. Williams
Scheiss. Jones
Hamer
Solly
Morro
Cort
Evina
Wilson
Pritchard
Jackson
Haynes
Stephens
Fuller
Allows Stephens to be more creative without losing possession in a dangerous position like he did against Ipswich.
Solly Dervite Cort Fox
Wilson Stephens Pritchard Harriot
Kermorgant, Haynes
Won't happen of course, but I'd quite like to seei it. No loanees, all our own boys. Fox and Harriot already understand each other so play them together. Morro could do with a rest.