IntroductionThe away visit to Watford sees the first game of a new calendar year for the Addicks and after a dramatic 2012, hopefully 2013 can be as successful. Firstly we must defeat Watford who have progressed in some style since the last time the two sides met. Gianfranco Zola's side are now sitting in the play-offs position compared to when we faced them in October where the Hornets were in 18th place.
While Watford have been on the up, we have not won in six matches and while last Saturday’s draw with Derby showed more promise and heart, it was still evident that things still needed improving. Tuesday’s game against Watford will certainly be intriguing to say the least.
It is also worth noting that Tuesday’s referee is Trevor Kettle who in his previous Charlton fixture against Oldham last season harshly sent both Danny Hollands and Scott Wagstaff off and the Latics' Jean-Yves M'voto which baffled both Chris Powell and Oldham manager Paul Dickov.
The OppositionDespite criticism over the philosophy of the ‘loan’ deals that Watford have, you can’t deny that it has helped them immensely as they are now in 6th place with a game in hand over other clubs in the play-offs. The Hornets are also unbeaten in three matches another reason why they are considered as favourites for Tuesday’s game, however one thing to bear in mind is that Watford may have one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup tie versus Manchester City so their line-up may be different to recent matches.
In their last match, Watford won away at Brighton 3-1 thanks to a double from striker Matej Vydra who will be a key man for Watford up-front as the Czech striker possesses a lot of pace and finishing ability so Cort and most likely Dervite will have to be aware of his talent. Another player we will have to be aware of is Chelsea-loanee Nathaniel Chalobah who usually plays in the middle of the park and despite the age of 18, he doesn’t look out of place in the Championship.
The Line -UpTwo definite changes that will be needed by Powell is to replace the suspended Michael Morrison and the injured Danny Haynes. The replacement for Morro is most likely to be Dorian Dervite who has covered the centre of defence a few times this season. Who replaces Haynes however is a bit of a dilemma for Powell, but the most likely candidate is Bradley Wright-Phillips who impressed when given the opportunity off the bench against Derby in our last fixture. The other option is the more experienced Ricardo Fuller who scored in the last meeting between Charlton and Watford.
Other than those two changes, I would expect the team line-up to be the same with Pritchard and Stephens in the middle of midfield along with Wilson right and Jackson occupying the left-hand side. After a battling display against Derby, Yann Kermorgant may keep his place upfront instead of QPR-loanee Rob Hulse.
On the bench, we may see Matt Taylor being recalled as defensive cover and the other vacant sub position it may be filled by Danny Green who was dropped from the side after a poor half against Ipswich on Boxing Day.
The Prediction1-1: We have to try to remain positive at Preview Towers, so I've gone for a one-all draw which wouldn't be a bad result at all.
Predicted Line-Up
Comments
hulse 4 yann
frimpong 4 haynes in a 5 man midfield, 1-1 draw
Watford in good form, like to pass it and have a bit of trickery going forward.
Stifle the midfield and play on the counter.
Hulse gets the nod over Yann, with the latter having done a good shift in heavy conditions less than 72 hours previous.
1-1 if we are on our game.
As usual our team will give it a good shot but willl be outplayed and will do superbly to get a point. Hamer - Solly Dervite Cort Evina - Green Wilson Pritchard Jackson - Fuller Wright-Phillips. W-P deserves a start and at least has some pace. I fancy Wilson in central midfield but it won't happen. New Year, new approach: Watford 2 v CAFC 2
Surprise Charlton win
Always a crap game over there, only time I think I've seen us win there was in about '92 and we played in blue.
1-6 to the Gap
That said, I was very impressed with Watford on the telly at the weekend, so anything other than a drubbing will be a good result for us I feel.
I was impressed with Troy Deeny at our place and he and the little Czech guy will need watching.