Introduction
The FA Cup Third Round evokes emotion, it evokes passion and it generates excitement levels not seen at any other stage of the footballing calendar. That is unless you get drawn to a team in the same league as yours at home that you played a mere eight weeks ago. That score draw against Huddersfield where a Rob Hulse opener was cancelled out by a Clayton penalty in the 88th minute was witnessed by over a reported 20,000 (cough cough). Expect at least a 30% decrease in numbers come Saturday with the Covered End’s top bit shut to the public in order to rid unsightly smoking stains from the men’s toilets. But this is a football game where Charlton should hope to progress, after all a significant payday in Round Four could await and that could be useful prior to the January transfer window slamming shut (copyright Jim White).
The Team
So much excitement has this tie generated, Charlton Lifers have been vigorously debating the team for days already but it’s anybody’s guess as to how the Addicks will line up. Post-Watford, Chris Powell explicitly stated that the league was the priority suggesting changes will happen on Saturday but Preview Towers does not envisage the swath many would expect. Forgotten man Matt Taylor is likely to line up alongside Dorian Dervite as Leon Cort, forced off at Vicarage Road, takes some time out alongside Michael Morrison who may well have an extra bit of rest. Hamer, Solly and Evina will be retained I’m sure.
With Frimpong-gone, Dale Stephens the subject of transfer interest from Aston Villa, Pritchard having run is little legs off and Johnnie Jackson not having much legs left the midfield could be the most difficult to guess (although lack of numbers in the centre would suggest two of three will have to start). Wilson is likely to continue on the right but I’d expect to see Kerkar on the left – Scott Wagstaff was on the bench against Watford also so could feature in some capacity.
Up front, shifts from Fuller and Kermorgant against the diving Hornets could see them rested and Bradley Wright-Phillips could get a rare start (he is unlikely to join a team in January who would be worried about him being cup tied). Ade Azeez, recalled from Wycombe could be a surprise inclusion to keep the first-teamers fresh for the league campaign.
Hamer
Solly Taylor Dervite Evina
Wagstaff Pritchard Jackson Kerkar
BWP Azeez
The Opposition
Huddersfield have not won in ten games since a 1-0 defeat of Barnsley back in December, conceding 22 goals in the process (with a 6-1 mauling at Leicester being their latest result). Guessing their team is pointless, so we won’t be doing that – but their form suggests that they are there for the taking and kick start a famous cup run for the Addicks…
Prediction
Charlton haven’t won at home on a Saturday all season. Shocking statistic. It will change though, and it will on Saturday. Those travelling are going to see an open game resulting in a 3-1 win to the Addicks.
Come on you reds!
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Comments
This will be a flipping great game with goals, goals and more goals. Most of them for the Reds. 5 - 2 to the addicks
Button
Solly Dervite Morrison Evina
Wagstaff Pritchard Jackson Kerker
BWP Kermorgant
Expect to see some of Azeez, Fox, Harriot, Pope and Cousins on the bench
2 0 win for the mighty addicks.
I hope that we put out a strong team, I would like to see a decent cup run for a change and to keep momentum.
Close game: CAFC 1 v Huddersfield Town 0 .... Hamer Solly Dervite Cort Evina, Green Pritchard Jackson Kerkar, Kermorgant Wright-Phillips
...although me & Mr F will be wearing our lucky robin socks from Santa which saw us gain 3 points at Vicarage Rd.
CP to play a strong team but every one of the starting 11 and our subs have to come off with hamstring injuries.
it will hammer down all day and the pies/pasties/burgers will be stone cold.
Stephens will be left out before his £1.50 transfer to Villa. Solly refuses to play stating he has become good friends with Mario Balotelli and that they are quitting football to form their own 2 piece jazz band called Sollytelli.
is that better Fanny?
It's either going to be a dull 0-0 with a Tuesday night replay that no-one wants, or a multiple-goal cracker. I have no idea which.
I won't be there, as I signed up for a weekend course, so expect a classic high-scoring game that will be talked about for the next 50 years!
I can't understand those who say they are not bothered - the FA Cup is still a great competition and I've no doubt if we can make it through to round 5, then cup fever will kick in for all of us. Moreover it is a chance for the club to potentially pull in some extra revenue - which wouldn't go amiss, according to reports.
Let's play a strong side, put in a good performance and build on the confidence from the Derby and Watford games.
3-1.
solly dervite taylor evina
wagstaff pritch jj kerkar
bwp kermo
1-2 cup dream over
why to we even bother puting our number in the bag for the draw?
Use to love the FA Cup but puting the reserve team in and the "we have other priorities" have killed it for me.
I really can't understand the apathy by clubs shown to the FAC Cup
think we'll win 3-1