So ‘onwards and up the M1wards’ the (small) band of brave souls now march.
With 11 points now separating us and 22nd place, it may be time for us to look upwards for the second half of the season and put together a decent run. But as much as a cliché as it may sound, any manager will tell you to take one game at a time. So we shall.
And next up is Blackburn Rovers.
The Opposition
After relegation from the Premier League, the ever popular Steve Kean got off to a decent enough start with 4 wins 2 draws and 2 defeats in his first 8 games. With the side sitting 3rd in the league, Kean left his position the day before the reverse fixture at The Valley, declaring that he had been ‘forced to resign’.
After signing a 3-year deal the next manager didn’t even last 3 months. Henning Berg was shown the door after 57 days with just 1 win in 10.
Now in the managerial hot seat is Michael Appleton, who himself doesn’t seem to stay at clubs for very long (though that seems to be his choice rather than the boards).
In their last game (Appleton’s first in charge), Rovers were denied a 4th straight win, with a 1-1 at Wolves.
Having spent a huge (in Championship terms) fee of what could rise to £8 million on Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield, Rhodes seems to be repaying the faith shown in him with 14 goals so far this season. With Colin Kazim-Richards on the wing and former Addick Danny Murphy pulling the strings in the centre, Blackburn supporters would hope to be much higher than their current 15th place in the league.
The Line up
Wagstaff was a surprise inclusion in last week’s line-up and seemed to repay the managers faith by getting himself on the scoresheet, even if his all round play didn’t impress some.
With the Addicks notching their first win on a Saturday since Jesus was a boy, it must be tempting for Chris Powell to stick with a winning side. With it looking unlikely that there will be any movement in the transfer window before Saturday’s game, there isn’t much room to manoeuvre . However, it may make sense for Fuller to come into the side at the expense of Wagstaff to make the ball stick up top a bit more.
There are unlikely to be any changes in defence; Evina is in good form, and despite Wiggins getting another run out in mid-week, he apparently remains a fair way from first team fitness. The team in red will be hoping that Morrison empties his pockets beforehand to let Rhodes jump back in, as has been the case whenever the CharltonLife member has come up against the centre-back.
In midfield you would expect it to be as you were, with Pritch, Stephens, Jacko and Wilson making up the 4, the only question being will the gaffer go with an extra body in there and 1 up top.
The Prediction
Whilst the win over Blackpool wasn’t the most convincing, it was a hard-fought, professional job which gave us exactly what we needed, 3 points. With Charlton stronger on the road this season, lying 5th in the away form league, it wouldn’t be a shock if they managed to nick all 3 points at Ewood Park.
With the Venkys reported to be attending the match and club matriarch Anuradha Desai preparing for just her second visit since taking charge of the club, the Rovers team can’t afford to chicken out.
A draw would be a decent enough result for both sides.
We go with 1-1.
0
Comments
The success gives SCP a dilemma of whether to stick with a winning team of match up whatever formation Rovers play.
Hamer 6. At fault for their goal
Solly 8
Taylor 6 too slow
Morrison 7
Evina 8. Great cross for equalise
Wilson 7.5. Worked hard and took goal well
Stephems 8. Way he clapped fans when subbed means to off to Villa
Pritchard 6. Missed 2 good chances
Waggy 4. Scored and won the pen but didn't do any tricks or cross from 35 yards back
Kermo 7. Sending off was harsh
I'd take a draw now if offered, but they are horrendously underperforming with the squad they currently have. They remind me of us when we come down from the prem.
Sort it out Powell !!
;o)
2-0 or 1-1 stand out for me. Let's be optimistic and say the latter and another stout defensive performance away from home.
I think if Blackburn nick an early goal we'll be in big trouble, otherwise they could tense up and we may nick one.
I can't see Fuller playing, the 4-5-1 seems perfect for away games.
I hope he sticks with the 4-5-1 although with a powderpuff like Murphy we might get away with 4-4-2.
YESSSS ! Knew you'd get the hang of it, SHG !!
Rhodes is due a good one against Morro , so I predict a goal or 3 from him
The team will look for inspiration from the travelling fingerfull but the larger than usual gathering of fancy dress going Charlton fans who dress as the invisible man will be what greets them with a wall of silence and a few day releases screaming vociferously but to no avail
4-1 to the bastard rovers no nay never no more
Waggy (Henrys illigetimate offspring) with a consolation
But if it goes ahead, an unlucky 2-1 defeat. Wilson for us