Introduction
“You can’t see the Forest for the trees” is a phrase that usually alludes to people who cannot see the bigger picture and are concentrating on the here an now. Unfortunately last time out, we saw all too much of the Forest as they dominated possession, chances and ultimately left The Valley with an extremely comfortable three points – but are we being too harsh on ourselves? Our home form has been lamented for much of the season for reasons hard to pinpoint, but the previous win away at Leicester (and the majority of away games) shows there is something about this team. Do we need to attack more at home? Is it simply in the players head? Or most likely, is it the fans’ fault…..?
Saturday sees Burnley roll into The Valley in what will hopefully be the Addicks’ fifth win of the season.
The Team
There is one enforced change that Chris Powell will have to contend with in light of Yann Kermorgant’s tête-à-tête with former Addick Greg Halford but how many other changes will the gaffer make to try and turn around the fortunes at home?
Ben Hamer has come under some criticism from some quarters in recent weeks, and another fumble against Nottingham Forest could indeed have the management hunting around that random box in the living room for a shiny Button although we’d expect Ben to remain in between the sticks for a while yet. Rhoys Wiggins made a solid if unspectacular return to action last Saturday and he will line up with the usual three at the back.
So. Four or five across the middle? Preview Towers think it could be a narrow four. With Rhoys at left back, Jacko could come inside alongside Dale Stephens and Pritchard with the option of the rested Lawrie Wilson or Scott Wagstaff occupying the right hand side. Up top, people are going to get their wishes – Fuller and Haynes will start. That being said, don’t be too surprised if Wagstaff starts on the left with Haynes on the advanced right supporting Ricardo.
The Opposition
Burnley sit a solitary point above the Addicks but are not on a great run of form. They haven’t won in six games with their last win coming just around the corner against Millwall back in January. In reality, we should expect goals on Saturday – the Clarets aren’t shy on their travels scoring on average 1.41 goals but they are very leaky – conceding 1.82 goals a game. The obvious threat is Charlie Austin who already has 21 goals this season with their next highest goal scorer (Martin Paterson) on a measly five goals. So, if you keep Austin quiet, you should have the powers to beat Burnley.
Prediction
Oh how a home win is needed. Badly needed. The last thing we need or want is to start that nervous looking over our shoulders feeling going into the last 8-10 games of the season. Preview Towers suspects some may sacrifice a win against Burnley for a guaranteed three points next time we’re back at The Valley but we need the maximum points now. We’ll get them. 2-1.
Come on you reds!
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Comments
Fuller, Jackson & Wiggins with the goals.
COYR!
Surprisingly assured performance in front of lots of empty seats (most season ticket holders I know threw the towel in after Sheff Weds)
Saint Chris may have his faults but motivating the troops after a poor showing is not one of them.
Rousing 2-2 draw and another parking ticket courtesy of the Royal Borough of Fascists.
Button gives away a pen for their goal, is dropped and sold within hours
We daren't lose.
A nervous point for us if we are lucky.
But well done in the reverse pyschology stakes, Large !
If we get that old backs against the wall "f*ck you, we are Charlton" chanting going on we will win.
EDIT: Just checked and they lost to Bolton on Tuesday which I didn't know.
It would be nice to maintain a 3 win cushion though.
defence is our strong point and village boy hamer has gone all idiot on us so that has seen us look shakey at the back
anything but a win and a few twitches over the shoulder will be in order
SCP to perform miracles and we'll nick a point 2-2
I HOPE we win with a clean sheet by more than 1 goal, with Hamer in goal.