IntroductionWhen the fixtures were released in Summer 2012, this was probably one of the main games that the majority of Charlton fans looked out for and despite the ‘we don’t care about you’ claims from certain Millwall bloggers and fans, I can assure you that Millwall fans would have also kept a close eye on this fixture. If it is anything like the last time Charlton played Millwall at the Valley, then both sets of supporters will be in for a treat.
After defeating Blackburn in midweek to secure an FA Cup semi-final tie against Wigan, Millwall will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s tie; however after defeating Huddersfield last weekend, the Addicks will also be on a high meaning that Saturday’s game is even more anticipated by both sets of supporters.
The OppositionPresumably due to their cup run, Millwall have struggled in 2013 in the league and despite a promising start to their league campaign which saw them hovering around the play-off spots, the Lions have slumped further down the league table and currently sit in 17th place and only five points away from the relegation zone, although Millwall do have two games in hand over a lot of the teams surrounding them. Infact Millwall have only won one league game since the 3rd round of the FA Cup began.
A reason for their lack of form could be due to the loss of loanee Chris Wood who joined Leicester in January. Wood scored eleven goals for Millwall during that period, and the Lions haven’t yet replaced him fully and have missed his important goals.
Saturday could see three ex-CAFC players in the Millwall line-up after former Academy player Danny Shittu and two ex-loanees Danny N’Guessan all played in Wednesday’s win over Blackburn. Another ex-Addick Josh Wright will also be pushing for a place in the squad as too will striker John Marquis. One piece of good news for the Addicks is that winger James Henry is out injured and also defender Mark Beevers is suspended.
The Line -UpSaturday will see the return of Yann Kermorgant after a three-match suspension and it is likely that the Frenchman will start ahead of Ricardo Fuller who has recently had a dip in form.
Loan signing Mark Gower will be pushing for a starting place although it is likely that the ex-Southend playmaker will be on the bench. Pritchard and Jackson are probably going to continue in the middle of the park and after scoring and impressing against Huddersfield last weekend, left winger Callum Harriott should keep his place in the team.
Danny Green or Scott Wagstaff may be considered instead of Lawrie Wilson; however I still expect Wilson to be facing the Lions on Saturday.
The back-four should remain the same after that clean sheet against Huddersfield, although Leon Cort will be pushing for a starting place if fit. Likewise, David Button may keep his spot in goal after an excellent display last weekend.
Predicted Line-Up: Button; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Wilson, Pritchard, Jackson, Harriott; Kermorgant, Haynes.
The PredictionA tough and brutal game concluding in a 2-1 home victory for the Addicks.
Comments
2-0 Addicks
in arrests
1 for Kerm
1 for JJ
2 for Haynes
1 for Fuller (on as sub) and thus becoming the legend we all hoped he would be.
Jackson - Gower - Pritchard - Green
Wiggins - Taylor - Morrison - Solly
Button
would be my choice of starting XI
Hope I'm wrong, particularly about the scoreline. With them in a cup semi-final, the only way this season can end positively is if we contribute to their relegation by beating them on Saturday.
Millwall have been our bogie team over many, many years and our home form to date doesn't encourage optimism as to our prospects in this match.
I just hope that no innocent people get hurt by the wannabe yobs that will attend in abundance.
I predict we draw 0-0 again.
I wouldn't call it a 'dip in form' for Fuller, more like a serious lack of interest. I really hope Yann starts.
It'll be a close game as it usually is - I'm going for 1-0 and Yann the man.