The Introduction
The enigma that is the Charlton 12/13 showed yet another side when coming from two down to defeat Bolton. A 58th minute sending off was a crucial moment but shouldn't mask the fact that even when it was 11 v 11 the Addicks had fought their way back into the game showing some guts and no little ability. Nor should the win hide the reality of just how poor individuals and the team were in the opening 20 minutes. Any more of that and we'll face a mountain we won't be able climb.
The Opposition
The Seagulls have been hovering around the top six for most of the season and look well set to reach the play-offs. A crushing 3 - 0 over "local" rivals Palace will have been enjoyed. Albion seemed set to carry on that good form with a win at fellow contenders Forest on Saturday until a last minute clanger from their keeper gifted the Tricky Trees a point.
An expensively assembled team featuring the experience, and wages, of Matt Upson and Wayne Bridge awaits Charlton. Upfront prolific scorers Barnes and Mackial-Smith will be missing but in Buckley, Lua Lua and Ulloa the Albion will still carry a goal threat. At the back they can boast the 2nd meanest home defence in the division but they do draw a lot of games at the Amex.
The Line Up.
The Bolton win will give Powell a lot to think about. A revitalised Fuller turned the game but will he be risked twice in three days after the battering his pop-in, pop-out shoulder took v The Trotters. If not Haynes is likely to partner penalty king Yann.
Dervite grew from zero to hero and if Taylor is still ill then would seem likely to hold his place in an unchanged back five.
Andy Hughes drew many plaudits for a steadying, holding display that allowed the trio of JJ, Shoot Low and Pritch to get forward. The choice would seem to be what to do with the tidy Mark Gower. Stephens was another unwell player who might make the bench. Rouamba is still awaiting his work permit and it is too early and too crucial for Deigo "he's better than Gus" Poyet to be given a game versus his dad's team.
The Trivia
The Amex will be 7th different ground on which the Addicks have faced the Albion
The Result
Another Charlton back to wall effort will be enough to bring an invaluable point back to the Valley 1 - 1
0
Comments
2-1 Charlton
We're not very good but we try hard
Hard work and effort only get you so far
2-0 to the albion
Oh sorry, no, I was holding the paper upside down.
In terms of our line up, I do wonder if, having been out so long, Andy Hughes has another game in him three days later, whilst Fuller was also in the wars. Maybe the management will try and get an hour or so out of them. Listening to Chris Powell's post-match interview, it sounds as if Stephens will be in the 18 and he may well join Gower on the bench, giving uds useful options. I would feel more comfortable with Taylor back in defence ( as might Morrison, given their partnership ), but I doubt that he'll be fit after his illness.
Given the gap in quality and resources, I'll be delighted with a point, although we are a formidable proposition away from home and Poyet and his team will be taking nothing for granted.
Hamer
Wilson
Cort
Dervite
Evina
Green
Stephens
Gower
Kerkar
Wagstaff
Haynes
We're not going to win so think CP should rest the heroic 11 from sat and be ready to get a massive 3 points next weekend.
Also with this lineup we can see Kerkar in CM his natural pos.
Can also get Gower some match fitness.
Can also give Green some playing time.
Brighton & Hove Albion 2 v CAFC 0
It is within Charlton to beat Brighton away. A draw would be a good result though. That would be one more point to safety. All the teams at the foot of the table, won't continue to win every game.
1-1
Kermorgant
Ulloa