Introduction
Seven points over seven days has cheered the Valley faithful and Chris Powell following a recent bad run of form which lingered the Addicks over the relegation zone. Thankfully following the last three results, Charlton fans can feel a little more relaxed despite the club not guaranteed safety as yet.
On Saturday, the Addicks travel up to Oakwell as they face Barnsley who themselves have recently had a good run of form to push them further up the table into 19th place. So with both sides in decent form and with safety still to fight for, this weekend’s match could be a very decent fixture.
The Opposition
After a disappointing start to the season and a average start to 2013, Barnsley have gradually improved mainly due to the work of fairly new boss David Flitcroft who became permanent manager following a spell as caretaker and assistant manager at the club. Keith Hill was the man in charge when the Addicks last faced Barnsley in October and they managed to cause an upset winning 1-0.
Barnsley managed to steal a 97th minute equaliser at high-flying Cardiff in midweek to help the side climb to 19th place in the table. This result also reflects their recent run of form which has seen them pick up eleven valuable points out of six matches and only one of those was a defeat.
Despite what their league position states, the Tykes do have some decent attacking threat especially upfront where they have the likes of Marlon Harewood, Chris Dagnall and Chris O’Grady. They also have some decent midfielders who can cause a few problems including the ‘Barnsley Boris’ aka David Perkins and Stephen Dawson.
The Line -Up
After another good performance against Leeds last weekend, it is likely that Chris Powell may name the same starting eleven against Barnsley this weekend. However the main dilemma for him will be who to start up-front or what formation to select.
Following an excellent cameo against Leeds after coming on as a sub, Tottenham loanee Jonathan Obika will be pushing for a starting place alongside Yann Kermorgant this weekend although Ricardo Fuller will be hopeful and probably more likely to keep his spot.
However, if a 4-5-1 formation is selected against Barnsley as it seems to suit the Addicks much more away from home, then a right-midfield may be introduced instead of Ricardo Fuller upfront. Alternatively, Bradley Pritchard may be selected again on the right with an additional centre midfielder such as Mark Gower or Dale Stephens placed within the line-up. Having said that, it wouldn’t surprise me if Powell chose the same eleven who started against Leeds last week.
Callum Harriott should continue on the left, while Andy Hughes and Johnnie Jackson will probably be selected again in the middle. After another excellent performance last weekend, Dorian Dervite may keep his place ahead of Matt Taylor and Leon Cort who is still short of fitness.
Predicted Line-Up:
Hamer; Solly, Dervite, Morrison, Wiggins; Pritchard, Hughes, Jackson, Gower, Harriott; Kermorgant.
The Prediction
1-0 away victory for the Addicks.
0
Comments
Home win: Barnsley 2 v CAFC 1
2-2
If we do that Barnsley gain nothing on us and there is one less match for those below us to make up our cushion from the bottom three.
Barnsley are on fire at the moment and burning their way up the division, my favourites for that last playoff spot if they manage to avoid getting dragged into a relegation dogfight.
A six-pointer with everything to play for and I think they will cover every inch of turf to ensure they get maximum points from this one.
Waggy or Wilson on the right. Fuller on the bench. Rouamba makes a very late sub debut.
0 - 0
My mate's a Barnsley fan and I feel I'll be getting some stick after this oine. 2-1 loss
2-0 the mighty Addicks.
but can see a 2-1 defeat sending the hordes of addicks back home with the ump
Also, 90% of our players know that they need to put in some decent performances if they wish to be retained. Even allowing for lack of money, there are young players coming through and there will be plenty of freebies knocking about so good performances would mean that SCP's gaze may look else where.
I like the look of Stubley's side, but I would like to see Waggy given a chance in his own position. Thought he performed well out on the left when needed and was unlucky to be droped.
After all, no one has made a case for being the natural right sided player!