IntroductionThis weekend sees Paul (my) Dickov’s Doncaster Rovers visit the Valley hoping to continue their decent start to the season. While Doncaster have been turning a few heads after their recent displays, Chris Powell’s Addicks are still looking for their first win of the season.
However, after coming from 2-0 behind to draw with Barnsley, Charlton have a lot more belief that they can turn their disappointing start around with a win this weekend.
The OppositionAt the beginning of the season, it was looking like Doncaster were going to really struggle due to the lack of players within their squad and things didn't help when they lost 3-1 on the opening day to Blackpool which made them one of the favourites to go down.
However, since that defeat, Doncaster have looked impressive especially when they defeated Blackburn 2-0 with one of their latest recruits Theo Robinson scoring during the match. In addition, Dickov would have been delighted with his side’s performance and effort during their 2-2 away draw at Wigan even if Donny were 2-0 up during the game.
It’s more than likely that Doncaster will keep the same side that drew with Wigan last Tuesday, meaning that summer signing Dean Furman is likely to remain on the bench along with striker Billy Paynter as Robinson and Craig Brown will probably continue upfront.
Player to WatchStriker Theo Robinson is my choice for player to watch this week as the ex-Millwall front-man as scored two goals in two games since his arrival from Derby earlier this month. Robinson possess great pace and definitely knows where the goal is. With Charlton yet to keep a clean sheet this season, we better be weary of the danger Robinson has to offer.
The Line –Up Not for the first time in Chris Powell’s reign as Charlton manager, he has a major dilemma who to play in the middle of midfield. Mark Gower hasn’t impressed much so far this season and while Jackson is still a doubt for Saturday’s game it appears to be a difficult situation for Powell.
However, after coming on at Half-Time last week and scoring, youth protégée Jordan Cousins may get a starting place, highlighting again the Addicks strength in their academy following the emergence of Callum Harriott last season. Dale Stephens is another doubt while Andy Hughes will be pushing for a starting place in the middle along with Danny Hollands.
One positive piece of news is that Bradley Pritchard is available for selection again following a three-match suspension, meaning that Lawrie Wilson will probably miss out on the right wing.
At the back, despite Morro’s shaky start to the season, I expect him to continue in centre of defence alongside one of Dorian Dervite/Leon Cort although the latter would be my choice after his decent displays against Oxford and Barnsley.
Upfront, Simon Church is likely to continue alongside Yann Kermorgant after grabbing the equaliser last week away at Barnsley. This means that Marvin Sordell will probably be on the bench again for the Addicks.
The Prediction2-1 victory for the Addicks.
Comments
Tough game against a team we shouldn't take lightly. 2 - 1 to the Addicks. Just.
Hamer
Solly, Cort, Morro, Wiggins
Pritchard, Dervite, Jackson, Harriott
Kerm, Church
3-2 Charlton
My team: Hamer Solly Cort Morrison Wiggins .. Wilson Gower Cousins Harriott .. Kermorgant Church
Result?: CAFC 1 v Doncaster Rovers 1
SCP will never do it but is it time to drop Yann (who is clearly too fat) so we can pack the midfield and play Church on his own up front????
Solly Cort Morro Wiggins
Wilson Pritchard Gower Harriot
Church Yann
2-1 addicks
Solly, Morrison, Cort, Evina,
Pritch, Cousins, Gower, Jacko, Harriott,
Church
But like the previous poster said, CP will never do it.
And part of me worries about the previous failings of 4-5-1 at home. How about:
Hamer
Solly, Morro, Cort, Evina
Pritch, Cousins, Jacko, Harriott
Church, Sordell
Force us to play to feet more.
Having said that, I won't be there, having agreed to play a gig (how did that happen?), so it'll probably be a 7-6 thriller and widely acknowledged as the game of the season. :-)