IntroductionAfter a bizarre wet afternoon at the Valley last weekend, Chris Powell and his Addicks will be looking forward to some sunny conditions if the weather forecasted stands correct. Despite the weather stopping the match at the Valley against Doncaster last weekend, the Addicks would have been relieved to have avoided a potential defeat as Rovers lead 3-1 at half-time. In addition, the midweek Capital One cup 3-2 defeat Huddersfield would have disappointed Powell especially after their promising first half display.
This weekend, Charlton welcome Leicester who in contrast to the Addicks, have started the season excellently and are currently 2nd place behind Blackpool who have a better goal-difference.
The OppositionPowell’s old side Leicester have looked very strong so far this season despite the Foxes not strengthening their squad too much from last season, where they made it to the Play-Off semi-finals where they were beaten in dramatic fashion by Watford.
In their last fixture, Leicester defeated Carlisle 5-2 away at Brunton Park with striker Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick which would have pleased manager Nigel Pearson as his side try to retain their brilliant start to the season.
However, it did take the Foxes until the 78th minute to equalise against Birmingham in their last league fixture, which then saw Leicester grab two more as the game resulted in a 3-2 victory for Pearson’s side.
Player to WatchAfter his hat-trick in midweek, it has to be New-Zealand International striker Chris Wood who is the player to watch this weekend. The ex-Millwall loanee has a great scoring record for Leicester with Wood scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances. He’ll be against a Charlton defence that has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, so a punt on Wood scoring this weekend wouldn’t be a bad idea.
The Line –Up For probably one of the first times in Chris Powell’s spell as Charlton manager, he will be debating who to choose at the back for the Addicks as they have yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Hamer will continue in goal and if Charlton opt for a 4-4-2 formation then Solly and Wiggins will occupy the full-back roles. Despite his shaky start, Morrison will probably continue alongside Leon Cort in the centre of defence.
One big positive for the Addicks this weekend is the return of skipper Johnnie Jackson who completed 85 minutes against Huddersfield in midweek. Jackson will probably be in the middle alongside youth-product Jordan Cousins who impressed in his first start against Doncaster last weekend.
Bradley Pritchard is likely to keep his place on the right, while Callum Harriott will probably continue on the left. Yann Kermorgant will be hoping to score against his old time for the third time this weekend and he is likely to be partnered by Wales International Simon Church upfront.
The Prediction1-1 draw.
Comments
Hamer (makes first ever save of career)
Cort Morrison Dervite
Solly jackson pritchard Cousins Wiggins
Kermorgant Church
Park the bus. Tie down the hand-brake. Apply road-clamp. Take wheels off. 0-0 at half time would be a bonus.
Hamer
Solly Cort Wood Wiggins
Dervite
Pritchard Hughes Cousins Jackson
Church
I'd try Church and Sordell up front together. I love Kermorgant but its worth a try.
1-3 defeat. Losing faith.
The only chance we have is to pack the midfield and hope we can nick a goal from a counter.
1-4
agree with the preview team selection and scoreline, 1-1
Hamer (makes first ever
save of careershout to his defenders NOT at them)Cort Morrison Dervite
Solly Jackson Pritchard Cousins Harriott
Kermorgant Church
Very nervy 2-1 win.
I remember travelling to Leicester away last season after losing 3 and drawing 1 of the last 4 I think, couldn't have dreamed of a result ... then look what happened. We can win!
COYR!