IntroductionAt the end of last Saturday, Charlton had just lost to Burnley in a 3-0 defeat at Turf Moor. The mood was bleak; the team appeared weak with the alarm bells ringing for the Charlton Life clique. However, those who supported the team and Powell on Tuesday night even when Andy Reid scored an early free-kick for Forest, created some optimism and passion that appeared to rub off on the players who battled and in the end deserved more than the 1-1 draw that they got.
So while Charlton will go into Saturday’s game with Blackpool feeling a bit more confident than a week ago, they will still have to be focused on Paul Ince’s side after their excellent start in the Championship where they are currently in 6th place.
The game will also see Ricardo Fuller return to the Valley for the first time since his departure from the Addicks at the end of last season.
The OppositionAt the start of the season, it was fair to say that Blackpool were many of the Bookies favourites to get relegated come the end of the season, but to be fair to Paul Ince’s side they have been very impressive so far and with only one defeat this season, they will definitely be a side to watch this year.
In their last fixture, Blackpool drew 0-0 at home against winless Bolton and despite Ricardo Fuller coming close; they couldn’t manage to get all three points. Along with Fuller, Blackpool have many players to be wary of including Tom Ince and Stephen Dobbie so the Charlton back-four will have to be aware of the ability that Blackpool possess.
Player to WatchThe player to watch this weekend is Blackpool winger Tom Ince. Despite being the son of the manager, Ince JR has not let that distract him and has continued this season in fine form after a great season last year. He was on the verge of joining Cardiff during the summer, but opted to stay at Blackpool due to the birth of his child. Tom has plenty of skill and pace to trouble any side and will be Blackpool’s constant threat this weekend.
The Line –UpAfter the experiment of a 4-1-2-1-2/4-3-1-2 formation worked well against Forest in the week, Chris Powell will probably want to name the exact same eleven that started in midweek.
The one position that may be up for grabs however is the goalkeeping spot due to Ben Hamer’s recent dip in form meaning that substitute goalkeeper Ben Alnwick may make his debut.
The midfield consisting of Jordan Cousins, Mark Gower, Dale Stephens and Callum Harriott appeared to work well on Tuesday night meaning that they will probably start again although after an impressive cameo against Forest; Andy Hughes will be pushing to start.
The likes of Johnnie Jackson, Yann Kermorgant and Bradley Pritchard are doubts while Chris Solly is expected to miss out again. Simon Church is likely to start again despite limping off during the midweek draw with Forest.
The PredictionIt’s a tough one to call but I can see Charlton snatching it 1-0.
Comments
2 - 1 to the Addicks with another goal from Sordell and a Wilson piledriver. Hamer will concide from 73 yards and blame Church.
Sordell
Cousins
When clearing long they need to put it down the chanel to Church a la Nelson as he ain't going to win the header. I think then we will then see the benefit of his running.
My other concerns are usual performance against the lesser sides which I think Blackpool are, and the return of Fulller and the ex player scoring syndrome.
Other than that, I expect the same side to start and 3 points.
Would like to think we have enough to turn these over 2-1.
I'd expect a return to an orthodox 4-4-2 and hoping for Hughes alongside Cousins in CM.
elliothamer will always concede and an attack with the softest striker of a ball in Church will always struggle0-3 to the tangerines and meltdown to follow
We have played our game of the month against forest (and still didnt win) so cant seeing us play 2 good games on the trot sadly.
The league is starting to spread unlike last year so a win is most important.