IntroductionIt’s funny how a week can change as a Charlton fan. This time last week, I was writing on the back of a 2-0 solid victory over Doncaster and the talk of a potential ‘takeover’ was growing. While the possible takeover hasn’t died completely, there is a chance that the name ‘Joshua Harris’ will join the list of other Martians who have been rumoured to be involved with Charlton including the ‘Zabeel group’, Corey Gibbs and Florent Rouamba.
The talk off the pitch may have distracted our last two results as defeats to Ipswich and Reading were disappointing although the Addicks could count themselves unlucky to lose to the Royals on Tuesday night after creating a number of chances.
This weekend, Chris Powell’s side travel to the West-Country to face Gary Johnson’s Yeovil and if the Glovers defeat Charlton on Saturday, then the Somerset side will overtake the Addicks in the table and climb out of the relegation zone.
The OppositionYeovil’s remarkable run to the Championship has seen them receive some well-deserved recognition and the way they have started their 2013/14 campaign gives the Glovers some confidence that they actually can beat the drop come the end of the season.
Gary Johnson’s side are also not known for parking the Combine Harvester in front of goal as highlighted in their back-to-back victories over Blackpool and Watford over the past week showcasing their attacking threat.
The loan signings of Ishmael Miller, Adam Morgan and John Lundstram in November has proved effective for Yeovil so far, as both Miller and Lundstram have scored since their arrivals and will be looking to add to their tallies this weekend.
Player to WatchThe player to watch is weekend is Yeovil midfielder Ed Upson. While he may have the name of a common phrase that a Dad may say to his son, Upson certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. The England Under 19 international has already scored five goals this season for the Glovers one of which was the winning goal in Yeovil’s first ever game in the Championship against Millwall.
The Line –UpThe experiment of Cedric Evina and Rhoys Wiggins on the left hand side wasn't too effective in midweek, creating a huge dilemma for Chris Powell as he tries to decide who will be on his wings this weekend.
There will be calls for skipper Johnnie Jackson to make a return to the starting eleven but with Jordan Cousins and Dale Stephens working effectively together it makes it hard to include Jackson within his preferred position.
Richard Wood may get recalled in place of Dorian Dervite but the rest of the back-four will probably stay the same while Ben Alnwick is likely to continue in goal.
Danny Green and Marvin Sordell will be knocking on Chris Powell’s door to play this weekend after impressive cameos in midweek. While the likes of Bradley Pritchard and Callum Harriott will also be pushing for starting spots this weekend.
The PredictionAddicks can’t really afford to lose; I can see goals in this game: 2-2 draw.
Comments
God I hope we win this one. We've got to get some luck sooner or later.
PS We were poor before Wood got in the team & we've been poor since he's been out.
Get Wood in there asap.
The table doesn't lie and we are in freefall at the moment.
Like AdamAddick I'd also like to give Sordell a start.
I'd personally go for:
Alnwick
Wilson, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins
Green, Cousins, Stephens, Stewart
Sordell, Kermorgant
Pope, Evina, Dervite, Pritchard, Jackson, Harriott, Church
Plenty of options on that bench to change it around too.
Might as well attack them from the off instead of a defensive, cautious approach. Although I feel it could be a cagey affair.
2-1 Charlton
We are getting near a 'must win' situation, we need the points and a morale booster. Away from home, as I have written before, we seem a better side. With some determination, a fast start and this side: Alnwick, WIlson .. Morrison .. Wood .. Wiggins; Stephens .. Hughes .. Cousins .. Stewart .. Kermorgant .. Church, we can win this:
Yeovil Town 0 v CAFC 2
The Glovers 0 CAFC 2
lose and we'll be bottom 6 for most of the rest of the season
3-1 yeovil
Prediction 1) I hit Yeovil at 11.20 so by kick off time I will be bolloxed on Scrumpy.
Prediction 2) I hate shit wank songs like CAFC but as in prediction. OneI am bolloxed I will lead the singing.
Prediction 3) I will sing since I was young on my own for 90 mins as it's my new favourite song and because after last night I have got my mojo back and away games despite lack of money don't matter, this is what I live for.
Prediction 4) I'll be on here Monday morning moaning as usual.
With regard to the game ain't gotta clue ;-)
I can't call it but will not resort to negativity. Come on you Reds! In Powell and the boys I believe.
We have to go in thinking like the underdogs and fight.
Weren't we scouting Ed Upson a couple of years ago?
All is not lost - I absolutely expect us to get something on Saturday. It is certainly a six pointer and a potentially pivotal moment in our season.
Church
Webster
Hope Yann moves out of the hole too and joins Church or Sordell up top, looks far less comfortable having to play an almost midfield role.
It will get dark before it gets lighter.