The last fixture of 2013 at the Valley sees Charlton face Sheffield Wednesday with the Addicks looking to build on an impressive 3-2 victory over Brighton on Boxing Day.
Both these sides have found it hard to really get going this season and with Charlton in 19th place and Wednesday in 22nd it’s really hard to decide which way the game is going to go.
However one stat that falls in the Addicks favour is that the ‘Massives’ have only one once on their travels this season and have only collected nine points from a possible 33 available away from Hillsborough (stat from BBC).
The OppositionSince caretaker boss Stuart Gray took over after the departure of Dave Jones, things have slightly improved for Wednesday with Gray’s side picking up two victories, two defeats and a draw since Gray arrived in early December.
Despite Wednesday’s struggles, their squad does have the capabilities of causing one or two issues for the Addicks. 6ft 6in Atdhe Nuhiu will cause a few problems aerially, while doubtful loanee Connor Wickham could be the one to watch if he does pass fitness test on Sunday.
Sunday could also see the return of two ex-Addicks in the shape of Millwall-hater Jose Semedo and Petr Cech’s idol Miguel Llera.
Player to WatchThe player to watch this weekend is Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo. While this selection isn’t based on his ability, Charlton shouldn’t underestimate the performance that the ex-Addick is capable of. Semedo’s strength and ability to break up-play will mean Dale Stephens and Jordan Cousins will have to be on top form to overcome Semedo.
The Line –Up After the Boxing Day win, it’s unlikely that Chris Powell will make any changes to the side although skipper Johnnie Jackson is back in contention after serving his three-match suspension for the red card against Yeovil earlier this month.
The return of Chris Solly at right-back seems to have given the Addicks a huge lift and has also benefited Lawrie Wilson who was pushed further forward to right-wing recently and scored two goals in that position against Brighton last Thursday.
Alongside Wilson in midfield should see Jordan Cousins, Dale Stephens and loanee Cameron Stewart line up while Jackson is likely to be on the bench.
Yann Kermorgant and Simon Church will probably continue upfront with Marvin Sordell remaining on the bench.
PredictionA 1-0 victory to end the year in delight for the Addicks.
Comments
2-0
are you going OP
I am heading for a 2-1
0-1 or 0-0
Wednesday will come to stop us playing by fair means or foul, mostly foul. Five in the middle and Yann and Stewart kicked whenever they get near the ball.
They realise how important this game is to them just as it is with us.
Same team and same outcome; Addicks win by one goal margin.
Back Wood and Morrison, as ex-Wendies, to score
If I was having a bet, take a punt on 2-1 us revenge for last season.
http://www.owlsonline.com/?page=news&news_id=1106
The club was founded on 9 June 1905. A number of youth clubs in the southeast London area, including East Street Mission and Blundell Mission, combined to form Charlton Athletic. The club play at The Valley in Charlton, where they have played since 1919, apart from one year in Catford, during 1923–24, and seven years at Crystal Palace and West Ham United between 1985 and 1992.
Historically, Charlton have been also-rans in England and London. Alan Curbishley must be given great credit for the sustained run they had in The Premier League. You just need to look at what happened before and after his leadership to realise that. They’re a bit of a nothing club in the sense that they’ve never achieved anything of note, other than the FA Cup in 1947. Saying that, I have no real dislike or bad feeling towards them as a club. Trying to nick supporters from a club like Gillingham did strike a bad chord with me though.
Their manager, Chris Powell is a bit of a sour faced, miserable git. If he won the Champions League, he’d more than likely file a complaint with UEFA that the Trophy wasn’t polished enough. Did I mention boring too? I do think he’s done a reasonable job there though. The football they played when promoted from League 1 in 2012 was awful but effective. I’d take that - I mean we hardly played scintillating stuff ourselves.
Their fans? Pretty innocuous in my opinion. I don’t think I’ve ever met a Charlton fan.
What a stupid nonce
0-1 to the Owls
It's the Charlton way.
Jackson free kick
I don't go in that forum, most use Owlstalk.