This Saturday sees the MASSIVE fixture between Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Both these sides have struggled this season in their domestic league but Chris Powell’s side in particular will be hoping that a win on Saturday can help boost confidence and morale in the squad to avoid relegation.
Wednesday had to overcome Macclesfield (via replay) and Rochdale to get to round five while the Addicks had to overcome Oxford United and Huddersfield.
The Opposition Despite an awful start to the season, the Wendies have picked up some very good form in the past two months which was largely down to the work of Stuart Gray who originally took over as a caretaker before getting the permanent job last month.
Since Dave Jones’ departure in early December, Stuart Gray’s side has only lost three league matches in 13 as well as progressing to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
One of those defeats occurred last Tuesday where the Massives lost 3-0 at home to Wigan. Following that defeat, Gray was quick to change things by bringing in Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on a one-month loan deal and the 21-year-old could make his debut this weekend.
Ex-Addick Miguel Llera is expected to start this weekend but his team-mate and ex-Charlton enforcer Jose Semedo will be a doubt after being stretchered off on Tuesday night.
Player to WatchThe player to watch is weekend is Sheffield Wednesday’s goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. The ex-Liverpool shot-stopper has been in superb form recently for the Wendies and was even on the shortlist for the Championship Player of the Month award for January but missed out to Adam Le-Fondre. England International Kirkland could be Sheffield Wednesday’s main man this weekend especially with their defensive woes at the moment.
Hopefully he won’t be making saves like this on Saturday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL09Q42wMywThe Line –UpThe lack of width was the Addick’s downfall last weekend after a decent display against Birmingham ended unfortunately in a 2-0 defeat. If no additions are added by the end of the week, then once again judging the line-up will be a tough job!
It’s likely that Yohann Thuram-Ulien will remain in goal as Ben Hamer continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Chris Solly will probably be missing again so one of Lawrie Wilson or Loic Nego will play right-back. However, Wilson will most likely start right-midfield if Nego plays right-back.
At left-back, Cedric Evina is likely to be dropped following a ghastly performance last weekend, so if Rhoys Wiggins is still out injured, youth product Harry Lennon may be given a starting spot. Elsewhere, ex-Wendies Richard Wood and Michael Morrison will probably be the centre-back pairing.
In midfield, Astrit Ajdarevic, Diego Poyet and Jordan Cousins may start while Johnnie Jackson might be dropped to the bench.
Reza Ghoochanneijhad (yes I copied and pasted his name) should continue while Piotr Parzyszek and Simon Church will be competing with Marvin Sordell for the other striking role.
The PredictionWe don’t usually do cups but we’ll win this one: 1-0
Comments
Massives 0 v Charlton 1
1-1
2-1 loss
I would start with your team Stubly, but plan to replace Lennon with Fox second half. Koc on for Nego with Wilson dropping to right back. I feel that we need to use this game to give some youngsters game time before our next league game.
I would like us to win, but the performance is more important.
CP has got to go for it tomorrow. We don't want a replay, we've got nothing to lose. Have a real go.
PP & Reza start up top with AA behind.
1-2 Charlton
QuagmireValley.So we play a load of youngsters, they put in a good 'performance' (but ultimately lose), then next Saturday we have a completely different line-up starting who weren't part of that performance. I don't really see how that helps us in the cup or the league.
We haven't had a lot to cheer about this season - but we're 2 games from Wembley. Put out a strong team and go for it.
If this game is so unimportant, why have we sold nearly 2,000 tickets? The majority of fans want this badly.
Think both Cousins n Poyet doubling up def mid works if they sort themselves out
Into the last 8, where we play Brighton at home
Don't think Polish Pete or AA will start personally..