Getting tired of reading the same old, or in Stubley's case young, writers doing these previews?
Bored with just how incredibly accurate my predictions are?
Wincing at AFKA's lame attempts at humour?
Want to see what the inside of the Preview Towers dungeons offices are really like.
Well, here's your opportunity.
I'm not doing the preview this week, you are.
If you are any good you get the gig on a rotational basis when WSS isn't in Berlin or St Moritz, when Stubbers isn't taking an exam or when I can't be bothered.
I'll give you a style guide below and you fill in the blanks
The Introduction Bit.
Anything you like really. Link the game to some history, current affairs or the X factor. As it is Middlesboro' this is hard as current affairs up there means 1973 and no one can think of much else of interest to come out of Boro apart from the Parmo and an episode of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet when they nick a bridge.
The Opposition
You can wax lyrical about the other team, laugh at them , mock them or bore us with statistics and their values on Transfermarket.com
IMHO Boro have the best squad in the division and will be champions in May.
One to watch
Think of a player from the other team you've actually heard of, remind us who he is and scare us about just how good he is. Usually a forward in form or an ex-Addick but be brave. Pick a reserve full back or a 17 year old who hasn't had a start yet if you want to impress.
The Line Up
There is some new fangled graphic on the BBC that Stubbers found but who needs that. Just list the fecking starting XI. Throw a curve ball in there to start debate. Like this.
Henderson
Solly
Wiggins
Ben Haim
Bikey
Gudmunssen
Buyens
Jackson
Cousins
Bent D.
Vetokele
The Prediction
After careful consideration and analysis of form, injuries and suspension suggest the likely score line. Or if you are in a hurry have a guess. Either works
3 - 1 to Boro
See, easy peasy. Entries must be in by 2.55 pm on Saturday and be no more than 600 words. You may start.
6
Comments
Happy to be exposed as a charlatan though of course!
2-0 to the Addicks.
0-3 Boro.
Boro look a decent outfit this season and playing away from home suits them so a draw would definitely be a case of a point gained in this one.
Looking forward to seeing yet another top ream at the Valley and predict it won't be a draw as both teams attacking minded and want three points.
Perhaps we get to see a full game of Bulot and Gudmundsson for the first time. The only question is who partners Vetokele up front.
They'll be tired after their midweek exploits so I reckon we'll get something. Whether it's a win or a draw will depend heavily on whether Peeters has identified a means of preventing panic from setting in if we're a goal up with twenty minutes to go.
In reality like everyone else im not feeling confident about this one but who really knows with football, COYR!
Not confident about this 1-3 and a cafc red card
Think it's either a win or a loss, no draw. Imo they are a very hot and cold team, not like some of the better teams in the league (Norwich and Derby) either we'll play the Boro that comfortably beat Brentford, or we'll play against the side that lost back to back league matches at home.
2-1 Charlton | Vetokele, Buyens and Vossen
INTRODUCTION
The matches in 2014/15 continue to fall thick and fast… Almost a quarter of a season gone in this years Football League Championship and Charlton Athletic find themselves in the lofty position of 8th place as they continue to fight for their right to be in the end of season Play-Offs come May… Next up for them in this season long battle is another of the promotion hopefuls: Middlesbrough.
As we enter into the History books between these two sides, the chapter worth commenting on has to be of course “Operation Riverside” which saw the Addicks take 5,000 fans by road, rail and air to the North East for a FA Cup Quarter-Final Replay, that day Middlesbrough would win the battle (4-2), yet the Addicks would return home knowing there would be other fights, other battles to win against The ‘Boro and this Saturday simply marks a new chapter in the fight between these two sides as the Addicks once again look to protect their unbeaten start to the season… the pieces are moving, the lines are set… Let Battle… commence.
THE OPPOSITION
When you think of Middlesbrough as a Football Club you instantly think of Ayresome Park which of course was replaced by the Riverside Stadium (opened in 1995, almost a life time ago now), you think of players such as Brian Clough (born and raised in Middlesbrough he would go on to make 214-Apperances for the club scoring a staggering 197-Goals in the process), Juninho; the little Brazilian and Fabrizio Ravanelli; the Striker who surprised everyone by signing from Juventus…
Of course you cant forget the Managers and Lennie Lawrence, the man who will always remain a Charlton Legend for his ability to keep the Addicks in the top flight before moving to the North East in 1991, even with Lawrie departing Charlton the man was starting history for Charlton as his replacement: Alan Curbishley would go on to forge one of the most successful periods in our history.
On to the present day though and Middlesbrough are now managed by; Aitor Karanka, best known as Jose Mourinho’s Assistant whilst at Real Madrid… Aitor joined Middlesbrough in November 2013 and has set about bringing top flight Football back to Middlesbrough… Their 2014/15 campaign has begun strongly and the ‘Boro find themselves occupying 5th place after five wins and three, with Charlton having drawn five matches themselves, it’ll be imperative that they take all three points this weekend as they face a side yet to draw this season.
ONE TO WATCH – PATRICK BAMFORD
For me this week the most dangerous player that Charlton need to watch out for is on-loan Striker: Patrick Bamford, signed from Chelsea at the end of August, Bamford has already impressed with his first goal coming from the penalty spot against Liverpool midweek in the League Cup.
With just one goal to his name this season in four appearances, why is he my player to watch well if last season is anything to go by then his scoring record whilst on loan for Milton Keynes in 2013 and Derby County last year certainly shows he knows where the net is, and at 21-years of age will surely be hoping to add to his solitary England U21 cap before its too late.
THE LINE-UP
Henderson
Solly – Ben-Haim – Bikey – Wiggins
Gudmundsson – Buyens – Jackson – Cousins
Tucudean – Vetokele
THE PREDICTION
With Middlesbrough having to endure Extra-Time and a marathon Penalty shoot-out against Liverpool midweek they say that teams who have to up their performances usually struggle the very next week,
2-1 Charlton
And start to show they can still trip ,cheat ,barge,hack,push,hoof their way to a win still!
Boro 3-1 I'm afraid to say
Loved to be proved wrong in our favour though? Who knows this is Charlton were talking about?
in the eight games since then weve only drawn twice (0-0 in the Cup... 2-2 the other season when we were 2-0 up towards the end of the season)
Good work mate.
Your application to become part of the Preview Team has been received and will be considered by our esteemed panel of AFKA (Louie Walsh) Bartram, Cheryl (Addickted) Cole and Simon (WSS) Cowell.