Charlton Athletic vs Ipswich Town
12:15pm Kick-Off (Live on Sky)
Referee –Darren Bond
INTRODUCTIONWe just do not seem to be able to beat Millwall, do we? As George Tucudean raced through on goal, those (few) years of hurt seemed like they were going to be over.
But, a combination of poor finishing, good defending and solid goalkeeping prevented the Addicks from securing their first win over their rivals in 18 years.
The next challenge for Bob Peeters’ side is to overcome an Ipswich side who currently sit in the play-offs.
If life on paper wasn’t tricky enough, the match will be on Sky, and with our recent shabby record on television, Saturday’s game is looking like it will be a very tough one indeed.
THE OPPOSITIONMick McCarthy’s men have had an excellent season so far and they currently sit in 4th place, with 31 points.
In fact, a win at The Valley, could lift the Tractor Boys into second place and considering their budget and squad, being in 2nd place at this stage would be a fantastic achievement.
Ipswich have only lost one game out of the last 10 and recent results such a 2-2 away draw against Bournemouth and victories over Wolves and Watford, just highlights how strong McCarthy’s side are.
One of the reasons for their strong campaign so far, has been because of some impressive youngsters that have been involved in the first-team.
The likes of 21-year-old defender Tyrone Mings and 18-year-old midfielder Teddy Bishop have been superb and are attracting interest from Premier League teams.
ONE TO WATCH – DARYL MURPHYMy player to watch this weekend is Ipswich forward:
Daryl Murphy.
The 31-year-old has been in spectacular form so far this season, scoring 11 league goals, already matching last year’s tally.
The former Sunderland and Celtic striker, is a tricky and clever player and has the ability to not only create chances, but convert them.
He’ll probably play on the left-side of a 4-3-3 alongside David McGoldrick and Paul Anderson, so Chris Solly will need to keep a close eye on the Republic of Ireland international, to ensure he has a quiet game.
LINE-UPA few injury problems may determine what Peeters’ selection will be this weekend.
In goal, Nick Pope deputised well for Stephen Henderson who was ruled out of the Millwall game with a shoulder injury. It’s likely that if Henderson is fit, he’ll be selected ahead of Pope.
In defence, Solly, Tal Ben-Haim, Andre Bikey and Morgan Fox should continue with Oguchi Onyewu and Joe Gomez most probably on the bench.
In midfield, Yoni Buyens is a doubt due to a hamstring injury, if fit, he may play alongside Johnnie Jackson and Francis Coquelin.
Jordan Cousins may be selected in the middle to allow Callum Harriott to drift over to the left, if Buyens is not available to start.
On the right, Johann Berg Gudmundsson should be selected following an excellent performance against Millwall.
Up-front, Igor Vetokele should be fit, while Tucudean will be in contention, despite missing that chance last Saturday.
PREDICTIONIpswich seem a similar side in terms of style and squad, and with a possibility of six central midfielders on display, I can see this being a tight 1-1 draw.
How do you see this one going?
Comments
And George once again misses a sitter, to keep himself in the frame for a starting position , rather than encourage investment in the team and find himself further down the pecking order
Oh the joys of FFP and modern day football , where it's as much played out on the balance sheet as the playing field
Still at least the accountants are excited by all this
I said we are binary!
1-0
Forgot about Sky coverage... 0-3 to the Tractor Boys
3-1 to Charlton!
COYA!
3-1 win.
TV is the kiss of death on any Charlton performance and Sky is the worst of all.
0-1 with 98th minute own goal from Bikey OR 0-3 defeat after Bikey send off after 10mins for head butting the linesman
Am I the only one finding this season about as exciting as a wet week-end in Antwerp?
Wibble.
A tight game, 1-1
I think Ipswich will be the hardest game we will have had at home all season
2 up front please Bob
It's my heart talking here as Ipswich are a very good side but I can see us nicking this 2-0 in a very tight game. An early goal from us and after considerable Ipswich pressure we score a clincher in the last five minutes.
Igor and JBG to score.