Middlesbrough vs Charlton Athletic
3pm Kick-Off
Referee –
TREVOR KETTLEINTRODUCTIONLife as a Charlton fan just is not dull is it?
The past month has pretty much summed up what the year of Duchatelet’s ownership has been like.
With new boss Guy Luzon only getting one of two players he wanted on deadline day, and with old friend Riga returning to our cousins in Belgium, the mood at The Valley has been very bleak, to say the least.
However, not to worry, at least there is potential in the bleakness to disappear this weekend in sunny Middlesbr…oh wait – maybe not.
In all seriousness, playing the division’s current third best side has come at totally the wrong time.
‘Boro have not lost since just before Christmas and with an out-of-form and unconfident Addicks side arriving at the Riverside, the hosts will be looking to take full advantage.
THE OPPOSITIONIn comparison to Charlton’s trigger-happy owner, Steve Gibson has relied on stability to try and take his ‘Boro side back to the Premier League.
His appointment of Aitor Karanka in November 2013, has proven, so far, to be a very good one.
Under the Spaniard’s management, ‘Boro have continued to grow as a side, as shown by their 2-0 away shock victory over Premier League champions Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Following that victory, ‘Boro won 1-0 away at promotion-rivals, Brentford, with Grant Leadbitter scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, lifting Middlesbrough to 3rd in the table and only one point behind the top-two.
In contention to start this weekend game for the hosts, is new signing Adam Forshaw, who made his debut last weekend as a substitute at his former-club Brentford, following a transfer from Wigan.
ONE TO WATCH My player to watch this week is:
Lee Tomlin.
While top-scorer Grant Leadbitter and loanee Patrick Bamford would have been adequate choices, Tomlin gives ‘Boro that something different and is the type of player that Charlton really lack.
The former-Peterborough striker received high praise from the media following his display in that victory over Man City and his recent three goals in his last three league games have been vital to ‘Boro’s promotion bid.
Tomlin is an intelligent player and can drop off the main striker to enhance his ability to create chances. If Charlton want to get something out of this weekend’s game, they’ll need to ensure Tomlin doesn’t see too much of the ball.
LINE-UPFollowing a poor performance against Rotherham, there may be a few changes to Luzon’s line-up this weekend.
After a decent home-debut, Marko Dmitrović should continue in goal, with Stephen Henderson still injured.
In defence, the back-four of Chris Solly, Tal Ben Haim, Andre Bikey and Rhoys Wiggins should remain the same despite the arrival of Roger Johnson.
In midfield, Miloš Veljković should retain his spot to face his old loan club, he may be partnered in centre midfield by Yoni Buyens, if Johnnie Jackson is not fit enough.
Johann Gudmundsson and Jordan Cousins are expected to stay on the wings, while Christophe Lepoint will be targeting a full-debut.
Up-front, Tony Watt could be fit enough to start, he’ll probably be partnered by Igor Vetokele, unless Luzon prefers Callum Harriott to get another chance in a more advanced position.
PREDICTIONAnother disappointing afternoon for The Addicks.
Middlesbrough 2-0 Charlton Athletic
Comments
kudos to those travelling, I'm very glad I won't be - pains me to say it.
The players will look to the travelling support for inspiration
The travelling support will look to the team for inspiration
Neither will get from t'other what they wish for
The passionless team will go about their business for 20 minutes and give the travelling lunatics hope before the inevitable mistakes and goals happen and we slide to another defeat
Still Boro are a top team so the excuses are already lined up and we can use them against Norwich on Tuesday as well
Luzon will have the boys well up for this.
2-0 Away win.
COYA's.
As Greavsie was fond of saying "it's a funny ol' game". If we crumble, it could be another Watford. We have to hope that we nick one (for a change) and the Boro fans turn on their team.
If we go 1-0 down quickly, I fear the worst. If not, we might get a surprise.
Boro to score 1 or 4, Charlton to score 0 or 1.
It is also about time we had a bit of luck around the goal. Let's hope the good luck fairy is on our side.
(Go on, you don't get set up like this every day!).
Amazing what a glass of red wine can produce.
(1) Games we stand more chance of losing (i.e. Against the teams at the top).
(2) Six Pointer matches (i.e. Against the teams around us).
Of course am not saying that we should simply write off the matches against the top sides as there is always a chance (take Norwich away for example), trouble is at the moment we have Vetokele who has obviously been carrying an injury, give him a rest for a few weeks and ultimately we could end up with the Striker we had at the start of the season, and facing tired Defenders who will become tired as the season draws to a close, could be dangerous
Charlton, I hold you as usual, solely responsible for my mood this w/e. After last weekends footballing disaster, the 1-1 at home groundhog day result, the late demise of my Premiership accie (bastards Chelski!!!!), I just want something to be happy about come five o'clock that is not chemically induced!
C'mon you Addicks!
0-3 Charlton
Boring, unimaginative football with the least creativity seen all season
At least the Spanners and Holloway would have a go and might lose four or five nil but equally they might get a shock result and pick up a point or even a win..
Sadly I can only see another defeat on the way, that'll be 12 league games without a win, the longest run since our last relegation. If anyone sees Katrien on the train, please could you sit next to her and sing the "We buy any car.com" jingle all the way back to London - there's no particular relevance to this, I just think she'd find it really annoying.