Charlton Athletic vs Brentford
3pm Kick-Off
Referee –
GRAHAM SCOTTINTRODUCTIONIt’s safe to say life at The Valley at present is somewhat, depressing.
Despite it being Valentine’s Day on Saturday, the Addicks fans love for their club has become precarious with decisions on and off the pitch, affecting the mood around SE7.
It’s fair to state that a win this weekend would lift the feeling a little, but more would need to be done to win over the hearts of the Charlton faithful who are becoming increasingly frustrated with the way their club is being run.
Charlton face Brentford on Saturday and while things in South-East London have been difficult, speculation regarding the future of visiting boss Mark Warburton, has left a sense of uncertainty at Griffin Park, with Spanish manager Paco Jemez linked as a shock replacement.
THE OPPOSITIONDue to the speculation, Brentford’s fixture last Tuesday at home against Watford was always going to be a tricky affair. The Bees lost 2-1 as Odion Ighalo scored a brace for the visitors, while the hosts saw Jake Bidwell receive a straight red card meaning he will miss this Saturday’s trip to The Valley.
Despite the defeat, Brentford are still in the play-off spots in sixth place and only seven points off top-spot. If the Bees want to make sure they can stay in the play-offs, they will have to develop some consistency, starting with a valuable victory over the Addicks this weekend.
After getting promoted from League One last season as well as currently being in the play-offs, Warburton has put together a strong squad, with not too many resources.
In midfield, Tottenham-loanee Alex Pritchard is a talented asset, while upfront, Andre Gray has been fantastic for Brentford with 11 goals in the league, following his arrival from Luton last summer.
Former Addick, Alan ‘McOxo’ McCormack could play some part for the Bees this weekend, after a lengthy absence with an ankle injury. In addition, David Button should return to The Valley after his spell between the sticks in SE7 during the 2012-13 campaign.
ONE TO WATCH –
Alex Pritchard My player to watch this weekend is Brentford midfielder:
Alex Pritchard.
The midfielder has been one of Brentford’s most impressive performers this campaign, with many expecting the 21-year-old to eventually play his football in the Premier League.
The England Under-21 international, is a very creative player, who likes to have the ball at his feet and dominate play.
Pritchard has scored six goals in the league this season and with Charlton’s defence showing real weakness in the last few months, Brentford will be hoping that Pritchard play a key part in guiding Warburton’s side to victory.
LINE-UPFollowing the defeat to Norwich, it’s likely that Roland shall change a few things for this weekend’s clash.
In goal, Marko Dmitrović should remain as Stephen Henderson still is not quite ready for first-team action.
In defence, despite his error, Chris Solly is likely to be at right-back, while Roger Johnson may be given a debut alongside Tal Ben Haim in the centre of defence, with Rhoys Wiggins at left-back.
Johann Gudmundsson should occupy the right-wing spot while Johnnie Jackson will most probably play in the middle.
Yoni Buyens could be dropped for a number of his lack of form, meaning Christophe Lepoint could be given a first start in the centre, while Jordan Cousins is likely to remain out of position on the left-side.
Up-front, following the signs of a decent partnership blossoming, Igor Vetokele and Tony Watt should start together for the first time.
Callum Harriott, Frederic Bulot and Lawrie Wilson will all be in contention too, but Milos Veljkovic is out for a lengthy period with a shoulder injury.
PREDICTION1-0 defeat, with a number of boos for Luzon and a number of banners for Roland.
Charlton Athletic 0-1 Brentford
Comments
1-0 Charlton. McOxo o.g. 88th min
Thinking of taking my 4 nearly 5 year old to his debut game , he has a good sense of humour and he'll need it at the worlds saddest joke of a club
2-2 or 3-2 to The Addicks and Roland can do no wrong brigade can say I knew this was a great idea of his (freaks)
Henderson (if fit)/Dmitrovic, Solly, Ben Haim, Gomez, Wiggins, gudmunsson, Cousins, Jackson, Harriott, Watt, Vetokele
'were we really expecting to get anything from the mighty brentford at home'
I think we will get a 1-1 draw and street party's will sweep through south London in celebration.
We have found our scoring form and Johnson to tighten our defence, comfy 3-0 win for us.
0-2
Gomez - Ben Haim - Johnson - Wiggins
Cousins - Jackson/Boyens
Gudmunsson
Harriet - Watt - Vetokele
However, unless Brentford are really bothered by their off-field shenanigans, I can't see anything but another defeat no matter how we lineup.
I have a rare chance to watch a decent game of football as I'll instead be at Club Brugge v Lokeren.
We don't know how much the much publicised imminent replacement of the popular Warburton will have affected the players, if at all.
Brentford are good in midfield and pacey up front but nothing exceptional. A terrific team spirit and working hard is the team's real strength. They are beatable and it's about time we beat somebody. Depending on the team that the seemingly hopeless Luzon selects, we are capable of winning this one. I would like to see changes in central defence but I don't think that it will happen.
Luzon's Lovely Boys for Saturday ? :No Bulot, two up front from the start, we'll win this:
Dmitrovic .. Solly. Ben Haim. Bikey. Wiggins .. G'sson. Buyens. Jackson. Cousins .. Vetokele. Watt
CAFC 2 v Brentford 1
The thought of getting Big Brothered by Brentford was potentially too much to take. Brentford marching on, looking down on little ol Charlton the way we historically have patronisingly looked down to them and Orient. Brentford FFS!!! Enjoy Mrs AFKA
Marko
Gomez (Luzon has only just found out about Solly's knees) Johnson TBH Wiggins
JBG Cousins Jacko Harriot
Watt Igor
Luzon does a cossack dance instead of tunnel jump
Hopefully play with a bit more belief and start positive. One of the most winnable home fixtures remaining so would be a big win.
Dmitrovic
Gomez Johnson TBH Wiggins
JBG LePoint Cousins Harriott
Vetokele Watt
2-1 Charlton.