Charlton vs Leeds United
3pm Kick-Off
Referee –
TONY HARRINGTONINTRODUCTIONGoing to ‘end of season’ games seem to lack as much motivation as climbing into bed with Jo Brand, BUT, fear not, Leeds United fixtures against us, always seem to be a feisty affair.
Recent results between the two sides include a 2-2 thriller at Elland Road earlier in the season and at The Valley, Akpo Sodje’s late winner in 2010, surely goes down as one of the finest moments in the past decade for Charlton fans.
Nevertheless, Guy Luzon’s side have not been in the best of form recently, with only one win in five matches, which has been unlike the Addicks under the Isreali.
The hosts will hope that the average form will end on Saturday although, having said that, Charlton have been unbeaten in their last three matches.
Moreover, here’s a little fact for you. Charlton have failed to score only once in their last 16 games, netting in each of the last 10. Not bad for a side with only three first-team strikers at the moment!
THE OPPOSITIONWith the side in 15th place, Leeds’ season should realistically be over, but they will want a few more points just to guarantee safety.
Credit must go to former-Addick Neil Redfearn, who has, despite the circumstances off the pitch, still managed to assemble a decent Leeds squad and will most likely, lead them to safety.
With the scenario in the boardroom unknown and after his assistant manager Steve Thompson was strangely suspended by the club, Redfearn may leave Leeds at the end of the season.
Recent results have shown that off the pitch matters have certainly had an effect on the players as the Yorkshire club have lost their last four matches and have not won in six games.
However, one positive for Leeds is the quality of young players they have within the club. The likes of Lewis Cook and Sam Byram are certainly two who could play in the higher division.
ONE TO WATCH My player to watch this week is:
Alex Mowatt.
One player who I left out of those promising youngsters list, is
Alex Mowatt.
The 20 year-old midfielder has been one of Leeds’ best players this season and will definitely be one to watch this weekend.
The England under-19 international scored twice against Charlton in the reverse fixture this season, in a 2-2 draw in November.
With nine goals this season, the youngster will be looking to reach double figures on Saturday and with the quality that he has, I would not put it past him.
LINE-UPWith a few players rested on Tuesday night for the 1-1 draw against Bolton, I can see Luzon making some more changes this weekend.
Joe Gomez may be put back into the side alongside Roger Johnson in defence, while Morgan Fox could retain his left-back spot ahead of Rhoys Wiggins.
The midfield is likely to remain the same although Chris Eagles will be pressing for a start, while up-front, Watt and Vetokele should continue unless one of them requires another rest.
………………………..Henderson………………….
Solly………....Gomez……………Johnson…….Fox
JBG…………...Buyens………......Cousins……Bulot
.....................Watt..................Vetokele........
PREDICTIONA win to end a succession of 1-1 draws.
Charlton Athletic 2-0 Leeds United
Comments
Come on Cardiff
I think we may stuff this one up. 1-3 to Dirty Leeds
Vetokele
You say 'The hosts will hope that the poor form will end on Saturday and with any luck, it can be the start of an unbeaten run until the end of the season'.
We are currently on a 3 game unbeaten run which started with Fulham.
Hoping to see some goals
Expecting a 1-1
Think it might be another draw.
I havent seen us beat Leeds at home since the play off win in 1987 so dont hold out much hope of 3 points
Let me count the ways.
Actually, I have no idea why I dislike, nay, loathe them but I do. Therefore, a win is required.
Goals from Vetokele, Gudmundsson and Church.
Back to 3-0