Plymouth Argyle vs Charlton AthleticSaturday 18th December 2021 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Craig HicksIntroductionCmon lets be honest, who in their wildest dreams expected such a strong start to Johnnie Jackson's tenure as Manager, even if he is just the caretaker? - As per usual on CharltonLife there were strong arguments for his departure, as well for his appointment to be announced on a Full-Time basis, yet I think we've all been rendered speechless by the form we find ourselves in. This Saturday we hopefully travel to the South West; Plymouth Argyle lie in wait.
The OppositionName: Plymouth Argyle (6th) | Manager: Steven SchumacherGround: Home ParkPrevious Meeting: Charlton Athletic 2-0 Plymouth ArgyleIt was only a few weeks ago when the Pilgrims made the trip up the A303 looking to continue their fine start to the season. Plymouth had suffered just the one defeat all season, yet that run of form came crashing down in SE7, our opponents that day werent just unlucky, they were outperformed in display which has become oh so familiar under the current Addicks regime.
There have only been four Leagues games since that encounter, yet Plymouth to be blunt have gone and done a Sunderland - Their form which has been so strong this season has plummeted, with further defeats coming against Wycombe, Wigan and Sunderland, whilst their solitary point came a week ago with Plymouth drawing 1-1 at Milton Keynes.
Of course it hasnt helped by the fact that Ryan Lowe has departed for Preston North End - The highly rated Manager has done wonders in the lower echilons of the EFL with both Bury and Plymouth, so its certainly no surprise to see him taking the next step on his Managerial career - In his place is Steven Schumacher, having been promoted from Assistant it looks like our opponents are following the current model set out at the Valley.
Fears of another stuffing will be rife in Plymouth after our performance in April - Steven may quickly find out that life in the fast lane is a completely different ball game with so many other Assistants failing where others have succeeded... He certainly wont want to let the family down.
Charlton Team NewsFinally a bit of good news and it is that Ryan Inniss will be returning to U23 action on Monday evening - The giant Centre-Back has struggled with injury since moving up from Surrey, and will be looking to make another comeback at what is a hectic time in a fixture list that could yet end in further disarray.
Elsewhere and Jonathan Leko deputised for Dialling Jaiyesimi last weekend. The latter simply rested for the clash with Cambridge United, and made a late appearance from the bench so Johnnie could well decide on switching the two around again - Otherwise you would expect the squad to remain as is, unless of course there are any secret injuries, no reason to change a winning team right?
MacGillivray
Clare - Pearce - Famewo
Dobson
Jaiyesimi - Gilbey - Lee - Purrington
Washington - Stockley
Substitutes Bench: Henderson - Souare - Elerewe - Watson - Kirk - Davison - Leko
PredictionThe Addicks will certainly look to go into the last games of 2021 on a high note - Performances have gone through the roof of late and see no reason why that wont continue this coming weekend - Plymouth at present occupy the last remaining Play-Off spot, should we want to extend our season in May, then already these are the games we need to be winning, else the points difference will never disappear.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Comments
(game will probably be cancelled now by the morning!)
Keep up the good work and have a great Christmas yourself.
We come back with all 3 points and sit just 5 points off Plymouth but still 8 off top 6 with Wednesday beating Stanley. We move up to 10th.
It’s the games over Christmas and New Year that will change the look of the table, if games go ahead.
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Charlton Athletic
Stockley
Lee
Jackson scored a brace?
unless Jacko gets the full time gig today then the bounce carries us through 1-2
They were flying until we wrecked their unbeaten run. Following that they've had really tough fixtures playing only top 6 teams: Wycombe, Wigan, MK Dons, Sunderland.
Their manager has left to pursue higher ambitions and the assistant manager has been given the hot seat.
The Green Army will get behind their team.
They were top for a long period for good reason.
We will need to be at our best to get a result.
Hoping they will struggle for that "new manager" bounce and we continue with ours and come away with another priceless three points. 2-0 again.
Happy Xmas all!
Argyle will be a tough prospect and the first goal will be crucial. Even our injury depleted squad has enough to beat anybody in this division but Plymouth were top for a reason and they've been luckier thus far with injuries.
While I'm at it, let's all be respectful and sensible of the ghastly presence of Covid, give each other plenty of space and accept that we'll need loads of time to get in, around and out of the ground. By their actions will the bellends among us reveal themselves. Don't be a bellend.
Plymouth in relegation form, we're in near promotion form
Plymouth Argyle 0 v CAFC 1
It's not like they drew at Morecambe and lost to Shrewsbury.