Date: 4th January 2022, 7pm k/o
Competition: Papa John's Trophy Third Round
Opposition: MK Dons
Location: The Valley
Introduction
As the Christmas decorations are boxed up and put back in the loft for next year, attention turns to the January Transfer Rumours thread Papa John's Trophy.
While our return to league action on Saturday was reminiscent of about 20 other frustrating Charlton games I've watched in the last couple of seasons, its nice to now embrace the most unusual Charlton situation; 2 new year cup games.
The Opposition
MK Dons knocked out Group G winners Leyton Orient on penalties in the previous round. They fielded a mixture of first team and development players.
If he plays, Scott Twine is their danger man. The attacking midfielder was bought in the summer to replace the much coveted Scott Fraser. The 22 year old has been in fine form this season, with 11 goals and 7 assists from 23 appearances. Meanwhile Mohamed Eisa and Troy Parrott are dangerous forwards, despite only 8 goals between them.
They're 7th in League One following a 0-0 draw with Gillingham on Saturday, and have normally used a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Team News
As always with this prestigious competition, a tough one to guess. After Saturday's disappointment following a two week break, I'm sure Jackson will want to gain some momentum/sharpness as we go into a busy period, so could risk a few of our first team especially with 5 subs available on the night. We've endured back to back 1-0 defeats in the league now, so there's also the option to try a different formation/tactic.
Kirk, Matthews, Gunter, Stockley, Blackett-Taylor, and Arter were all missing from the squad on Saturday, and with the exception of Stockley I'm not sure if they were just dropped/injured/ill/about to be returned to Forest/about to be loaned out/sold.
Harness in goal, Elerewe, Bakrin and Burstow have impressed in this competition so I would expect each of them to start. Clayden could also operate at wing back if fit.
Assuming Jackson sticks with his 3-5-2 and saves most of the first team for Sunday I'll go with the below, but expect experienced options on the bench if they don't start (particularly Leko and Inniss, but also Matthews who is back in training):
My predicted team:
Harness
Bakrin Elerewe Souare
Gunter/Kirk Clayden
Watson
Morgan Arter
Davison Burstow
Prediction
2-1 to the mighty midweek reds. Davison to score both, including a technically perfect overhead kick.
Comments
For me a freedom pass and a quid to get in makes it an attractive prospect, hope to be able to buy Norwich tickets before the game tomorrow evening as well.
By my reckoning, at least 40.
And I don't remember anything about any of them.
Yet.....
The play-offs are a pipe dream. And unless we are careful this season is just going to drift along to a completely nothing conclusion. Win tomorrow and we are 3 games away from Wembley. (And there are not too many teams left we should fear if playing a reasonably strong team ourselves) Another day out there with 40000 reds in attendance could help revitalise this season and sow a good feeling for next year.
So I hope JJ puts out a reasonably strong team tomorrow, something on the lines Ben has suggested and not one full of kids.
The current midfield 3 have done well, but all 3 have played in the Cheltenham, Plymouth and Wycombe defeats, so shouldn't be considered automatic picks now IF other players can make a case. Which could be Morgan or Arter OR could be Clare, if someone else comes into the back 3.
lose this and concentrate on the fa cup
What's that program? Curb your enthusiasm?
My eye is on the joys of the FA cup
😷
I don't "do" predictions but I'd put our house on us NOT being out of the FA Cup on Saturday.