Charlton Athletic vs Shrewsbury TownSaturday 23rd April 2022 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Sam PurkissIntroductionWell we've finally made it, we're at the penultimate game of the season, and the final one to be held on the hallowed turf at the Valley before the pitch is no doubt ripped up ready for the next season - Its almost been a trial by fire when it comes to travelling to SE7 this season, and when this season is consigned to the history books, I doubt there will be many who'll want to delve back into its archives - Shrewsbury Town travel down from Shropshire for this final home encounter of the 2021/22 season.
The OppositionName: Shrewsbury Town (17th) | Manager: Steve CotterillGround: The New MeadowPrevious Meeting: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Charlton AthleticBoth sides go into this game safe in the knowledge that this'll be another League One fixture next season so I wouldn't expect too many fireworks - Matches against Salop, have in the past been uneventful encounters (apart from their destiny season with the Play-Offs), goals have certainly been hard to come by, with only five goals scored in the last three outings between these two sides.
It was a Saturday afternoon in late November when these two sides last met - Charlton were already showing continued signs of what has been a struggle on the road, even under Johnnie Jackson, having travelled to Shropshire off the back of a 2-2 draw at Morecambe. Our performance against Shrewsbury was nothing special, and there were no doubt bitter laughs as Daniel Udoh ensured that the points would stay with the home side, a contentious decision, with almost the last kick of the game.
In recent weeks; Shrewsbury have put in the type of form that like Charlton has kept them at arms reach from the fight for the relegation zone - Since March they've lost on just three occasions, picking up three wins (including an impressive 3-0 win at Rotherham), and four draws, they are however winless in April so are no doubt on their mental holidays.
I certainly wouldn't expect us to be discussing a classic come full time at 8pm tomorrow evening.
Charlton Team NewsI cant lie, and would be surprised if many aren't feeling the same way... its difficult to watch this same Charlton side being played even with our place in League One assured next season, when we could be putting points and league placings aside, and instead focusing on potential players that could step up, be a part of next season, and so potentially save us the need to dip into the transfer market.
Of course many of our U23s (Aaron Henry | Dylan Gavin) are impressing on loan, and cannot be recalled - Whilst the likes of our U18s are still getting used to the step up to the next level (even if some like Karoy Anderson aren't even 18 yet) - Yet with Contract Negotiations still to take place for many being involved at the moment, you have to wonder what the point is of them playing, if there is no intention for those negotiations to take place? - Oh yeah... Ryan Inniss finally returns from suspension, so will surely take Deji Elerewe's place in the matchday squad at the very least.
MacGillivray
Clare - Pearce - Famewo
Matthews - Dobson - Gilbey - Blackett-Taylor
Morgan
Stockley - Burstow
Substitutes Bench: Harness - Inniss - Forster-Caskey - Leko - Aneke - Washington - Jaiyesimi
PredictionUltimately I suspect this'll be a game that'll have little excitement and emotion from either the stands or on the pitch - Many of the Charlton squad will be fighting to show they deserve a Contract, not just here in SE7 but to any prospective scouts and clubs that may have them on their radars - It wont be surprising if we see a Charlton win, but like last week, we shouldn't be surprised if we get to witness one last capitulation if the going should get tough.
Comments
Campbell & Kanu on bench over Burstow and Leko. Perfect opportunity to give Kanu some time in the squad after his hat trick in the week.
Side note, be good to see Kermorgant on the pitch at half time.
0-0.
Sadly, I think we will see Matthews and Gilbey again, but I would rather see DJ over Matthews and anyone over Gilbey!
It will be good to finally draw a line under this season (at least at The Valley).
If Washington is starting then I think we will win. If Burstow starts then at best we will draw.
I will be tuning in but God only knows why.
Games against Shrewsbury are rarely exciting and they've been a bit of a bogey side for us over the years. Let's hope the team put on a decent show for the long suffering home support - 9 wins, 4 draws and 9 defeats this season is a very poor return at The Valley.
2-0 home win.
#ourcantona
Inniss and Forster-Caskey into the starting 11, Washington keeps his place.
Looking forward to the walk tomorrow and hopefully leaving The Valley with 3 points. The players in the squad would do well to learn a thing or two from some French bloke who will be there tomorrow. How we could do with anyone half as good as him.
Charlton Athletic 3-1 Shrewsbury Town
Inniss - Pearce - Famewo
4-0 gains us that 12th spot and we finish there after a 0-0 next week.
sets us up for next season
Poxy tennis n stuff.
Any news of the pre season friendlies?