Charlton Athletic vs Port ValeSaturday 19th August 2023 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Sunny Singh GillIntroductionWell then... Its been a bit of a rough start for the Addicks hasn't it... A win against Leyton Orient on the opening day of the season was less than impressive, and even then highlighted defensive issues which have come home to roost in our last three result - Under Dean Holden we've shown our ability going forward, but still look fragile. Charlton have the chance to get the season up and running with another game at the Valley this coming Saturday... No season can be a complete waste this early, but it can go some way to ensuring it.
The OppositionName: Port Vale (13th) | Manager: Andy CrosbyGround: Vale ParkPrevious League Result: Blackpool 0-0 Port ValeIt were 90-minutes to forget the Valiants on the opening day of the season
Losing 7-0 at Barnsley was perhaps the worst way to start any campaign - But here is the irony, since conceding seven goals in that clash, they've not conceded in the League since... Following on from that defeat; Port Vale were able to record a 1-0 win over Reading, before picking up another clean sheet at Blackpool in midweek.
This after all is an appointment that Andy Crosby has been waiting for, and wont want to mess it up - His name will be known to some Charlton fans, as the right hand man to Nigel Adkins, and someone he wanted during his own Managerial tenure at SE7... This coming season will be Andy's first as a Manager, having replaced Darrell Clarke in April, initially as Interim Manager, before being appointed to the job in the summer.
In terms of setup; Vale seem to opt for a back three, whilst operating with either two Strikers up top (last season), or this season where he's chosen to go with the lone front man - That lone Striker; Josh Thomas is currently on loan from Swansea this summer, whilst Conor Grant (signed after his release from Plymouth) will be the one to watch from Midfield; Grant wasn't overly involved in the Pilgrims charge to the title last year, but will be a creative threat, having grabbed seven assists in 2021/22.
Charlton Team NewsThe worst aspect about this poor start to the season, is the fact that Holden must be careful about making too many changes
Teams that ultimately fight for promotion are built on stability, and whilst our Defence isn't impressing, we need a settled team where possible - The biggest issue is our lack of firepower up top... I think its unlikely we'll have another Striker in ahead of Saturday, let alone ready to start alongside Alfie May, so Holden must decide whether its worth the risk starting both his Strikers from the off, or stick with the conservative approach and keep Daniel Kanu in reserve, should the worst happen with both on the pitch.
Maynard-Brewer
Asiimwe - Jones - Ness - Edun
Anderson - Dobson - Camara
Kanu - May - Blackett-Taylor
Substitutes Bench: Isted - Hector - Thomas - Payne - Taylor - Kirk - McGrandles
Comments
It seems that as ever, our players need a good kick up the arse to get them motivated .. we all hope that they are getting the right instructions from the management .. all very well having nice cozy videos about roomies and such, and smarming the fans on Spanish trips, what is needed is some action, some results, less propaganda, more positivity and action .. a tough, well organised outfit like Vale must be overcome to regain some credibility .. and let's see a 4 4 2 and forget the fancy formations which i m o only serve to confuse the players
It's not a must win but it's an important game. One of the weakest sides on paper in the division and at home.
With Payne the only proper option for wide right and how dreadful he was on Tuesday, I think I would return to the 3-5-2. Asiimwe doesn’t deserve to be dropped but we do have to be careful with overplaying our kids and I think we have to get CBT on the pitch somehow
AMB
Jones Hector Thomas
CBT Edun
Anderson Dobson Camara
Kanu May
It’s not ideal but it does at least give May a partner and doesn’t ask Kanu to play wide. Other option could be a 4-4-2 but again the wide midfielder options are not great
Ness, Hector, Jones
Asiimwe, Dobson, Camara, Edun
CBT
May, Kanu.
The juniors are doing us proud but they should be eased in gradually to build their confidence and strength- no surprise one of them is already injured.
Team Red Trousers is fast running out of time. A fragile squad with a dodgy defence, non-existence attack and over-reliant on junior academy products is not going anywhere but down.
Not expecting much from Saturday other than another kick in the plums from this side.
Predictions:
Glass half-full: 0-0
Glass half-empty: 0-1
Won't win.
(Probably, he says, hedging his bets slightly
For fan moral this feels like a must win match, ideally a comfortable & convincing win too.
I think we'll be OK. Charlton 3-0 Port Vale
PLEASE win Charlton!
I can’t see Jones starting the 3rd game in a week, so Hector comes in. I would also like to see Kanu start. His confidence visibly improved after his goal and rather than having a striker on the bench, I’d rather get the game won first.
Isted will probably be thinking he’ll get his chance soon if AMB doesn’t have a great game too.
Maynard-Brewer
Asiimwe - Ness - Hector - Edun
Anderson - Dobson - Camara
Kanu - May - Blackett-Taylor
This team will have Anderson tucking in to beef up the midfield and allow Asiimwe to push on to bring the width. Kanu to be like an inside forward and get as close to May as possible, as much as possible. Blackett-Taylor and Edun providing the width on the left.
Time for a clean sheet too, the team needs it.
Charlton 2-0 Port Vale
May
Blackett-Taylor
Still optimistic.
Still remember playing Port Vale 2-2 draw and Clive Mendonca picking up an injury that brought an end to his Charlton career.1999