Charlton Athletic vs Carlisle UnitedSaturday 9th March 2024 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Tom NieldIntroductionWhat a difference a couple of positive results makes to the atmosphere around Sparrows Lane, this Charlton side appears to have been on an absolute roll ever since the deserved, but unexpected draw with Bolton - Under the critical eye of Nathan Jones, this is a team that looks like a shadow of the one under Michael Appleton, which sometimes proves the squad is only as good as the person leading it. Naturally there should be a degree of caution, we've seen this sort of upturn in results whenever a new Manager has entered the building these last few years... But its starting to feel a little different this time around.
The OppositionName: Carlisle United (24th) | Manager: Paul SimpsonGround: Brunton ParkPrevious League Result: Carlisle 1-3 ReadingNext up for the Addicks are the serious strugglers in League One this season; Carlisle United, and already with eleven games to spare, find themselves a whopping 15-points from safety - We've of course got fond memories of games against a team initially called Shaddongate United, but only a miracle will stop them playing in League Two next season.
That doesnt mean the three points will be remaining in South East London come Full-Time at 7pm on Saturday afternoon - We've seen at this stage of the season, in the last two years, how a troubled side can rock up at the Valley and commence a turnaround of epic proportions - However on those occasions; Morecambe were able to rely on a Striker who seemed to have his own personal vendetta against the Addicks; Carlisle on the other hand will be relying on their top scorers with Jordan Gibson (with six league goals) from Midfield, and Joe Garner with three in the league to fire them to the unthinkable that is safety... Its quite surprising in some regard to find that the Cumbrians wont be travelling from the Lake District as the lowest scorers in the Division, however they do have the worst defence, having conceded five more times than ourselves this campaign!!
In terms of recent form, and Carlisle have unfortunately had a run of results that Michael Appleton would be proud of... Just one win in their last ten, which came last time out on the road (a 1-0 victory at Burton), with the other ten all ending it defeat - Their form hasn't been helped given the departure of talisman; Owen Moxon to Portsmouth in January, but it does look to be a one way trip back to the Fourth tier, for Paul Simpson and his side
Its not over until its over though, and in Football there are no guaranteed results... This is what makes it the beautiful game!!
Charlton Team NewsOnce again it looks as though Chuks Aneke will be sadly absent for another period of time, no doubt resurrecting the tiresome "release him" argument - But with his absense out the way for this coming Saturday we can focus on the rest of the squad, who recovered well from being pegged back on Tuesday evening to record a 3-1 victory at Cheltenham Town... Lloyd Jones was once again available after his suspension, whilst George Dobson survived the last game required to avoid a two match ban... The Midfielder will now need to avoid picking up another six bookings between now and the end of the season to avoid a whopping three match ban, before he departs for new lands.
Elsewhere and Karoy Anderson has performed admirably in recent weeks, so could be given a rest having looked a bit tired in Gloucestershire
Whilst Edmonds-Green was withdrawn against Cheltenham after needing treatment, but should be available this Saturday.
Isted
Edmonds-Green - Jones - Gillesphey
Watson - Coventry - Dobson - Small
Bakinson
May - Kanu
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Hector - Thomas - Asiimwe - Campbell - Anderson - Ladapo
Comments
7-0 win.
Add to that the exceptional amount of stoppage time that gets added to our matches and the old days of 4:45pm finishes are a distant memory.
By the way suggest that those with the odd quid to spare back Lincoln to get to the play-offs.They have Barnsley and Pompey to play but the rest are all winnable .Easy money. (Don't see them going further than that)
With that, id start Bakinson for a bit of physical presence as I think that is the kind of game Carlisle will bring.
If we can get an early goal, I think they will crumble. If we dont, then they could nick something with our history of defensive fragility.
Saying that, I am confident we will get the win.
Charlton 2-0 (May and Ladapo (on as a sub)
It's a drum I've been banging for a good couple of seasons now in the Match Threads.
Might be worth giving Camara another runout if he's trained well, to see if he can get up to speed.
Our goals from DK, Alfie and ConCov.
Carlisle's goal to be scored by Sam Lavelle, a free header from a corner or free-kick.
carlisle …move May to number 10 bring in Ladapo and leave out Dobson
1-1, Lavelle nailed on to get their goal.
I would expect them to park the bus, and hope to nick a goal from somewhere/
Hopefully in a game like this Louis's apparent lack of work rate shouldn't hurt us too much but the creativity could be an asset.
Not sure Jones will go for it though as if Louis isn't the best trainer as has been rumoured, he'd probably not want to set the precedent that you can give less than 100% and be included in matchdays.