The famous Charlton Athletic head to the south coast tomorrow for an intriguing clash with Championship newcomers, AFC Bournemouth. After the pre-season player sweating, we will all be relived that Chris Powell will have a fullish squad to choose from and some fresh blood to include in the starting eleven and on the bench.
Interesting to read on the AFCB website that they believe team-work and camaraderie will be their biggest assets this year. That's often a line to divert attention from a lack of quality or cover and one we have used ourselves. A promoted team is always going to have a good work ethic and confidence but tomorrow they will face a side whose strength is the same and arguably stronger having flourished towards the end of our first season back in the Championship.
We should be buoyed too by the double signing of Sordell and Church, both of whom I expect to feature tomorrow. The formation we use tomorrow will be interesting having seen us experiment in pre-season with 3-5-2 as well as the more familiar 4-4-2 and 4-5-1. My guess is we won't take any chances tomorrow and will look to match-up with a 4-4-2.
Ben Hamer will start in goal. My take on the back four is that it should be Wiggins, Cort, Morrison and Solly but we have the added dimension of Richard Wood's signing and the rumours surrounding a possible sale of Roy's Wiggins. Cort never seems to get the recognition he deserves from Chris Powell and I wonder whether Wood will start as preferred first choice? If Evina does start in place of Wiggins, then I give the rumour full backing. Chris Powell was particularly praiseworthy and positive about Evina's future when he re-signed which I found surprising at the time giving Wiggins command at left-back. The midfield is far less certain. Harriott is probably the clearest starter but who else? Pritchard's work-rate may well see him start wide right before Green gets a second-half run out. In the middle Jackson will expect to start as captain but alongside whom - Stephens? Upfront I am taking Yann Kermorgant and Marvin Sordell with Church to make his debut ten minutes from the end.
I think it is going to be a very close affair in front of a five figure gate. It might not surpass the Real Madrid takings but it should be a healthy start for the Cherries coffers and we would settle for a fraction of the Real Madrid score line. My money is on the old 1-0 away from home. I am meeting up with fellow Charlton Lifer, Robbo-on-the-Wing, in a bar somewhere in Playa Blanca where we will make do with following events on a Sky broadcast.
Interesting to read on the AFCB website that they believe team-work and camaraderie will be their biggest assets this year. That's often a line to divert attention from a lack of quality or cover and one we have used ourselves. A promoted team is always going to have a good work ethic and confidence but tomorrow they will face a side whose strength is the same and arguably stronger having flourished towards the end of our first season back in the Championship.
We should be buoyed too by the double signing of Sordell and Church, both of whom I expect to feature tomorrow. The formation we use tomorrow will be interesting having seen us experiment in pre-season with 3-5-2 as well as the more familiar 4-4-2 and 4-5-1. My guess is we won't take any chances tomorrow and will look to match-up with a 4-4-2.
Ben Hamer will start in goal. My take on the back four is that it should be Wiggins, Cort, Morrison and Solly but we have the added dimension of Richard Wood's signing and the rumours surrounding a possible sale of Roy's Wiggins. Cort never seems to get the recognition he deserves from Chris Powell and I wonder whether Wood will start as preferred first choice? If Evina does start in place of Wiggins, then I give the rumour full backing. Chris Powell was particularly praiseworthy and positive about Evina's future when he re-signed which I found surprising at the time giving Wiggins command at left-back. The midfield is far less certain. Harriott is probably the clearest starter but who else? Pritchard's work-rate may well see him start wide right before Green gets a second-half run out. In the middle Jackson will expect to start as captain but alongside whom - Stephens? Upfront I am taking Yann Kermorgant and Marvin Sordell with Church to make his debut ten minutes from the end.
I think it is going to be a very close affair in front of a five figure gate. It might not surpass the Real Madrid takings but it should be a healthy start for the Cherries coffers and we would settle for a fraction of the Real Madrid score line. My money is on the old 1-0 away from home. I am meeting up with fellow Charlton Lifer, Robbo-on-the-Wing, in a bar somewhere in Playa Blanca where we will make do with following events on a Sky broadcast.
Evina was interviewed on Sky yesterday as part of their tour round all the league grounds and seemed very happy with life. I'd thought he was French, but he spoek with a very good english accent if so!
ReplyDeletePembury Addick
PA - all dem years at Arsenal innit.
ReplyDeleteI think Powell Will go with Dervite at the back like he did towards the end of last season.
ReplyDeleteAnon - I forgot all about Dervite and suspect you may be right. Leon Cort seems further away from holding down a regular place than ever.
ReplyDelete