League One Weekend Preview, Game 30

Slow week this on the Charlton front.....


With a Portsmouth, Cardiff and Southend all facing winding up petitions yesterday and getting stays of execution, the rest of us are keeping our heads down and hoping it won't be us any time soon. The Bluebirds and the Shrimpers have been given 28 days in which to get their story straight but poor old Pompey just 7 days in which to come up with a more convincing explanation of how they are going to provide the finances to meet their debts. With £60m owing and relatively large sums at the heart of the immediate winding up petition (£7m), it's hard to see how they will avoid voluntarily going into Administration in the next seven days, which would surely be the death-knell for them as it would practically resign them to Championship football next year and wipe out any remaining incentive for a prospective buyer.


Another Charlton-less Saturday ahead and the agony of watching our play-off rivals make further ground on us. Colchester may well scramble above us which would put Monday's match at Bristol Rovers into sharp perspective. We could be watching our team playing with a familiar fear in the next couple of home games.


Brentford v Wycombe Wanderers
Brentford scored four in their last Griffin Park showing and Wycombe conceded four at home. This looks like an uncomfortable afternoon for Gary Waddock and his boys and could well be another nail in the Chairboys coffin as they fall behind in the battle to avoid the drop.
Prediction; 3-1


Brighton & Hove Albion v Norwich City
Brighton held Huddersfield at the Withdean in the week and the same again would be a good result as they look to stay clear of the drop zone. Norwich though will be itching to get another three points under their belts after their poor showing at the New Den last week where they didn't create a chance after Millwall went 2-1 up with forty minutes to go. Can't see Norwich failing where nine other sides have succeeded already this season.
Prediction; 0-2


Carlisle United v MK Dons
Carlisle provided some much needed cheer in the week by denying cocky Leeds another Wembley final by knocking them out of the JPT. Back on Planet Earth they look firmly mid-table after their mid-season resurgence but face an MK Dons side who may have a fraction more fire in their bellies as they chase seventh spot. The cup game might take it's toll.
Prediction; 1-2


Huddersfield Town v Swindon Town
A corker in prospect here as two form sides meet. We could do with Swindon dropping points in view of their two matches in hand and I think we will get that here. Huddersfield remain unbeaten at home and know that this is a play-off six pointer.
Prediction; 2-0


Leyton Orient v Leeds United
I can't see the motivation here for the O's. They drew at home with Brighton last week after hitting four in their previous home performance. They look solidly mid-table and even a wobbling Leeds  should have more than enough to inflict a sixth home reverse of the season. We live in hope of the door being opened again...
Prediction; 0-1


Millwall v Exeter City
Millwall have hit form at just the right time and they look very solid defensively.  With Morison and Harris firing upfront they look like making further ground in the play-off places before the season finishes. They could well cut our lead over them with their game in hand and us yet to visit the New Den. We could do with one of their inexplicable home defeats but I can't see Exeter doing it.
Prediction; 2-0


Oldham Athletic v Walsall
Oldham's relegation battle looks like it will run until the visit of the Addicks on the last day of the season. They managed a vital 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Tranmere last weekend and will be hoping to carry that on here. Walsall's play-off hopes look like they have been extinguished but they might have enough about them for a share of the spoils.
Prediction; 1-1


Southend United v Tranmere Rovers
After losing 2-0 on the box at Colchester on Monday evening, Southend return to Roots Hall with a very winnable game against the Wirral's finest. Can't see anything going wrong for them here.
Prediction; 2-0

 

Stockport County v Colchester United

Colchester get the chance they have been waiting for all season on Saturday when a win could catapult them into third place at our expense. With their match in hand at Yeovil on Tuesday to come, they might even cement that lead if we fail at Bristol Rovers on Monday. Perhaps two wins away from home on the spin is too much too expect?

Prediction; 0-1

Yeovil Town v Gillingham

Pity travelling Gills fans. Three points out of 45 on the road this season. Not a single win and this looks like another fruitless slog. 

Prediction; 2-0

Bristol Rovers v Charlton Athletic

With only one draw at home all season, it's usually win or bust for the Pirates in front of their own fans (they have only drawn two away). The fact that they have only won 8 and lost 5 at least gives ambitious visitors the hope of a win. Trouble is, we have been far from ambitious in recent weeks as Parky has set the stall out for hit and runs. Add to that the last minute equaliser at Swindon and I think he will feel justified in trying it again here. If we do, then I predict a convincing home victory. The presence of the Sky cameras will do nothing to help shine a positive light on the travelling hundreds or on our chances of a victory. A performance and result at the Valley are long overdue and we may be looking desperate come 20th February.

Prediction; 2-0