Introduction
After a 2-1 home victory over Wolves last weekend, Chris Powell’s Charlton side can finally say goodbye to any relegation fears as it is now mathematically impossible for the Addicks to be relegated to League One. However what is still mathematically possible is a play-off place although the Reds will need to firstly win the last two remaining fixtures to stand any chance of that spot.
The first of those remaining fixtures is this Saturday’s away tie at Middlesbrough who themselves were targeting promotion at the start of the season and looked set to be real contenders halfway through the season, but a terrible start to 2013 has damped any chance of promotion this season. Hopefully the Addicks can increase more misery to Boro with a victory this weekend.
The Opposition
Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough have endured a terrible run of form in 2013, which has gradually moved them further away from the top-half of the Championship and into the bottom half. Infact Boro have only won three league games since the start of the new year, a run which has increased pressure on Tony Mowbray despite his legendary status at the club.
In their last fixture, Boro lost 2-1 away at promotion-chasing Bolton and due to Jonathan Woodgate’s red card; he will be suspended for this weekend’s tie against the Addicks.
Despite their recent form, Middlesbrough mustn't be taken lightly especially as they have a number of quality individuals who could cause Charlton problems this weekend including the likes of on-loan stars Josh McEachran and Sammy Ameobi. There may also be a recall for ex-Addickmidfielder Nicky Bailey who is likely to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The Line -Up
After coming off the bench and playing a key part again, on-loan Spurs striker Jonathan Obika may be selected ahead of Ricardo Fuller who departed for Obika during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves.
Due to both Johnnie Jackson and Andy Hughes being substituted last weekend because of injury, Chris Powell may be tempted to rest the duo and bring in the likes of Dale Stephens or Mark Gower to showcase what the pair can do for the Addicks.
Powell may also be tempted to add some other youngsters within the side; however after a busy week of U21 and Kent Cup fixtures, he may save them until the final game against Bristol City next month.
Danny Green will also be pushing for a starting spot after a decent cameo last weekend while the likes of Hamer, Solly, Kermorgant, Dervite, Wiggins, Morrison and Harriott are likely to keep their places within the starting eleven.
The Prediction
Another rampant Addicks performance 3-0 away win.
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Comments
I'm holding out for a ground-out 1-0 victory for the Addicks...our defensive away record has been superb recently (0 conceded I believe).
We will have to keep it tight, and try not to get too overrun, but that seems to be what we are good at on the road this year, so here's hoping for another 3 points and keeping our season going until the last game on May 5th!
COYA !!!
Only a gibbering cretin would even try to call this one...
4-0 away win (Obika hat-trick)
Drag Hughes on by his ankles with drip attached if necessary. Just his twitching little corpse on the pitch at kick-off will guarantee the three points.
2-1 addicks
Obika and Green will be pushing hard for starts to replace Fuller and Pritchard respectively, although I'll have no complaints if Powell decides to stick with the same starting eleven that has seen us go on this unbeaten run.
It took a last minute winner last week but don't underestimate the losses of Jackson and Hughes on that one. If either of them are not fit we could see Prithcard or Gower in the middle and a possible start for Green.
We rarely do well up there and I think the last time we won this fixture was with a Chris Perry training ground routine from a corner.
Hoping for a win to keep our faint playoff hopes alive but I'll take a 0-0 draw and then celebrate a fantastic first season back in the Championship. COYR!
I left to go on Holiday to Singapore and Australia on March 28th. Shortly after the Millwall loss. When I was away we have won 4 and drawn 2, including a 6-0 thumping of Barnsley. Now I am back to ruin it all : (
Can I say that?