The IntroductionThere was a time when boxing day games were something special. The Covered End would be full of fans wearing newly gifted jumpers and the terrace would reek of the Brut aftershave found in stockings the day before.
It would also be a biggish derby game. It was "and we shall fight for every more because of Boxing Day" for a reason.
It may now no longer have that local significance and young fans are more likely to be playing with iPads that setting up scalectrix but the four games in 11 days just before the transfer window opens can still make or break a season. Or a manager.
The OppositionThe Seagulls seemingly took a while to get over the hangover of losing in the play-off semis to their "local" rivals and the swift and scatalogical departure of Diego's dad. But since November they have been on a steady run. The failure to score v Huddersfield on Saturday keeps them just outside the play-off zone along with a host of other "nearly" teams in this division.
New head coach Oscar Garcia has retaining the passing style used last term but Charlton matched the Albion home and away last season. The visitors needed a deflected free-kick to earn a point in a 2 - 2 draw at the Valley while The Addicks put in one of their best away performances to earn a 0 - 0 at the Amex.
Brighton have Barnes scoring up front and Bridcut pulling the strings in front of the back four but they, unlike Charlton, also have the option of alternatives such as Lua Lua and Ulloa on the bench. That could make all the difference
The Line UpDepending, it seems, on your view of the manager the result at Bolton was either a hard won point or two thrown away by lack of ambition.
Regardless, with the cupboard so bare that even Jordan Cook gets a shirt, the starting XI is likely to stay the same.
Sordell will be available again and could be on the bench given there are no other experienced forwards available. Pigott was unwell but could also feature if recovered. Stewart limped off late at the Reebok so there could be a late decision on his fitness. With Smith returning and Dwyer a possible loan signing but both not until January a few strikers have something to play for but talisman Kermorgant is back in the goals and is unlikely to be dropped.
Pritchard was a star in both Brighton games last season. Scoring his first league goal at the Valley and then, in the return leg, negating Bridcut by sitting on him all game. Powell might be tempted to see if BP can do the same this year but a similar tactic v Derby where he was asked to stop the Rams' John Eustace didn't come off and Bradley doesn't look the same player as he was in the run in last term.
Michael Morrison and Dale Stephens are walking the five card suspension tightrope having picked up four yellows. The skipper is missing the last of his three game ban.
Alnwick pulled off some excellent saves in the north-west and has yet to be at fault for a goal. Even if Hamer is fit anything more than a place on the bench for Ben H. would appear very harsh on Ben A.
The return of Wood and Solly is a big boost however. The solid run of results in October coincided almost exactly with Wood's appearances and we have yet to lose a league in which he has played. Solly is, well, Chris Solly. 'Nuff said.
The PredictionCousins and Morrison on the score sheet in an open 2 - 2 game
Comments
Willson-moro-woods-wiggins
--------solly----evina--------
----dale --- cousins --- Stewart
----------kermegant-----------
Telling willson and wiggins to attack with freedom and the safety of being able to use solly and evina to cover to become a 4141
Optimistic I realise and this is Charlton. Never do it the easy way!
Merry Christmas
Take a point
1-1 at best
CAFC 1 v Brighton & Hove Albion 1
2-2, Yann double
1 - 0 win. (Kermorgant 57) after being set up by Stewart.
Now, pass the sherry again please......
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