So this is it!
After a World Cup-filled summer with perhaps, unsurprisingly, another disappointing tournament for England, this weekend will the start of a new Football League campaign with not a single ‘B’ team involved.
Charlton kick off their campaign away at Griffin Park against Brentford, in a game which will see the Bees play in the Championship (first division) for the first time in 21 years.
Saturday will also be the first competitive game in charge for Addicks boss Bob Peeters, and his first line-up will no doubt see some debutantes in the red (black) shirt.
The Opposition:Brentford will be fairly confident of a good season this year after finishing as runners-up to Wolves in last year’s League One campaign.
Manager Mark Warburton has certainly added to his squad this season with the likes of Moses Odubajo and Andre Gray arriving from Leyton Orient and Luton respectively. Alex Pritchard (on loan from Spurs), Scott Hogan (from Rochdale) and Marcos Tebar (from Almeria) were some other new faces at Griffin Park this summer.
Warburton’s side may include two ex-Addicks this weekend with David Button in goal and Alan (McOxo) McCormack in defence/midfield. The pair didn’t enjoy the best of spells at the Valley, but were regulars in the side that helped Brentford achieve promotion last season.
Key player Adam Forshaw has been a transfer target for Wigan in recent weeks, so whether the midfielder will start or not on Saturday remains unclear.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:Brentford: The Bees’ player to watch is summer signing Moses Odubajo. The ex-Leyton Orient winger was signed for a rumoured £1m and will certainly be wanting to show that he is worth that fee. He is a skilful, fast and tricky player and Charlton’s full-backs will have to be on top of their game to deal with him.
He also has the ability to do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg5yKX2WwCYCharlton:CAFC’s player to watch on Saturday is striker Igor Vetokele. After seeing him last weekend in Portsmouth, I was very impressed with the way he could create a chance out of hardly anything. He’ll be a key player for the Addicks this season, if we want to enjoy a good campaign.
In case you haven’t seen what he can do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhamlNPGq_IThe Line –Up: Well the game against Pompey last Saturday certainly gave an indication into the starting eleven that Peeters may select this weekend.
Henderson was given the full 90 minutes in goal against his former side, so is likely to be given the number one spot ahead of the upcoming 'keeper Nick Pope.
Chris Solly, Andre Bikey, Tal Ben Haim and Rhoys Wiggins were the defence and are likely to continue on Saturday. However, the likes of Michael Morrison and Lawrie Wilson will also be in contention for places at Griffin Park.
In midfield, Johann Gudmundsson, Yoni Buyens and Johnnie Jackson are set to start. On the left wing, it will be most likely Callum Harriott who will be selected but only if the academy graduate is fit. Franck Moussa may be fit enough for a place on the bench.
It’s possible Peeters will go with a 4-4-2 after George Tucudean and Igor Vetokele impressed as a partnership up-front against Pompey. If ‘Big Bob’ selects an extra man in midfield then Tucudean will probably drop to the bench and Jordan Cousins will most likely be selected as the extra midfielder.
The Prediction:A 1-1 draw to start the season.
Comments
Draw would be a decent result
First corner: 6 mins 17 seconds
First sending off: 32 minutes
Floodlight failure: 79 minutes
(Those who have seen the other thread re live stream will get the jist...)
Welcome back everyone to the Charlton Merry Go Around....
Charlton 2-1 win. Vetokele brace.
2 for Igor
3-1 defeat
Despite all the changes, we have the same essential problem as last season. No creativity in midfield and far too lightweight for a Championship campaign.
Might scrape a draw but I suspect we will be over-run in midfield by hard-working and busy bees desperate for points early on.
0-1 and nil points.
love it! 3-2 the Valliants ... in a total blinder .... 90 minute winner for Yohann...
COME ON YOU REEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it will take four or five games before we get to know how good or otherwise this side is.
Would be delighted with a point. Think it will be a tough game but excited to see if the hype we have given our side is justified.
3-0 to the Addicks
I also get the feeling Bob could do with another week or two of pre season training.
I'll go 1-1. Jackson for us.
Winner gets Delort
No idea how this goes, don't be surprised to see Fox at LB and Wiggins at LM. I'd also expect Wilson to start instead of Solly or Johnnie B Gud.
Can't wait and gagging for the first pint already !
COME ON YOU ADDICKS !!!!!!
C'mon Charlton
C'mon Charlton