If someone said to me four months ago that come August, we would have beaten the likes of Derby and Wigan in our opening fixtures, I would have laughed in their face.
But, the reality is that Bob Peeters has masterminded a fantastic start for his Addicks side. Seven points from three games is a terrific start and confidence will certainly be flowing in the Charlton dressing room.
However, we mustn’t get too carried away, especially when facing a potentially difficult trip to Huddersfield on Saturday.
The OppositionHuddersfield are currently managerless following Mark Robins’ departure the day after a 4-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on the opening day of the season.
It has been strongly linked that a certain Chris Powell may take charge of the Terriers in time for this weekend's match, although, the bookies say ex-Dutch international Patrick Kluivert is also in the running.
Alternatively, Huddersfield may decide to give the job to caretaker boss Mark Lillis after he guided the Terriers to a fantastic 2-1 away victory against Reading in midweek.
Huddersfield have brought in a couple of decent players in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Radoslaw Majewski (loan), Conor Coady and Jacob Butterfield arriving from Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Middlesbrough respectively, and all three could play a part against Charlton on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:Huddersfield: The Terriers’ player to watch this weekend is their striker Nahki Wells. The 24-year-old hasn’t scored in the league as yet for Huddersfield, but did score a hat-trick in Town’s 5-3 victory over Chesterfield in the Capital One Cup last week. He is a fast and tricky striker who will score goals if he is given the opportunity.
If you aren’t aware of his ability, take a look at this video from his days at Bradford:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yM3ac1thCgCharlton:The Addicks’ player to watch this weekend is Yoni Buyens. The Belgian loanee has been really impressive since his summer switch from Standard Liege and could play a big part if Charlton want to beat Huddersfield this weekend. His efforts in the centre of midfield haven’t gone unnoticed nor has his ability to score from the penalty spot.
I managed to find a clip of a goal he scored in Belgium, take a look at his run into the box as well as his clever finish (goal 2):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX_IJsdE4tMThe Line –Up It’s difficult to say what Bob Peeters will decide to do on Saturday in terms of formation after two good cameos from Franck Moussa in the last two games.
However, after his instinctive finish on Tuesday night to open the scoring, George Tucudean is likely (if fit) to start alongside Igor Vetokele upfront.
In goal, despite his mistake against Derby, Nick Pope will continue but only if Stephen Henderson isn’t quite fit enough to start this weekend.
In defence, Chris Solly should return at right-back, although Joe Gomez will certainly be in Bob Peeters’ mind after his impressive league debut in midweek.
Ben Haim, Bikey and Wiggins are likely to remain as the other defenders.
In midfield, Gudmundsson, Jackson, Buyens and Cousins should start but the likes of Wilson and Harriott will be pushing for starting spots.
The PredictionIt’s a tough one to call. I can see us getting something at Huddersfield, but only a point.
1-1.
Or maybe a 7-6 victory?
Comments
1-0 or 2-1 with a Jacko winner in the last 20 mins.
Going for a win again. 3-0 Charlton. Safe travels to anyone going.
Confidence and momentum are powerful allies - 2-0 to the Addicks.
Back down to earth next Tuesday in a 1-4 revenge rout at Derby
Unfortunately neither will get what they deserve and it twas ever thus being a Charlton fan
2-1 to the Udder side
Im going for a 2-0 Addicks win and first clean sheet in the league.
No idea what the score will be, just hope they hold off appointing Lord Chris until after the game.
First game where we'll be the favourites
Interesting test for the Addicks.
2 - 1 away win. Vetokele header and Harriot screamer late on before injury time penalty sets the nerves jangling.