THAT other game, the one I'm not going to mention, is a distraction, a displacement activity, a dalliance.
This is what matters. Three big juicy league points at stake. Take all three and with the top two of Ipswich and Brighton facing each other we could go top.
But lets not get ahead of ourselves. First we have to play THIS match. One game at a time as the cliché reminds us.
The Wolves
Managed by one of the best managers in this division in Kenny Jacket this will not be an easy win. But the Old Gold shirts haven't had the flying start some expected. Currently 17th with only one league win (over struggling Blackburn) this might be a good time to face them.
Wolves could boast a potent strike force but Bakary Sako has left for that other mob while Norwich's persistent bids may have unsettled Benik Afobe. They still play at a high pace but the 7 goals already conceded show that they can be got at at the back.
Former Addick Carl Ikeme should be in goal but don't be surprised if transfer target James Henry has a diplomatic injury, that is if a deal hasn't already been done.
The Addicks
Unbeaten and full of goals the Reds will travel to the cultural wilderness that is Wolverhampton brimming with confidence.
The line up seems likely to revert to that used against Hull with almost fit again Vetokele replacing Ceballos in the 18. Solly and Watt have a chance to return in which case Lennon and Harriot may drop out.
The biggest decision for Guy Luzon will come if Solly is not ready. Does he risk the enthusiastic and energetic Regan Charles-Cook at right back to allow Cousins to play in the middle or does he stick with Jordan at full back. A Ba and Kashi centre mid combination is hardly weak but Cousins was missed late on v Hull.
Up front Simon Makienok maybe the scariest Viking to visit Wolverhampton since the Battle of Tettenhall in 910 AD. His partner on the day will depend on which of Watt or Vetokele is fitter. If neither then Karlan Aherne-Grant will be snapping at the leash to attack the Wolves.
The Line up
Pope
Solly Diarra Bauer Fox
Gudmunssson Cousins Kashi Bergdich
Aherne-Grant Makienok
The Prediction
Wolves 1 - 2 Charlton
The History Bit
Saturday, 23 August, 2003
Wolves 0 - Charlton 4 (Euell, Jensen, Barlett (2) ) Parker Sent off
Charlton: Kiely, Young, Fish, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Kishishev (Stuart 86), Parker, Holland, Jensen (Di Canio 77), Euell, Bartlett (Cole 75).
Subs Not Used: Powell, Royce
The long awaited return of top flight football to Molineux doesn't go to script and the away fans sing "was it really worth the wait?"
The Statto Bit
Highest Possible league position at end of game: 1st
Lowest possible league position at end of game: 8th
7
Comments
It's 1 - 3 all the way.
100th League and Cup appearance for Jordan Cousins in a Charlton shirt if he plays this Saturday.
Christopher Kavanagh in charge this weekend. The Lancashire based ref has been in charge of 4 games this season. 13 yellows, no reds. Last season he took charge of 29 games including our 3-0 win at Wigan in February. 86 yellows and 3 reds given out in 2014/2015.
1-2 to the Addicks
A win *guarantees* us top two at 5pm on Saturday. A win by 2 or more goals and we go top if Ipswich and Brighton play out a draw.
The Palace game just makes our players keener to keep their places for the big derby.
OtherLink
My prediction: Comfortable home win. 4-0.
So close to really establishing ourselves that season. I suspect we may never get that close again.
http://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=94352
Tend to agree with the prediction and prognosis. 3-0 victory predictions and the like whilst nice in theory are just not realistic.
Looking good for Saturday I reckon.