Southend United v Charlton Athletic
Boxing Day … 1pm Kick-Off
Referee: Graham Horwood (Bedfordshire)
IntroductionFootball might have finished at the Valley for 2017 yet it doesn’t mean there aren’t more matches to come this calendar year… Yesterday saw the Addicks leading 1-0 against Blackpool only to concede at the death, meaning that you have to go back to mid-November to find a Charlton victory… This Tuesday will see us travelling to Essex for a Boxing Day clash against: Southend United.
The OppositionName: Southend United |
Manager: Phil Brown
Reverse Fixture: Charlton 2-1 Southend
Just one re-arranged fixture stands between Charlton and the fact they’ll have played every side at least once this term – Our game against Southend on Boxing Day should be the last time we’ll face the Shrimpers this season and is a chance for the Addicks to complete a double over their opponents for the first time since 2009/10.
In September though it was a case of two strong sides facing off in an early season encounter – After a tight first half, the Addicks would take a quick 2-0 lead with Jake Forster-Caskey scoring one of the best finishes this season… John White for Southend would get a goal on 78mins to setup a nervy last 10- minutes yet Karl Robinson and his side would stay strong and so record our fourth win on the trot.
For Southend though it’s been a mixed season after just missing out on the Play-Offs last year… Currently occupying 13th spot; the Shrimpers sit on 28-points. A win for Phil Brown and his side on Tuesday will see them edge slightly closer whilst defeat for our opponents could see them just drop to within two points of the relegation zone
Proof that the Addicks need to return to form and soon to avoid being dragged back into that scrap.
Charlton Team NewsSaturday’s performance against Blackpool was notable for the absence of eight First-Team players – That number was briefly extended to nine when Leon Best limped off with a hamstring injury and so rule himself out for the next three games… Thankfully; Karl Robinson confirmed afterwards that three un-named players are set to return on Tuesday yet with no names given we can only guess as to who they might be.
Despite that assurance two players who will be missing are Jason Pearce and Chris Solly with Robinson confirming that the two have been ruled out for at least three weeks… For one player it would be a surprise to see Johnnie Jackson appearing for a second time in such a few days, and with Ahmed Kashi back against Blackpool you’d expect to see a straight swap between those two.
Amos
Dijksteel | Konsa | Sarr | Dasilva
Kashi | Forster-Caskey
Holmes | Reeves | Marshall
Magennis
Substitutes Bench: Phillips | Lennon | Jackson | Lapslie | Aribo | Ahearne-Grant | Dodoo
PredictionHaving not lost at Roots Lane this season taking three points from Southend will certainly be a tough ask – With three players apparently back on Tuesday it’ll certainly increase our chances of getting a win. Yet I believe with our recent run its going to be too much to ask and another draw is all we can hope for.
Comments
Need to keep playing Aribo, while he's in form.
If not needed as DM, play him further forward in the 10 role or wide.
What about their own Roots Hall stadium?
I can’t see it being two on the trot unfortunately
I would bring Kashi in for JJ and give Josh a rest although I don’t think the latter will happen because of the lack of bodies
0-0
As we get players back I think our results will improve. We had a good opening 45 minutes yesterday but such is the way this season, didn't take out chances.
Hoping for a draw, but seems unlikely.
2-2 or 2-1
Bauer to score.
Charlton life goes into a bigger meltdown.
Seeing as it's Christmas I will give Karl a breather
..........Amos
Konsa Bauer(C) Sarr DaSilva
........Aribo.......Kashi
Marshall...Reeves......Holmes
............Magennis
That starts to look like a good team. I think having Bauer back will make a huge difference. I think he brings a calmness to the defense that we lack without him.
Another 1-1, Ricky Holmes scoring our goal to a crescendo of boos from the home fans
I would play
Amos.
Dyksteel, Baur, Sarr, Lennon.
Aribo, Konsa, Kashi, DeSilva.
Homes, Maginnis.
Aribo and DeSilva offer a good attacking option and can also defend. If we must play 4-3-3 then I would play Aribo further forward.
I have total confidence that Karl will do the same.
Bauer | Konsa | Sarr
Dijksteel | Dasilva
Kashi | Aribo
Holmes | Ahearne-Grant | Marshall
Substitutes Bench: Phillips | Lennon | Jackson | Lapslie | | Magennis | Dodoo
With this formation, 2-1 to the Addicks.
It is why I have gone with my team so we can really get the tackles in midfield. I have also gone with a formation that all would understand. I think a radical change of tactics with new personal maybe a step to far.