Charlton Athletic v Sunderland
Saturday 5th January 2019 … 3pm Kick-Off
Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)
IntroductionApologies for a late preview this week…
Delayed due to potential events on and off the field I didn’t really want to post any old information, yet as part of that news hasn’t been announced the show must go on!! – It’s certainly been a mixed festive period so far for Charlton, but 2019 brought in the first three points in three games to stop a poor run of form, early goals from our deadly duo up front ensured a 2-1 win on New Years Day.
This Saturday though will herald one of the biggest games at the Valley this season – Bringing 3,000 fans down from the North East will ensure a huge atmosphere as we play host to fellow promotion chasing Sunderland.
The OppositionName: Sunderland |
Manager: Jack Ross
Ground: Stadium of Light
So we’re back to where it all began… The 2018/19 saw a season opener against newly relegated Sunderland; it began with numerous injuries and a lack of cover in the Goalkeeping area… For 65 minutes; the Addicks put in one of their displays of the season so far and could have been well clear even before half-time, unfortunately chances couldn’t be taken and fitness would eventually take its toll; Lynden Gooch (lucky to even be on the pitch) would score an gut punching winner for the home side!!
Dropping down from the Championship to League One is never straight forward – For some teams like Charlton and Sheffield United it marks a stay for far longer than liked!!... For others like Wigan and Blackburn its an instant return to the second tier – For Sunderland it was difficult to imagine how their season would pan out, especially with their previous wage budget, yet Jack Ross (down from St. Mirren) has steadied the sharp decline at the Stadium of Light and with just two defeats this season (both away from home) look set to be challenging for the automatic slots come the start of May!!
Yet all is not rosy on the playing field for the Black Cats… They too have their injuries and with a potential defender signing next week it means that our opponents are short at the back and can be hurt– In Josh Maja though they have their own young Striker who can get goals, and with fourteen this term finds himself two ahead of our own top league scorer: Karlan Grant
Charlton Team NewsOf course one piece of news I was holding off for was the impending arrival of reinforcements – Post Walsall; Lee Bowyer would confirm that we were close to a number of signings with one in the stands for that game… Today has confirmed the signing of the first of those with Jonny Williams signing from Surrey based: Crystal Palace, the Welsh International, midfielder by trade has had is own injuries problems of late and having not played since March 2018 (ironically for Sunderland) may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Unfortunately that’s as good as it gets in terms of reinforcements (unless others sign prior to 12noon today), yet tomorrow we welcome back Chris Solly from suspension who will also no doubt take the captains armband with the continued absence of Jason Pearce!!
Phillips
Solly | Bauer | Sarr | Stevenson
Williams | Bielik | Pratley
Fosu
Grant | Taylor
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer | Dijksteel | Morgan | Marshall | Ajose | Hackett-Fairchild | Clarke
PredictionDespite the fact that Sunderland will be one of the harder teams to visit the Valley between now and the end of the season this is one of those that is a game we must not LOSE!!... With two games in hand against us already it’s important we don’t lose ground as defeat will surely end our automatic hopes. If we can win its certainly a chance to put pressure on our rivals, seeing this is just one of three League One games this weekend due to the FA Cup taking precedence!!
Comments
Phillips
Dijksteel Bauer Sarr Solly
Williams Bielik Morgan
Fosu
Grant Taylor
The Football League website has been shocking this season with putting up information
Thought about Morgan ahead of Pratley myself but remembered Bowyer being worried about his performance off the ball prior to Walsall so wonder if he'll want to take the risk
I know the only way to get him fit is for him to play but is he ready to start a game against one of the divisions best sides?
I wouldnt be surprised if he's on the bench tomorrow yet found Bowyer's words to the South London Press to be revealing when he said that he's trained at Crystal Palace every day this season and has been constantly playing for their U23s - Says to me he is fit and will start tomorrow, only reason he's not played is probably because Hodgson didnt rate him enough ahead of their other Premier League midfielders this season
New loan / Premier League registration rules probably dont help either as clubs seem more relucant to loan out their fringe players unless of course they've been able to sign targets etc.
Looking like a decent crowd for this, just over 9000 tickets available which on the basis of capacity minus away end minus blocked off areas is circa 23k means the crowd is already 17k, stand to be corrected.
Taylor hatrick.
Sunderland fans will make it a good atmosphere so hopefully a noisy afternoon.
Placing a match on restricted sale in the event of the away end selling out is standard practice for the club and all Charlton supporters on the club’s ticketing database can still buy tickets for the game.
SE7’s East, West and North Stands are expected to be busy on Saturday and supporters who have yet to purchase their tickets are advised to do so as early as they can to help minimise matchday queues.
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5c2f37a32f9e5/tickets-sunderland-match-placed-on-restricted-sale-as-jimmy-seed-stand-sells-out
Would put him in ahead of Sarpong-Wiredu (Preview Updated)
Especially with Cattermole missing
No idea who will be in midfield other than Bielik and Fosu. Pick any 2 starters from Morgan, Pratley, Marshall or Clarke!
If we do that, we know we have a goal or two in us. 1-0 Grant.
2-1 defeat, but desperately hope I am wrong
Phillips
Solly Bauer Sarr Stevenson
Marshall Bielik Pratley Fosu
Taylor Grant
Doubt Bowyer will go for anything like this though
Would be surpised if Williams starts, can we not put anfernee in the middle sometime in the near future?