Charlton Athletic v Huddersfield TownTuesday 10 December | Kick-Off: 19.45pm | Live on Sky Sports via Red ButtonReferee: Graham ScottIntroductionAfter a real dismal display up north with 500 or so hardy Charlton supporters having to witness, its vital the players move on quickly and come out right up for it on Tuesday evening. Without a win since Jonny Williams got injured in October, scoring only 8 goals and conceding 15, our form is horrendous but coupled with an equally horrendous injury record. However, as we know a couple of wins on the spin out of nowhere and you shoot up this division. Let's hope we manage to kick start our season again against our next opponents at The Valley, Huddersfield Town.
OppositionManager: Danny Cowley (52% win rate) |
Stadium: The John Smith's Stadium
League Position: 21st |
Nickname(s): The Terriers
Fun facts:- Huddersfield have won only 16 of their last 96 league games.
- They were the first club in England to win the first division three times in a row (1924, 1925, 1926)
Since the Cowley brothers have arrived from Lincoln City, they've played a variation of formations, but often differing between a lopsided 4-2-3-1 with Karlan Grant cutting in from the left, or a more structured 4-4-2. Their last line up at the weekend against Leeds United was:
Grabara
Duhaney Schindler Stanković Hadergjonaj
Kachunga Hogg Bacuna Koroma
Mounie Grant
In terms of danger men for Huddersfield Town, look no further than a player we all know very well, Karlan Grant. The young striker would leave us for Huddersfield and a brief spell of Premier League football in the last January transfer window, and has carried on his scoring form that got him the move. 38 goals in his last 76 league appearances, including 11 in 20 this season. If we are to keep our first clean sheet in 9 outings, we have to keep Grant quiet as he has a goal participation percentage of 59.
Huddersfield Town are without a win their last 5, meaning the new manager bounce has well and truly worn off. A run of form that leaves them one place and two points outside the relegation zone. However, their defeat to Leeds at the weekend was not without chances of their own. Kiko Casilla in goal made a number of vital stops, especially from crosses and set-pieces. A ploy that shows the direct style implemented by the new men in charge. It was though, the quality of Leeds that came through in the Yorkshire derby.
Charlton Team NewsTom Lockyer returns from suspension after missing the weekend's trip up to Middlesbrough, meaning the Welshmen comes straight back into the team. With Oztumer out with ankle ligament damage, albeit not as serious as Cullen's, and Aneke breaking down again on Thursday, making it five separate muscle injuries since the summer, other than the 18 we have in squad we don't have many other options. Jonny Williams is scheduled to rejoin training this week in the hope to be involved in the squad on Friday. Tomer Hemed isn't too far behind him.
Bowyer usually makes an average of 4 changes for the midweek fixtures, whenever he possibly can. I expect no different this time. Solly will come in for Matthews, and I'd expect Sarr to come in for Pearce. You could make a case for Morgan coming in to play at the top of the diamond, replacing young Alfie Doughty. Whilst Joe Ledley could make his home debut with the plan of Lyle Taylor to get another 45 minutes under his belt.
Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Matthews, Pearce, Oshilaja, Doughty, Davison, Taylor
PredictionThis has a feel of real 6 pointer. A huge game. With 6 of the bottom 8 playing against each other (Reading v Barnsley, and Stoke City v Luton Town being the others) a win for us on Tuesday would be a very important result for our season. As supporters we must get behind the players from the first whistle, pushing them to get those all important 3 points.
Charlton Athletic 2-1 Huddersfield Town
Leko
Gallagher
Comments
Huddersfield have started to play a very physical game, perhaps signs of desperation.
With the right attitude and a fit team, we are well capable of winning this. Be good to see Taylor getting a start even if he lasts just an hour or so, see how he gets on with Bonne
Tight game .. let's not make it too much of a 'welcome home' for K Grant
CAFC 1 v Huddersfield Town 0
I'd go 3.1.4.2.:-
Phiilips
Matthews
Lockyer
Pratley
Sarr
Doughty
Morgan
Gallagher
Osilaja
Leko
Bonne
With Morgan and Osi rotating in or out of possession.
Another excellent preview @Sage, do hope that our defence has learnt from Saturday, Karlan will slaughter us if we let him get in behind our Centre Backs!!
5 4 1 with Taylor up top.
1 - 1
We need to bounce back and guts our way to the 3 points.
Result is primary, style secondary.
1-3
Karlan Ahearne-Grant to get the winner.
2-0 to them. Grant gets 1.
2 - 1 : Taylor and Gallagher
As Lincs suggests there has been a change of attitude and the injury frustration seems to have rubbed off on the player's morale.
I think we are best with five at the back, particularly with young Doughty at left wing back and must try to grind it out. Not pretty but these are exceptional circumstances. Put Bonne or Leko up on their own to be replaced by Taylor at half time.
Otherwise, I fear Grant will enjoy his return to the Valley.
0.2
Lyle with the goal.
Phillips
Solly Lockyer Pratley Sarr Doughty (but can he play back to back games?)
Gallgher Oshilaja Morgan
Leko Bonne
Subs; Taylor, Matthews, Ledley, Purrington, Pearce, Davision, Maynard-Brewer
Weird. Square pegs and round holes IMO. Pratley is a very good holding midfielder who has played just a handful of games at CB and Oshi is a utility defender who until 2 weeks ago had never played in midfield.
Midfield is our problem area (due to injuries) lets not remove our only experienced midfielder with a track record of performing this season and stick him in defence and replace him with a CB.
I understand why people want 5 at the back, and could well see it happening too. If so, for me the team would have to be:
Phillips
Solly Oshilaja Lockyer Sarr Purrington
Pratley Ledley
Gallagher
Leko Bonne