It's been a long time since we played on a Tuesday night, 41 days in fact by the time we kick-off at 7pm. In that period, we have won only one game, scored 10 (four of which came in 45 minutes in that win) and conceded 12, including 2 in each of our last 5. The form and performances have been poor to say the least, those stats highlighting the issues, and pressure is mounting. We all have our own opinions, but what we must remember is tough times don't last, tough people do. Bowyer has been accused of many things during this run, but one thing we know for sure is that he is tough, and I believe he will get this right. A single win could change the whole complexion. Thankfully, we have the opportunity to get that on Tuesday when we take on our next opponents, Rochdale.
OppositionManager: Brian Barry-Murphy (34.1% win rate)Stadium: Spotland Stadium (Crown Oil Arena)League Position: 21st | Last 6: DLWLLWNickname(s): The DaleRochdale played Crewe Alexandra at home on Saturday, drawing 3-3, their last line-up was:
Bazunu
Keohane | O'Connell | Roberts | Done
Newby | Morely | Lund | Rathbone
Humphrys | Beesley
Rochdale's result on Saturday shows how topsy-turvy this league can be. 3-0 down at half time but a fantastic turnaround brought them level with a late equaliser. Not exactly what we would've hoped for going into Tuesday's fixture as no doubt that will have given them some much needed confidence. Rochdale currently sit 21st, occupying the final relegation spot in the league. The Dale are the definition of a club who belongs at the lower echelons of the professional game. That's not any disrespect, they've spent 8 of last 16 seasons in League One, the other 8 in League Two. Well, in fact, they've only ever spent their time in the third or fourth divisions of the professional game. Their record against the current top half stands at 1 win, 3 draws, and 6 losses. We all will be desperate to add more misery to a side who has struggled since the departure of Ian Henderson. The former Dale striker averaged almost 20 goals a season in League One, but moved across Greater Manchester and dropped down a division to Salford City in the summer. Those goals arguably were the reason they maintained their stay at this level, and as we all know, losing a goalscorer at any level is very difficult to replace or recover from.
Some may say it's not exactly a lack of goals that have been the problem for Rochdale. A 4-0 win away at Plymouth in early December was followed up with a 5-0 win away at Wigan 2 weeks later, both coming on Tuesday nights. So they do have goals in them. Again shown most recently in scoring 3 goals in a half to draw against Crewe. But their ability to lose big and ship goals has put them in this position. Also in the month of December, they lost 4-1 twice, away at Peterborough and at home to Gillingham. However, if you take out the two big wins mentioned, Rochdale have only scored 17 goals in 17 games. They most certainly do miss Ian Henderson.
Let's take a look at Rochdale's strengths and weaknesses... In terms of strengths, only 3 players have got a higher goal contribution in the league than Matthew Lund. The midfielder, who is also capable of playing from wide positions, has scored 8 goals and has 2 assists from 18 appearances this season, a total goal contribution of over 38%. It looks as though if we manage to keep him quiet, we stop of a lot of the Dale's good play and threat. Rochdale keep a consistent squad, something that we all know Bowyer has not had since we got promoted last time. They also change from only two formations, a flat 4-4-2 or a more solid 4-5-1, so players know each other well enough, and will know the job that is required of them. Dale also try to play through the middle as much as they can, they're not too strong down the sides, so ensuring we are much better in the middle of the park is so important for this fixture. In terms of weaknesses, just like Shrewsbury, Bowyer should have noticed that Rochdale defend their six yard line well but are not strong defending the edge of their box. Getting runners from midfield will likely see some joy for us. Rochdale are also very weak in the air, one of the lowest performing sides in fact in the league. Not having the aerial strength of Inniss, Famewo, and Pratley could be a big miss in this one. Finally, Rochdale really struggle to play against teams who try to play football, or are quick on the break. Their non-pressing or aggressive style invites teams to play through them and get the ball wide. With slow transitions, if teams win the ball and get it wide, you're likely to have a lot of space against this Rochdale side.
Charlton Team NewsMany Charlton supporters have made up their mind, "Bowyer has lost the dressing room and has lost his ability that he had shown so often since taking the job in March 2018". You're completely entitled to that and that's fine. However, I disagree. The performances and results have been poor, but when you look where we were only 3 months ago, we all would've taken the position we're in now. Some decisions have been strange, but you can't say he played anyone out of position last time out. Yes, Bowyer was extremely honest and let rip into the players after the dismal display on Friday night, maybe some of what was said was too harsh, but emotions were raw and he was saying much of what we as supporters were feeling.
In terms of personnel, unless we sign anyone before the game on Tuesday, the squad will remain the same other than Marcus Maddison's recent ankle injury. Darren Pratley serves the second of his three match ban whilst Ben Watson, Andrew Shinnie, Ryan Inniss and Akin Famewo all remain sidelined. Alfie Doughty is expected to complete his move to a Championship club this week.
With our inability to keep a clean sheet, and how soft and sloppy we were in defence on Friday, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bowyer deploy a 3 or 5 at the back formation. It will be a shame as Rochdale struggle against teams who play a 4-3-3, but needs must. We can't be having to score 2 or 3 each game just to get a result. This should see Gunter move into right centre-back whilst Matthews comes into right wing-back. That extra protection should see us more compact and less vulnerable if our midfield gets caught beyond the phase of play, or a single pass takes them completely out of the game, something that happens far too often.
Liam Millar impressed on Friday from the left wing, whilst Aneke made an impact coming off the bench at half time. We will need more than just those two if we are going to get a result, and after stern words from Bowyer, it's time now for the players to step up.
Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Purrington, Gilbey, Williams, Smyth, Schwartz, Bogle
A reaction is needed, so desperately needed for this game. But what also needs to happen is that we stop shipping so many soft goals. With the squad almost picking itself, we need the players to step up and get a win to kick on. An early goal should calm the nerves and any anxiousness that they're likely to be feeling. Let's hope we get that, and the 3 points stay in South East London on Tuesday. I have to be positive.
Charlton Athletic 3-1 Rochdale
Aneke
Millar
Schwartz
Comments
Is the sort of team I'd go for - With such a shakey defence Id go with five at the back, not sure if I'd have them as wing-backs though
I think we need to shore up at the back so 5 could be needed. How would you have them as a 5?
I had gone for the below in another thread but didnt think of Washington so would have him start ahead of Smyth
Amos
Matthews . Gunter . Oshilaja . Pearce . Maatsen
Forster-Caskey . Gilbey
Miller
Washington . Aneke
Only trouble (that I'm already aware of) is if you even go with that sort of formation where the wing-backs hold back as full-backs then you're already inviting a lot of space in front of them to the opposition - So think yours is better.
Other factor which isnt great though is the fact that regardless of who you pick between Gilbey / Morgan you're running the risk that both can go missing in games so unfortunately in the sense of protecting the defence Bowyer is almost picking the lesser of two evils
Both were in shorts and t-shirts and looked like they were in trainers so presumed they were both under going recovery together
It’s because I copied and pasted the layout from my last preview and that was the only part I didn’t delete.
Mathews Gunter. Pearce Maatsen
Smyth Millar
Chucks. Washington
Anyway, playing Oshi in front of a back four is hardly playing him out of position. Sage has him as the centre of a back three. I have moved him three feet further forward as Dale come down the middle and we haven’t got Pratley or Watson to play that role. I think we should engage them further up the field. Oshi has the pace and the defensive nous to play that role and it will not be new to him.
I think three at the back leaves us light if they play five in midfield and Oshi and FC playing deep will give the other two midfielders licence to play a freer role and encourage the backs further up the field if they know that there is someone to fill in for them, and enables us to play two up front. We need a win and we are at home.
Nothing wrong with that approach as a Centre-Back but difficult to build any momentum from in Midfield
probably 1-1 and a frustrating night as we toil to no avail
I’ve absolutely zero confidence in the team at the moment.
Matthews Gunter Oshilaja Pearce Maatsen
Gilbey JFC Millar
Aneke Washington
Trevor Kettle 🤦🏻♀️
I think it'll be
And a 2-1 loss.
Forget about the injuries - that is not the only thing weakening us. You expect whoever is out on the pitch to pull together but just isn't happening at the moment.
I've said many times that I am a fan of LB but he is not above criticism. And I think his public slagging off of players is not doing him any favours. Now he needs to get them back on side.
Was deeply unhappy with Friday's result and posted that it was goodbye to the play-offs. But, having calmed down, I realise that, three months ago, I would gladly have taken where we sit now.
There are plenty of games to go so, come on Lee - weave that magic.