Sunderland vs Charlton AthleticSaturday 23rd October 2021 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Darren DrysdaleIntroductionSo ends another Managerial reign here at the Valley - Nigel Adkins so fond of the hobby has been advised to walk away by owner Thomas Sandgaard (albeit with the typical severance package no doubt). Its surely no surprise to anyone at the club, our form after all had been nose diving off Beachy Head... As always though we must now look to the future, and a trip to the now fashionable North East awaits, not that our next opponents will be enjoying what could be a resurgence up the road.
The OppositionName: Sunderland (2nd) | Manager: Lee JohnsonGround: Stadium of LightPrevious Meeting: Sunderland 1-2 Charlton AthleticWell what a baptism of fire for Johnnie Jackson, the pressure will be on this weekend for the club stalwart to continue his 100% winning record in charge of the dugout - Sunderland of course are the early pace setters this season, whilst they dont sit top of table, they're just a single point behind leaders: Plymouth Argyle, albeit with two games in hand.
Yet Sunderland fans have been here before, this is their fourth season in League One and once again a timely reminder that getting out of this Division the right way (let alone the wrong way) isnt as easy as it looks - Their fans could understandably be approaching this fixture sitting on their haunches rocking back and forth muttering:
"Its happening again, its happening again" - After all, a top two spot looked certain last season, only for their season to unravel following defeat against the Addicks.
Unfortunately though it could be a tough ask for Charlton to achieve a repeat of that encounter from April - Sunderland have won all six home games this season, conceding on just three occasions (and never more than a goal per game) - Lee Johnson didnt get to spend much in the summer (despite new owners), yet the goals of Ross Stewart, nine this term already after just two in eleven last season is the one to watch out for.
Ideal when you have a ready made replacement when you lose your top scorer to Wigan.
Charlton Team NewsIts basically crunch time for the Charlton players, we saw on Tuesday night that they have the fight at times to try and get a result - Despite being 3-1 against Accrington it looked at times as though they were taking matters into their own hands and ignoring instructions from the bench.
Jackson though has an opportunity to rebuff claims that he too should have departed the club given his responsibilities - Its a chance for him, and Jason Euell to stamp their own image into this squad and potentially by the end of it, have the job on a permanent basis - As Thomas Sandgaard aluded to yesterday though, squad fitness must improve for us to get out of this sticky predicament.
MacGillivray
Matthews - Lavelle - Pearce - Purrington
Leko - Arter - Gilbey - Kirk
Washington - Stockley
Substitutes Bench: Henderson - Famewo - Watson - Morgan - Davison - Jaiyesimi - Blackett-Taylor
PredictionA new manager hopefully means that we'll see new results - Although this Saturday could potentially be seen as a free ticket for Jackson and Euell, at the very least we need to see that things are moving in the right direction ahead of a big clash with Doncaster Rovers. The stage we're at, even a narrow defeat could be seen as a bonus.
Comments
Akin scores an early own goal, Purrington scores at the back post before half time, then Dobson lofts in a last minute cross for Lavelle to take the points..
We're much weaker than we were in 2019 😭
Do worry we could get a hiding tomorrow. Lack of fitness against a team flying and unbeaten at home could be costly.
5-1 home win
If JJ can instil the true Charlton grit into these players before kick off, then, I would not be surprised to see them beat Sunderland - you know Charlton!
We are a bogey team for them. Let`s hope the home team will think they have won the game before they get off their coach.
Purchased the live stream for this one.
I'd love to win there just like everyone else.
But it's going to take a while for JJ to install the confidence and tactics in to this bunch of clowns.
Realisicly Doncaster will be the first chance to see any improvement.
Now is not the time for expression, art or a team of bloody wingers.
Play Leko up top on his own.
Fight like buggery and bring CBT on for the last 20.
Nick a jammy win and get out of town.
0.1
Jackson hailed the new messiah.
Right back.....neither are any good so select one
Left back Purrington
Centre backs Deji and Pearce
Midfield Arter, Watson, Lee and Gilbey
Forwards Washington and Davison
Id bring Stockley on for whichever of the forwards runs out of steam first
then Leko, Lavelle, Dobson, Henderson,Morgan, CBT late on if we need him.
A solid if not dynamic lineup 442
Matthews Lavelle Pearce Purrington
Arter
Dobson Gilbey
Lee
Davison Washington
No expectations in terms of a result, but expecting to see a reaction and improved performance.
Sadly I think we will be singing the 'Your nothing special...' song for most of the 2nd half whatever we do!
I've been impressed with the job Johnson has done there, especially as they've spent far less than I was expecting. I didn't expect Ross Stewart to take over the goal scoring from Wyke so well, as his previous record is nothing special