Date: 9th November 2021, 7pm k/o
Competition: Papa John's Trophy Southern Group G
Opposition: Leyton Orient (2nd)
Location: The Breyer Group Stadium (Brisbane Road)
Introduction
Much like a fringe player of the squad, I've been given the match preview equivalent of a run out in cup games, while Sage and ForeverAddickted put their feet up and think about Saturday's trip to Burton. Should we get an exciting cup tie, or take the Papa John's seriously enough to make the final at Wembley, then the first teamers will be banging on the gaffer's door and will be straight back in. I'll be back to the training ground working on my layouts and syntax.
Both teams have already qualified, so this game will settle who wins the group. Group Winners play a Runner Up from another Southern Group. A draw after 90 minutes will result in a penalty shootout for a bonus point, so our superior goal difference counts for nothing.
The Opposition
Managed by Kenny Jackett, Leyton Orient currently occupy a playoff place in League Two taking 23 points from their 15 games so far. They also edged out Ebbsfleet 1-0 on Saturday to secure passage into the second round of the FA Cup. I don't know a lot about their team, except ex Charlton fan favourite Darren Pratley is an ever present in the league for them this season, and ex CAFC loanee Paul Smyth is also there after signing in the summer. Neither have featured so far in the PJT.
Team News
To avoid a "fine of up to £5000", we must name 4 qualifying players from the outfield 10 who fit the following criteria:
- Started the last league game, or will start the next league game.
- Is in the list of the top 10 starting appearance makers in the squad for 1st team games.
- Have made 40 or more starting appearances in first team fixtures (not necessarily for Charlton)
- Is on loan from a Premier League club or Cat 1 academy.
I've done some calculations and guess the four would be from: Pearce, Famewo, Souare, Clare, Dobson, Watson, Gilbey, Lee, Purrington, Jaiyesimi, Stockley, and Morgan.
I expect Harness to keep his PJT place in goal after a good performance against Southampton U21s.
Our lack of defensive options will probably see Clare and Elerewe play in the back 3, along with Pearce who was rested yesterday. Clayden will probably be asked to play as left wing back. Blackett Taylor played a full 90 on Saturday, and with Jaiyesimi likely to start there at the weekend, there's a chance of an under 23 on the right; Johl Powell maybe.
In midfield, I'd expect Watson to start in the holding role, with another chance for Morgan and Kirk ahead of him. We could also see Ben Dempsey or Aaron Henry come into the midfield 3.
Up top, I'd expect Josh Davison to get the nod, and a full debut for Mason Burstow, following the youngster's goal in the FA Cup. Wassim Aouachria played an hour for under 23s last week so could get some minutes, especially with Davison likely to start Saturday.
My predicted team, assuming Jackson continues with his 3-5-2 (bold for qualifying players):
Harness
Clare Elerewe Pearce
Powell Clayden
Watson
Kirk Morgan
Davison Burstow
Prediction
2-0 to the Addicks, and a dream tie of MK Dons away in the next round.
48
Comments
FA and Sage are sitting this one out as 3 games a week can be taxing on the brain with all the research and CL members waiting to Pounce if a misplaced word appears.
Ben: 8 Strong performance despite a small crowd and some heckling early doors. FA is Mr Consistency but his legs may have gone. Sage's agent has been touting his name about for a Championship move so be prepared to step up to the keyboard, because just like Elerewe and Burstow your time has arrived.
Imagine a competiton so dire that you can be fined for not bothering to put your best team out.
In the absence of a reserve league it is a useful competition to be part of.
After watching Davidson, CBT and Dobson in an earlier round on Charlton TV I realised they all had talent, whether from the bench or in Dobson's case starting as the defensive cover because he is quicker than Watson, despite Ben being decent once he gets to the ball, which can take a while !
I was hoping that the FA Cup counted as the last first team game but if it is league games only then the team seems right other than I'd try to find some way to rest Pearce again.
Kenny Jacket is showing again what a good manager he is but I doubt if Orient will be putting out their first XI either.
2 - 2 draw and we win on pens.
I’ll break the mould and say I’m actually interested in this competition now, it’s a joy to see our youngsters who aren’t about to be sold for peanuts get some competitive football under their belts, plus we have a big squad so keeps others fit and interested.
Below the belt Mr Claus.
Cafc are trying not to give gifts anymore Santa, after Joe Aribo was a present for Glasgow Rangers despite being a 1st team player.
Anyone know if tickets can be bought on the day at the ground?