Charlton Athletic vs Wycombe WanderersNew Years Day - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Paul HowardIntroductionSo after two weeks of inactivity, Charlton should finally return to action this coming Saturday - Our match at Plymouth Argyle was the last outing for the Addicks, in what turned out to be a narrow 1-0 defeat. With two games cancelled since, its given us an opportunity to recuperate and get some much needed bodies back into contention - Wycombe Wanderers are the first visitors to help herald a New Year, that of course could yet change at a moments notice.
The OppositionName: Wycombe Wanderers (6th) | Manager: Gareth AinsworthGround: Adams ParkPrevious Meeting: Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Charlton AthleticWhilst Wycombe received a helping hand from the 2019/20 season being cancelled, it was nothing short of spectacular from Gareth Ainsworth to not just get his team competing at the top end of League One that year, but also achieve promotion through what can be the lottery of the Play-Offs.
Like Charlton, they would only be relegated on the final day of the Championship season, and whilst they needed a miracle to survive from that last game, it was also a miracle that a club of their budget could compete against a League that is primarily made up of ex-Premier League sides.
Some might have expected Wycombe to struggle when they returned to this level, the likes of Burton and Yeovil have shown that promotion to the Championship can be a curse for smaller clubs - Yet Ainsworth has his side challenging for an instant return to the second tier. Our visit to Adams Park in September showed that we were up against an organised team, and the fact they sit in sixth, just five points from second is sign that the New Year will commence with another challenge for our new permanent Manager.
Charlton Team NewsThe two weeks break has been a blessing to some extent for Johnnie Jackson - Our preparations for the trip to Plymouth weren't helped by the late withdrawals due to COVID; Conor Washington and Akin Famewo were sorely missed down in the West Country.
On a positive note, it allowed Ryan Inniss to have some much important game time, the rest between the Plymouth game and tomorrow means that he's had even more time to regain fitness (although without the benefit of playing competitive football), so should be on the bench once again at the very least. Adam Matthews too is back in full training so will likely compete with Chris Gunter and Sean Clare for that right sided slot in the heart of defence.
MacGillivray
Clare - Pearce - Famewo
Dobson
Jaiyesimi - Gilbey - Lee - Purrington
Stockley - Washington
Substitutes Bench: Henderson - Matthews - Inniss - Watson - Leko - Blackett-Taylor - Morgan
PredictionDefeat at Plymouth wasn't just frustrating due to the second half display, yet also because we can ill afford to lose to anyone again this term - Of course defeats will happen, yet at present we cant rely on other teams to haul back those above us - Wycombe travel to the Valley off the back of a 1-0 defeat at Ipswich Town, its an opportunity to twist in the knife, and so make up points on the Play-Off sides.
Comments
Kept putting it off as didnt want to write something only for the game to end up called off like all the others
On a further note to my prediction, feel this one is even more important that Plymouth.
Jackson is turning the Valley back into a fortress... Away performances haven't been brilliant (Morecambe, Shrewsbury, Plymouth) - Which puts even more pressure on us to win our home games
No idea who though but it's unlikely we'll be putting out our strongest team from JJ's interview.
With Brownie in for Curbs with Robert Lee and Scott, looking forward to this one, a real test for our ambitions, so come on lad's get us back on track..
I think it will be a really tight affair mind, us winning 2-1 - Washington and Gilbey to net.
Will it be Johnnie Jackson's boys?
We find out tomorrow on Addicks to Victory.
think we can edge it, but won’t be surprised if Wycombe come and beat us as well. Ainsworth continues to do great things there
We have a good record against them apart from that defeat in September and their League Cup win in 2006
1-1 and time to smell the coffee , our wankness continues
Happy fucking New Year
1-1
Happy New Year CL BTW!