Crewe Alexandra v Charlton AthleticWednesday 12 January 2022 | Kick-Off: 19:45Live on Charlton TV (UK included)
To purchase your live stream: https://charltonafcpayments.streamamg.com/account/register/step1 Referee: Robert Lewis (previously officiated a Charlton league game away at Gillingham last season where he gave them a penalty in what must be one of the worst decisions I can remember. The game ended all square, like this season, 1-1)Introduction
The last preview I wrote was against Ipswich where we had beaten Gateshead in the Second Round of The FA Cup just days before. This time, I am writing one after a sterling performance in the Third Round against the Canaries. After Sunday, the Charlton faithful can surely be nothing but proud of the players; a neutral would have struggled to know who the Premier League outfit was such the way the Addicks performed. However, a disappointing defeat means our attention must quickly turn back to a league campaign that has had very little to shout about thus far. Next up is away at another CAFC that have had an even worse season, Crewe Alexandra.
OppositionManager: David Artell (38.3% win rate) | Stadium: The Mornflake Stadium (Gresty Road to everyone else)League Position: 23rd | Nickname(s): The Railway Men, The AlexLeague Form: LLWLWL
Crewe Alexandra travelled to Burton Albion in their last league fixture, losing 4-1. Their line up was:
Richards
Ramsay | Offord | Sass-Davies | Williams | Ainley
Lowery | Murphy | Finney
Porter | Mandron
The Railwaymen have really struggled this season after an extremely impressive first season back at this level since 2016. Only Doncaster, who are bottom, and two newly promoted sides in Cheltenham and Morecambe have conceded more so far whilst only Gillingham and again Doncaster have scored fewer. Crewe are second bottom for a reason. However, the side they have now in comparison to the successful one of promotion and last season is almost unrecognisable. Both full-backs have moved on to The Championship and they were vital in how Crewe played, whilst we signed Charlie Kirk. Although it hasn't worked out so far for the wide man down in SE7, his career at Charlton is still new and after personal events and a move to the capital, sometimes things can take a bit of time before a person returns to their best form in any walk of life. Let's hope for our sake, and for his, that it works out that way.
Like any team though, Crewe aren't without talent. Tom Lowery and Luke Murphy are two key players who really stick out in my eyes for players to watch out for. The two midfielders are technically very good which you would expect from Crewe who regularly produce good players. Tom Lowery started this season not playing after a contract impasse saw Artell and the Club take a stand. Lowery would return to the first team picture in late October and has since scored 3 goals from midfield including in the last outing against Burton Albion. Whereas Luke Murphy is one of the older players amongst the squad at Crewe. Coming through their academy, Murphy would play for them for 5 years before moving to Leeds for another 5 years, a spell on loan at Burton and a brief move to Bolton would follow before returning home to Crewe in 2020. Some may look at Mandron up front as someone to watch out for, the tall French striker scored 14 in all competitions last season and this could come back to bite me but I really don't rate him so I am comfortable we will have any of the threats nullified that he could cause us.
And lastly, I have always thought that David Artell remained me of someone and now I know who it is. The comedian, Daniel Renton Skinner. Can you spot the difference?
Charlton Team News
With every passing week the injury situation changes. If it's not the defenders on the treatment table, it's the strikers. As Ryan Inniss and Adam Matthews return to the squad in recent games after lengthy spells out, and Lavelle playing his 45 minutes in the 3-2 win for the U23s at Millwall today, Jayden Stockley and Conor Washington have a hip and hamstring problem respectively. The latter remains a doubt for Wednesday night but could be involved depending on how the injury settled down over the weekend.
Inniss was immense on Sunday against Norwich, really living up to the song I made up not long after he signed,
"What's that coming over the hill, Inniss a monster, Inniss a monster" and will be looking to play his first league game since he picked up his injury in August against you know who, Crewe Alexandra. However, Akin Famewo missed out on the encounter on Sunday due to being ineligible to play against his parent club. The strong left footed defender will slot back in on Wednesday night meaning Jackson must leave out a defender who does not deserve to be left out.
Kirk will be looking to be included in the squad against his former side and will be keen to impress should he get on the pitch. Up top Burstow must surely continue after yet again another excellent display leading the line by the young man. The striker who was only playing for the U18s last season has a bright future in the game and an even brighter one if he can get a real ruthless streak about him.
Subs: Henderson, Matthews, Inniss, Watson, Kirk, Blackett-Taylor, DavisonThe performance on Sunday must be taken forward and give the players confidence that they can hit high levels and play a standard and brand of football against weaker opponents in League One. So, for only the second time all season, we score more than 2 goals in a game after going without scoring in 3 of our last 4 and without our two main strikers. Call me what you like, but it's happening!
Crewe Alexandra 1-3 Charlton Athletic
Leko
Lee
Purrington
Comments
Worth noting that both Crewe and Charlton's form over the last 5 league games is the same. 2 wins and 3 losses.
We struggle against opposition below us and really can't afford to waste numerous chances. I think this might be a frustrating game unless somebody laces their boots properly.
Sounded like Washington felt his hamstring and they just decided not to risk him with tonight on the cards.
With a hamstring injury, you just don’t want to put any risks in especially someone who runs as much as Washington. Although, he looks after himself very well.
If he’s available, that’s great and 100% expect him to start. If there is any doubt whatsoever, he has to be rested with the view of playing Saturday.
Clean sheet would be good. Still think we’ll struggle for goals though
Superb preview.
Very surprised the wheels have fallen off the Jackson bandwagon. I had us down to make the play offs when he took over.
The problem is there are only 14 players in the squad he trusts and five of those are usually injured.
Gilbey is knackered. Lee will be after his excellent performance on Sunday.
If we have a surplus of defenders I would stick Clare in midfield instead of Gilbey but he wont score either.
Burstow looks great but I agree he needs to be arrogant and believe in himself. He has no reputation to protect. Just have some fun.
Best hope is big Ryan to score from a set piece.
O.1 Innis
We are also capable of playing some good football.
The fly in the ointment is our incompetence in the final third.
It's not just the strikers. We get in good positions but pick the wrong option; or hang on to the ball too long; or the pass is inaccurate or poorly weighted; or the cross is piss poor or doesn't arrive; or the shot is woefully lacking in technique or direction.
We lack the belief and guile to make it count when we are on top.
We need a game-changer or two. Somebody with the self-belief and personality to make things happen.
I expect us to outplay Crewe tomorrow, but if they pack the defence and sit back we may still struggle to score
terrace chant credit has to go to Spurs I’m afraid.
“What’s that coming over the hill
is it Chimbonda, is it Chimbonda”(remember him).
Crewe have a major job on their hands to get out of the relegation zone and a lot will depend if they have given up or are still up for the fight.
Given our lack of goal scoring potential, but also given our decent defence and midfield, I'll settle for a bore draw
Crewe Alexandra 0 v CAFC 0
Disappointed with comments from Cafc fans/critics who can't see that a young striker needs a good partnership to progress in the men's game. Mason Burstow is a good prospect who needs time in the Gym to help his conditioning and strength.
We are two strikers light at the moment.
Injuries to important players continue season after season and until we can change that situation how can we end up higher than mid table if main 2 goal scorers are out for any length of time ?
Need to win to push towards mid table. 2-1 win to give a boost to getting clear of Crewe, Donny, Gills etc.
MacG
Gunter, Innis, Famewo, Purrington
Would certainly start Burstow over Davison as he just seems to be playing well. Him and Wash up top could cause do some damage.
Innis starting again would be good but imagine Famewo will come back in.
2-0 Charlton - Gilbey & Lee.
I also like Inniss’ version far better.