Charlton Athletic vs Fleetwood TownSaturday 22nd January 2022 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Brett HuxtableIntroductionErm, is there any chance that we can discreetly change Jackson's job title back to his previous one when he was in Caretaker charge of the club? - Unfortunately results haven't quite mirrored our early form under the new Manager, and once again, fingers must be pointed at players who are once again putting in the half hearted displays that we witnessed under both Lee Bowyer and Nigel Adkins... Chuks Aneke robbed Cheltenham Town of all three points last weekend, and whilst police continue their investigations into the robbery, the Addicks themselves no focus on a home fixture against travelling: Fleetwood Town.
The OppositionName: Fleetwood Town (19th) | Manager: Stephen CraineyGround: Highbury StadiumPrevious Meeting: Fleetwood Town 1-2 Charlton AthleticFleetwood find themselves two places above the drop zone, yet will be relieved (at present) to have a four point gap, and game in hand over Morecambe - Should Fleetwood win (along with others between us), then we will switch positions, and will be nervously looking over shoulders - In terms of form, Fleetwood come into this fixture off the back of a decent run of form. The Cod Army have only drawn and lost the once in the last six games, four wins have been achieved, including a 1-0 victory over Play-Off chasing: Rotherham United last time out.
A bit like ourselves though; Fleetwood's turn in fortunes could be partly down to having the new Manager bounce... Simon Grayson was relieved of managerial duties at the end of November, with Stephen Crainey (a Scottish International during his playing career) firstly taking his place as caretaker, before then being given the job on a permanent basis four days after our own Johnnie Jackson was appointed on a permanent basis.
On the player front; Danny Andrew is the obvious names to look out for, and is a name that has been mooted on this forum as a ideal transfer target as competition at Left Wing-Back. He has six goals to his name this season, along with as many assists - Charlton certainly wont want to give any threatening free kicks away, given the fact he's already scored against us this season.
Charlton Team NewsThe obvious absentee of late has been Craig MacGillivray... His partner gave birth around the trip to Crewe Alexandra so missed that game, and the subsequent trip to Cheltenham Town - As highlighted recently by Steve Brown, its nice sign of how the sport is changing for players, with Craig given time to get to know the newest member of his family, rather than being rushed back into action.
Elsewhere and Chuks Aneke was a welcome return prior to the Cheltenham game last week - His announcement came after my Match Preview had been produced, and given the rumours on the forum today, its likely there could well be others that'll be appearing on the teamsheet - In terms of existing players; Albie Morgan had a better game at Cheltenham than what we've seen of him this season. The academy graduate has failed to impress for large periods of the campaign, but surely deserves to keep his starting place, else what message does it send to him, and other fringe players?
MacGillivray
Clare - Inniss - Famewo
Dobson
Jaiyesimi - Lee - Morgan - Purrington
Aneke - Washington
Substitutes Bench: Henderson - Matthews - Pearce - Gilbey - Leko - Burstow - Blackett-Taylor
PredictionCharlton on their travels have struggled under Johnnie Jackson, and apart from trips to Sunderland and Burton have failed to really impress - Unfortunately that puts even more pressure on our performances at the Valley - Perhaps that's one reason for the club to try and fill the ground as much as possible. A win gives everyone a slight bit of confidence, and should results go our way, give us some breathing room
A first ever home defeat against Fleetwood and we're truly back into the mess.
Comments
For that reason I think we'll see something like this:
MacGillivray
Clare - Inniss - Famewo
Dobson
Jaiyesimi - Morgan - Gilbey - Purrington
Burstow - Washington
Substitutes Bench: Henderson - Matthews - Pearce - Lee - Leko - Aneke - Blackett-Taylor
It would enable us to have a proper game changing bench. Not sure how well Mase and Conor will do up top together, but the work rate will be there.
I also feel that, as much as I rate him, Dobson needs someone alongside him in the DM role as it's been a bit overran recently
Hate to be negative but my interest is fading fast this season, I think we’ll win tomorrow but even then it’s not like we’ll be rushing to check the table. If we’re going to make any sort of go of this season it has to start now, the run that is, it’s got to be a ruthless 5 game streak whilst we strengthen in the window to give us any chance.
2-1 Gilbey, Innis.
Was actually shocked to see we were in 15th, and could drop to 19th after this game as didnt think it was that tight (Although shouldn't be surprised as thats just typical of the Football League as a whole) - Dont think we've got any hope of "giving this season any sort of go" now.
Still dont think we'll be seriously at risk of relegation - But think we'll just plod along to midtable mediocracy now.
Home form has been quite good under Jacko, so expect us to win.
1-0 win. Anything else is not worth thinking about.
COYA
Inniss. Pearce Famewo
Clair Gilbey. Dobbo Purrington
Burstow Washington
Also think Burstow and Washington up top just confirms zero goals scored, and mean we never hold the ball up up top. If Washington is fit, he has to start with Chuks.
Clare Inniss Famewo
Leko Gilbey Dobson Lee Purrington
Aneke Washington
Aneke
Washington
Clare Inniss Famewo
Leko Castillo
Watson
Pratley Watson
Watson Aneke
CAFC 2 v Fleetwood Town 0
I hope Washington is fit but suspect he may not be quite ready, in which event it will be Chuks and Mason Burstow up top again. Elliot Lee needs a rest but unfortunately we haven't really got anyone who is effective in that central attacking role just behind the forwards, so I expect he'll play. Hopefully MacGillivray and Purrington will be back to add some much needed solidity.
Because of illness and postponements the last home game I got too was Ipswich where Gilbey was superb. Desperately need Stockley and Aneke with Washington being fit and young Mason Burstow playing Cameos as our midfield/wingers/etc Lee, Gilbey, DJ,Leko, Kirk, CBT and Morgan hardly ever score (when picked)
Hopefully they can surprise me and play Fleetwood off the pitch. If we lose I think we’re bang in trouble as per Blucher’s point about our next 7 games….
The players really need to step up