Cambridge United v Charlton AthleticTuesday 19 April | Kick-Off: 19:45Live on Charlton TV (UK included)Referee: Paul Howard - Last officiated Charlton against Wycombe in our defeat on New Years Day.Introduction
My last preview of the season and it's been tough to write throughout, wearing me down - even the thought of putting these together for a midweek league fixture. So huge credit must go to
@ForeverAddickted for sticking through it each week as I can only imagine the struggles and chore it's turned out to be. As we enter the final midweek fixture of the season, the Addicks show the problems we've faced all throughout the season in a single week. A great win at promotion chasing Rotherham was followed by a dismal display against relegation strugglers Morecambe at home just 6 days later. Midweek fixtures this season has seen us pick up 9 points from 11 games, I can only hope we can make it a point per game from midweek fixtures after the 90 minutes against our next opponents, Cambridge United.
OppositionManager: Mark Bonner | Stadium: Abbey StadiumLeague Position: 12th | Nickname(s): The U'sLeague Form: LWWLWWCambridge United played away at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, winning 2-1, their line up was:
Mitov
Williams | Okedina | Jones | Iredale
May | Digby
Smith | Knibbs | Brophy
Ironside
The U's manager, Mark Bonner, first took charge as permanent manager in 2020 at the age of 34. Having been with Cambridge for 11 years, he's had to bide his time working through the ranks and under several different managers. His first full season in charge saw him guide the club back to the third tier of English football for the first time since 2002; his second has seen them finish in a very respectable mid-table position - overseeing wins against Ipswich and most recently table toppers Wigan. They've also had a cup run too which included winning at one of, if not the richest, clubs in the world, Newcastle United. With Jackson's aim of the Addicks finishing the season strongly, it's Cambridge who are doing just that. With 4 wins in their last 5, three of them coming away from home, the U's are an honest, hard working side but also one with a dodgy habit. Cambridge are culpable of conceding a few when they lose. 4 of their last 5 defeats have seen them lose 4-2, 6-0, 3-0, and 4-1. However, this Charlton side have scored more than two in a game just twice all season.
Player wise, Cambridge's front 4 all have their strengths meaning we can't afford to be as poor defensively as we were against Morecambe. Brophy won man of the match at Wigan on Saturday, Knibbs scored the opener, Smith got the decisive goal which was his 19th in all competitions, and Ironside is their main striker but has only scored 3 times since our 2-0 victory at The Valley back in December. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Mitov is a former Addick and has kept 12 clean sheets this season, showing his ability at the end of the Wigan game with a fantastic double save to keep the 3 points heading back to CB5.
Charlton Team News
Charlton's U23s play Cardiff City at home on Tuesday afternoon meaning there is little chance of any youngsters coming into the first team squad. Aneke returned and scored on Friday and will continue from the bench. Washington was rested from the start following the risk of overplaying since his own return to the team; Burstow tried but you could see he's not at the level required yet. Dobson had a rare off day in the centre of the park but that can be forgiven when he's been the only consistent player throughout the season. In front of him, Morgan and Gilbey were largely anonymous so Forster-Caskey will be looking to start ahead of one of them. Elliot Lee and Scott Fraser missed out again with the latter suffering from a knee issue, he will be hoping to be involved in the final couple of games of the season. Elsewhere, Ryan Inniss completes his final match ban of the 3 so will be back in the squad on Saturday.
Subs: Harness, Purrington, Morgan, Lee, Jaiyesimi, Leko, Burstow
PredictionI just want this season to be over and so I hope to sign out of the previews with a win. Right now, I am unsure whether I wish to continue but maybe we all just need a break of all things Charlton for a month or so. Come back with a fresh mind and new players through the door because business needs to be done early. Until then, we have a matter of 3 games to go and signing off positively is desperately needed. Unfortunately, I am not convinced that with the uncertainty surrounding all aspects of the club, a positive ending will follow.
Cambridge United 1-1 Charlton Athletic
Blackett-Taylor
Comments
Cant wait to write the last one against Ipswich next week myself
What a total disappointment, I would go as far as disaster, this season has been. This time last year I was the most optimistic I had been for years. That will teach me.
Absolutely no faith that we will learn either.
I actually don't care what the result is.
I feel similar and have had enough of this season which makes the stats harder to do, but let's all hope for better next season.
If only our playing squad could emulate the quality, determination and commitment of the match previews on CL.
Should be unless he injured himself again on Friday 😂
CUFC 3-1 CAFC
We need a Wiggins,Dervitte,Kermo, Pritchard style recruitment drive - and it needs doing ASAP.
Also, somebody needs to start talking to Prem clubs for more Gallagher,Cullen, Beilik, types to loan.
Anyway that's irrelevant 'cos we're gonna WIN....👌
Castillo & John for us.