Charlton Athletic vs Cheltenham TownFriday 2nd December 2022 - 7:45pm Kick-OffReferee: Alan YoungIntroductionWith the World Cup now in full swing its easy to forget about the upcoming games for Charlton, even more so when its a League game. You have to go back to an "enthralling" game at Port Vale to find the last time we kicked a ball in anger at this level, however even that statement is a bit of a stretch given the performance - Since then we've progressed in one cup, been knocked out in another, and conceded a last minute goal in a third to go to a televised replay, just typical of supporting Charlton really - We play hosts to Cheltenham Town this evening, with the game being moved to avoid any potential England games.
The Opposition
Name: Cheltenham Town (18th) | Manager: Wade Elliott
Ground: Whaddon Road
Previous League Result: Cheltenham Town 1-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Anyone who has played earlier versions of Championship Manager will know that an early piece of business should always be to sign Michael Duff, well Barnsley decided to play the game in real life this summer - Understandable given the fact that Cheltenham (in their first season back at this level) went on to finish in a respectful mid-table, and as they proved against the Addicks last season were a match for any side.
Well how do you replicate that season, or go even better... Well losing your Manager is perhaps the first hurdle to avoid; Wade Elliott was brought in to replace Duff, the ex-Midfielder (with a career spent with the likes of Burnley, Birmingham and Bournemouth), has stepped into his first Managerial role having originally been a simple coach @ Whaddon Road - Naturally second season syndrome has been a slight issue for the Robins (just the single win in the first seven), and it looks as though our opponents this evening will be spending a year fighting against the drop. However Cheltenham come to the Valley unbeaten in the last four (picking up eight points in the process), they may once again be finding their form, despite just the one win on the road all season.
In terms of players; Alfie May will no doubt be the one to watch, having scored 23-goals last season (his best campaign since playing for Erith & Belvedere) its a surprise he didnt move to bigger and better things... A bit like Cole Stockton this term though, the Striker only has four goals to his name this year, perhaps a sign that last campaign was nothing more than a flash in a pan.
Charlton Team News
Injuries continue to dominate another Charlton campaign with a number of first teamers currently on the side-lines; Jojo Wollacott is of course away with the Ghana squad despite suffering a finger injury in our last league game - Its meant that young Australian: Ashley Maynard-Brewer has finally been given an opportunity between the sticks, especially with Craig MacGillivray suffering his own (concussion) injury at Burton. However the Scottish 'keeper has returned to full fitness, following the set protocols, so you'd expect him to return in goal.
Elsewhere, and Jayden Stockley is set to miss his one and only League game through suspension - The Striker picked up a belated red card in our last league game, yet two of his three match suspension will of course come against Stockport County in the FA Cup. It meant that Chuks Aneke started on Saturday, his first since we hosted AFC Wimbledon back in February, so could well earn a starting berth once again this evening.
MacGillivray
Clare - Inniss - Lavelle - Sessegnon
Rak-Sakyi - Dobson - Fraser - Campbell
Jaiyesimi - Aneke
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Ness - Payne - Morgan - Kanu - Blackett-Taylor - Kirk
Comments
Doesnt feel right having Charlton playing at the same time.
"Preview Writers Lives Matter"
out for. I know he would walk into our team even without our current injury/ suspension crisis.
I'm going to say 1-0, Kirk to assist Aneke.
Clare - Inniss - Ness- Sessegnon
Dobson
Rak-Sakyi - Morgan - Fraser - Kirk
Aneke
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Asiimwe - Lavelle - Payne - Campbell- Kanu - Blackett-Taylor
If everything else was equal we have found his niche as the ideal substitute.
If there wasn’t ’the big one’ against the Geordies on Tuesday I would start Kanu this evening…but only because the robust Dylan Gavin isn’t available.
out start CBT and Kirk in a 442 …. Up top Kanu with Aneke
Its going to be another stay calm sort of game Cheltenham will have all 11 behind the ball and as always early goal to us would change their tactics but the longer it goes on the tougher the game becomes .. 2-1 win but after we go a goal down at HT
No idea what Charlton will turn up tonight, will be expecting a thrilling game with lots of goals because that’s what I’ve got used to from my World Cup viewing.
Changed my mind. 2-0, Kirk assists Kanu and then Campbell to assist Aneke.
Clare - Inniss - Ness- Sessegnon
Dobson
Rak-Sakyi - Morgan - Fraser - Kirk
Kanu
Campbell, Aneke and B.Taylor to come on second half at a tiring defence...
I am looking forward to it as I always do.
Unfortunately too often I walk away at the end wondering why I bothered.
1-1
really not looking forward to it
Addicks to victory to be played extra loud by order of Thomas to liven up the atmosphere. Hot dogs to be thrown at us by cheerleaders dressed in the 92/93 kit that we wore against Portsmouth. The East Stand to be handed over to all schools in the boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley. The cheat code to break down after 3 minutes. Inniss to get sent off after 18 minutes. A revised front three of Kirk, CBT and Mansfield all keep drifting out wide. Morgan and JFC to start and attempt Hollywood balls over the top with the outside of their boots throughout the game.
Be good to see what he has to offer in his preferred CF position.
This is the first of 3 big & winnable games for us (to get us back in contention). Let’s hope we get off to a good start this eve.
or you could watch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1!