Stevenage vs Charlton AthleticSaturday 16th September 2023 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Peter WrightIntroductionWelcome to the dawn of a new Managerial era here in SE7, its possible it wont be different to many eras we've seen in the last three years, its possible it could go rather well - Michael Appleton becomes our fifth permanent Manager since February 2021; his appointment has not been a popular one... Win games... that is the only thing that matters to get fans onside... Although if recent years are anything to go by, he shouldn't get too comfortable in the South East.
The OppositionName: Stevenage (1st) | Manager: Steve EvansGround: Broadhill WayPrevious League Result: Stevenage 2-2 Carlisle UnitedFirst up is a trip to Hertfordshire, with Stevenage Borough laying in wait.
In some regard this has to be one of the harder starts possible for Michael Appleton... When I say that I don't refer to the League Table, Stevenage may sit on the top step, but lets be honest, who genuinely pays attention to the standings this early in the season?
Instead I refer to the Manager; Steve Evans, he may not be a popular figure in English Football, but he does know how to win games, especially within the lower reaches of the Football League. Having won promotion from League Two last season, Stevenage have carried on their form from that successful campaign, although it is a common sight early on in the year. However "the Boro" do have just the one win at Broadhill Way this season, so there will be the potential for the Addicks to come away with something this weekend.
On the player front... Well Jake Forster-Caskey is the obvious name amongst Stevenage ranks, yet could well be suspended having missed the last two League Games. Jake was sent off against Portsmouth, however appeared in an EFL Trophy game, so god knows in that regard.
Charlton Team NewsWell all eyes will be on Appleton's first team sheet come 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
With his previous clubs, he's favoured 4-3-3 as a formation, but has also played 3-5-2, meaning that we could see a potential partnership between Alfie May and Miles Leaburn for the first time this season, at least from the start of a game - Elsewhere and we of course have reinforcements following the closure of the Transfer Window.
Louie Watson impressed from Midfield in a drab clash with Crawley Town, whilst James Abankwah could slot into the defence... However Abankwah, along with Maynard-Brewer and Thomas could be forced to settle for a place on the bench, having been absent for much of Appleton's reign to date, due to being on International Duty.
Isted
Jones - Hector - Ness
Asiimwe - Anderson - Dobson - Blackett-Taylor
C.Campbell
Leaburn - May
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer | Abankwah | Edun | Taylor | T.Campbell | Tedic | L.Watson
Comments
If your reading this Michael, Cory can't defend do no play him as a Wing back please for the love of god
With Appleton having a previous positive connection with Edun in the past, I can't see Edun not starting.
It is a difficult start, but I think that will suit a side and manager that will be out to prove a point.
A draw will be a decent result, but I can see them really going all out for the win.
I'd rather see Leaburn alongside May (or Tedic, but I'll be surprised if he's picked over Miles, just because he's from Man City), instead of us playing 4-3-3 to suit CBT.
Corey is an important player for us, in terms of getting the ball up the pitch, but his final ball is too erratic for my liking to pick him instead of playing two Strikers.
Regardless of the result, one thing I would like to see is a noticeable difference in our defending which is abject.
How many times have we seen us playing some nice stuff for extended periods then losing possession and 30 seconds later conceding a soft goal?
There are goals in this team but on Saturday I would like to see a tough, disciplined and boring 0-0 draw.
That will offer a glimmer of hope.
0-0
I would rather have Edun on the pitch than Asiimwe though so would swap CBT to the right and have Edun on the left. I think this would help not expose CBT defensively too, as although we don’t have anyone comfortable at LCB we have plenty who will be comfortable covering out on the right
I’m going for a 2-2 draw, we have a lot of firepower and options going forward but I doubt Appleton will have had long enough to sort out our vulnerability at the back
Asiimwe Hector Jones Edun
———Taylor Dobson
—Leaburn CCampbell CBT
——————May
If Watson is fit enough, he gets the nod for me over Asiimwe - purely based on experience at this level atm because NA needs to be taken out of the firing line ASAP in my opinion.
On paper, May up front “on his own” could look a bit scary but we’ve seen Leaburn play off the right a number of times last season and he’s always managed to make the supporting runs that means his strike partner isn’t as isolated.
For this game though I think getting 3 CBs on the pitch could be a good idea because of how Stevenage play and their threat from set pieces, so I’d go
Isted
Jones Hector Thomas
CBT Taylor Dobson Edun
C.Campbell
Leaburn May
I think that gives us balance with attacking threat from both sides. Edun is better defensively than CBT so that covers our lack of good LCB options.