Charlton Athletic vs ReadingSaturday 21st October 2023 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Scott OldhamIntroductionIf it feels like an age since the Addicks last played... Well in some ways it is... If you put aside the clash against Aston Villa U21s, then it'll have been two weeks since our last competitive encounter - To be honest, not much has really happened in SE7 since the dramatic 2-2 draw with Blackpool last time out... Alfie May spilt some coffee, and some noisy neighbours from SE9 well they've... got a bit noisy... However that is a story for another day.
The OppositionName: Reading (22nd) | Manager: Rubén SellésGround: Madejski StadiumPrevious League Result: Leyton Orient 3-1 Reading.Flying across London on the Elizabeth Line, the next train is from... Reading
Where to begin... Honestly where to begin... Its rumoured that when Reading received their first points deduction, it was Wigan the EFL called out of habit first - Sadly those are two clubs who have been allowed to fall latest foul of bad ownership, and its the former who are first up before the end of October - Players haven't been fully paid, credible offers of interest for the club will be listened to... Just another story in the lower reaches of modern Football.
So its understandably been a difficult start to life back in League One for Reading, with a four point deduction and numerous transfer embargos - Its their first time at this level since 2001-02, the days of their Championship season from 2005-06, and a record points haul, nothing but a distant memory - The Royals haven't done too badly though despite their troubles off the field, three wins and a draw to date, but fives defeats out of five on the road... Well it may be a sorry situation. but its one the Addicks sadly have to take full advantage of... After all Football isn't a charity, although you'd be confused into thinking so, when watching our own defensive displays at times.
Charlton Team NewsTwo weeks for many to recover should see a bit of a selection headache for Michael Appleton this coming Saturday.
Scott Fraser has continued to put in the minutes since making a return from injury, yet does he really warrant a place in the starting line-up - Both Chuks Aneke and Miles Leaburn appear to be impressing more from the bench, but Alfie May needs a partner up front, so who goes alongside our top scorer this Saturday, well it remains to be seen.
On the injury front, and Pat Camara looks as though he is now back in the fold, you'd expect him to be eased back into contention though, and will be a surprise if he's anywhere near the bench for this upcoming game.
Maynard-Brewer
T.Watson - Hector - Jones - Thomas
Dobson - L.Watson
May
T.Campbell - Leaburn - Blackett-Taylor
Substitutes Bench: Walker - Ness - Asiimwe - Fraser - Aneke - Tedic - C.Campbell
Comments
The names I recognise in their starting XI from the last league game are David Button in goal, Harlee Dean at centre back, Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage (son of Robbie) and Harvey Knibbs in midfield.
They otherwise seem to have an incredibly young squad that I can only assume is struggling to cope with the physicality of the league. Even Savage Jr himself is only 20. Other senior players like Sam Smith or Sam Hutchinson have been out injured.
I expect us to win and will be really disappointed if we don't.
Charlton have the 5th best home points total with 13 points from 7 games, scoring 15 and conceding 10.
I expect Camara to be on the bench. But god knows who for.
Next two games should be six points against two out of form teams. They should all be fresh. Think it’s time to see if we’re any good.
334
Maynard-Brewer
Hector Jones Thomas
Watson Dobson Fraser
T.Campbell May Leaburn Blackett-Taylor
3-1 win
Likelihood with 4 of the teams below us playing away and Shrewsbury taking on Derby at home we will be closer to 9 th than 19th.
I said before Exeter game that with 3 consecutive home games we would be happy with 7points fingers crossed we are on track.
My main concern is we still sit in a false position with after Reading game we will have played 8 at home and only 4 away.
Prediction 2-0
Yes they are professionals, but they will pick up on the negative and restless vibe of the fans.
For us, the green shoots of recovery are apparent under Appleton, but we are not (yet) a well oiled machine.
A strong start and early goal will test Reading's resilience and we may see how brittle they are.
But we are difficult to predict imo.
Heart says comfortable home win, head says narrow win or score draw.