Charlton Athletic Vs Oxford United
League One
Monday 1st Jan 2024 Kick-Off 15:00Ground: The Valley
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
League Positions: Charlton 12th (29 Points) Oxford 6th (42 Points)
Recent league form: Charlton DDDLL Oxford DWLWL
Introduction
Charlton take on promotion chasing Oxford just three days after both clubs conceded late goals to drop points. With the U's having lost two of their last three matches they'll be desperate for a win to maintain their position in the play-off places, as Barnsley are just one point behind them with a game in hand.
The Addicks' promotion hopes have effectively been snuffed out, after December saw them earn just three points out of a possible fifteen - and they haven’t won a match since November. A lack of depth in the squad has meant too many young and inexperienced players having to start matches when they're arguably not ready. Injuries to key players haven't helped, and players are complaining of fatigue after the busy Christmas period. Regardless, if Charlton don't want to get involved in a relegation fight, they'll need to start picking up points soon.
In Oxford's last match they let a two goal lead slip at the Kassam (against in-form Derby) resulting in a 3-2 defeat, with the winner coming in the 87th minute. So the Addicks might be hoping that the U's are feeling the pressure. Charlton, of course, face pressures of their own.
The Opposition
Name: Oxford United
Manager: Des Buckingham
Previous match ups: Oxford's last defeat to Charlton's was a 2-0 loss at The Valley in Oct 2020. Since then the U's have had the upper hand, winning four out of the subsequent six contests.
Danger man: Attacking midfielder Cameron Brannagan has seven goals and four assists to his name this season. He is the U's free kick specialist.
Oxford United possible starting lineup
Beadle
Stevens Moore (c) Brown Bennett
Mills Brannagan McGuane Goodrham
Rodrigues Harris
Formation: 4-4-2
Charlton Team News
Fraser missed the Bristol Rovers match, but may be available, Alfie May was subbed after taking a knock, and may face a late fitness test.
Michael Appleton has faced calls for a change in formation, and for certain players to play in their more natural positions. Alfie May has spent most of his time out wide in recent matches, while Chem Campbell, a winger, has been used in a more central role. May seems to be happiest alongside a target-man strike partner, which would require a change to 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation.
The argument against a switch is that neither Tedić or Kanu are like-for-like replacements for Aneke and Leaburn who are more physical, and better at holding the ball up to bring others into play.
While Appleton is expected to stick to his favoured 4-3-3, May might find himself in a more central role, if he is available. Michael Appleton said after the defeat to Rovers, “He’s scored a lot of goals playing on the right-hand side. He’s scored a lot of goals playing as a 10...Depending on the opposition you’ve got, the type of profile of the defenders, that’s when you make the call. Is it best to play him centrally, best to play him off the line. As a 10. We’ll do that and change that in different games and different situations.”
The only other question is whether Louie Watson will get a rare start. It’s certainly possible, with some players like Chem Campbell, and even George Dobson arguably needing a rest.
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup
Maynard-Brewer
T.Watson - Hector - Jones - Edun
C. Campbell - Dobson (c) - Fraser/Anderson
Kanu - May - Blackett-Taylor
Formation: 4-3-3
Substitutes: Walker, Anderson, Asiimwe, Thomas, T Campbell, L Watson, Tedić
Prediction: Charlton 1 Oxford 1
Comments
They are playing pants atm allegedly or rather not able to put in a peformance for longer than 60-70 minutes. I think we will make them look world beaters.
I am going to say 3-1 Oxford and a toxic Valley as Oxford are a dangerous side and have the potential to genuinely hammer us.
Could be a very sobering experience..
Think the valley could be very toxic if we do lose, similar to the Accrington game that did for Adkins
Got a mate who's an Oxford fan and he's bringing a load of neutral pals with him. Last time he did that was the 4-0 demolition
Best to hope for is a draw, but expecting a defeat
Watson given another chance to start too.
Oxford’s goals coming in the 89th, 92nd and 97th minutes.
Not even wasting any effort to stream it.
Total waste of time to think that Appleton will turn this around.
Question is that if we get beaten by Oxford, will Gobby Methven pipe up and say or do anything useful?
It could be a toxic start to 2024.
My grandson wants to come with me but I won't let him come.
The atmosphere could turn really toxic if we go a couple of goals down.
Nowadays instead off looking forward to going to the Valley I find it's a real effort to go.
Hoping for a win to keep us away from a relegation scrap but expecting the worse.
Charlton 1 Oxford 3.
I got a parking ticket a few years back.
AMB
Watson Hector Jones Edun
Campbell Dobson Watson CBT
May Tedic
I was firmly in the Appleton out camp but reading what Brasiliance wrote earlier I’m thinking have I missed something? Another shitshow performance will demonstrate to me that he can’t motivate players