Charlton Athletic vs Leyton OrientSaturday 17th August 2024 - 12:30pm Kick-OffReferee: Edward DuckworthIntroductionCharlton got league proceedings under way for the 2024/25 season last weekend, when they made the trip up to Lancashire, with Wigan Athletic laying in wait - What transpired in the North West, involved the home side dominating possession, only to fall fowl to a late goal from Lloyd Jones, ensuring that all three points were heading back down to South East London - Since then, we've had our annual sole match in the League Cup, this time losing narrowly to Birmingham City.
Its time now though to open the Valley gates for our first League encounter in SE7 this season; Leyton Orient are the visitors this weekend.
The OppositionName: Leyton Orient - Manager: Richie WellensGround: Brisbane RoadLast League Result: Leyton Orient 1-2 Bolton WanderersSome would say that coping with a new Division having been promoted is easier the first time... You're riding the crest of the wave that is confidence. In Leyton Orient's case you've just won League Two, so of course you'll be heading into League One with confidence - That was certainly the case last season, with the "O's" like their promoted rivals: Stevenage and Northampton all having stelar campaigns. Although Leyton Orient were never serious contenders for the Play-Offs, they still managed a very respectful 65-pts in their first season at this level since 2017.
Now though, it could well be a case of second season syndrome... Often teams that are successful the first time round, struggle the next, and can find themselves battling to avoid relegation - Something that Richie Wellens will hopefully be looking to avoid this time around - In terms of the start to their 2024/25 they've done the opposite to the Addicks, losing their first game (a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Bolton), whilst beating Newport County in the League Cup.
In terms of who we'll see lining up against us, and there will be reunions - Sean Clare moved back to the capital after spending twelve months with Wigan, whilst Diallang Jaiyesimi was reunited with his Manager from his Swindon days, having been released by Charlton in the summer - The absence of Idris El Mizouni who had spent the last two seasons on loan from Ipswich could be felt, there was to be no third season for the Tunisian Midfielder having signed for Oxford United over the summer.
Charlton Team NewsThere were naturally changes amongst the Charlton squad on Tuesday night, our yearly match in the League Cup does give the fringe players an opportunity to ask why they didnt get to start in the opening game of the season. Whilst we only lost narrowly to Birmingham, there wasnt really anyone who stood out in that regard; Thierry Small who had such a promising end to the year last time out was a disappointed, and you'd expect Josh Edwards (who excelled in Lancashire) to now make his Valley debut.
Elsewhere and Tyreece Campbell was unfortunate to have his penalty saved against Birmingham, however given Nathan Jones' comments after the Birmingham game, combined with the fact that Matt Godden still doesnt seem quite fit... Well I'd be surprised to see him dropped - The one battle for a starting berth may be in Midfield with Luke Berry vying for a place that Karoy Anderson currently occupies. I do believe we'll see an unchanged team from that opening match against Wigan though.
Mannion
A.Mitchell - Jones - Gillesphey
Ramsay - Coventry - Docherty - Edwards
Anderson
Campbell - Adahme
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Watson - Small - Berry - Z.Mitchell - Kanu - Aneke
Comments
By my expectation (which was exceeded at Wigan) Leyton Orient and Bolton should ideally yield six points. Lose to Orient and we’re one point behind target so a draw is the minimum needed, but win against Orient takes the pressure off what is likely to be the tougher game against Bolton when a draw is acceptable following another win.
Lose to Leyton Orient and Bolton and we’re suddenly four points behind schedule.
So with all that in mind I see the game against Leyton Orient at this stage as a must win in order to sustain the advantage gained at Wigan.
As far as I am concerned the performance can be as ugly as sin if we win.
It was a moment for leadership which didn’t seem to be happening.
Most of us would’ve chosen three or four players to take it ahead of Tyreece, I would have expected Berry to be good enough personally.
I couldn't believe Tyreece was taking it. Berry was the obvious candidate to take it.
Completely agree. If we lose this game, call me negative, but my expectations for this season will completely tank. To get out of this division (upwards!) a fixture like this should be a guaranteed 3 points in the bag.
Madness.
My main concern is creating and scoring goals.
Anderson and Campbell are both a work in progress and I'm not writing them off, but I believe they should be on the bench and not starting.
Also without going over and over the same old Alfie May argument I still don't see the benefit of selling a proven goalscorer only to try and replace him with a winger that you hope will turn into a striker.
Anyway onwards and upwards
3. 1 Charlton.
Either way, I've been buzzing for Saturday ever since I got home from Wigan last weekend. I hope the early KO doesn't keep too many away. 2-0 Charlton.
Still, buzzing for this game and for the season to get going.
That said I can't see anything other than a 1-1 draw and that's where my money would go. Hope I'm very wrong and we absolutely smash them. Looking forward to the game
Jet lag is a bitch.
We’ve played three decent teams back to back (if you include Pompey) and only given up a single wonder goal. Another clean sheet would be excellent but you can never bank on them because as Tuesday showed, sometimes there isn’t much you can do about it.
I’ll put my optimistic pants on and go with a 1-0 or 2-1 home win. Ask me tomorrow and I might say 1-1 draw.