No remission for hapless Addicks

from fillyourboots.co.uk

Charlton Athletic have been little short of a shambles this season.

Up amongst the favourites to return to the Premiership in August, Alan Pardew's men have been either unable or unwilling to adapt to the rigours of second-tier football.

After a run of seven years in the top flight the Addicks have clearly lost the hunger and fight required to outmuscle and outbattle teams who relish playing against a relatively illustrious club.

And it's Pardew's task to rediscover the fire in his players that made them want to play football for a living; to crave success and to want to win at all costs.
Perhaps Pardew underestimated the deep-seated malaise within the club when he took over following the departure of Alan Curbishley last season.

But in any case, he will not last in the Valley hot-seat if his charges perform as they have done this season.

Only four clubs have won fewer home games in the Championship than Charlton, and judging by their recent performances, both home and away, improving Coventry have little to fear from a trip down the M40.

Chris Coleman's arrival at the club in February didn't spark an immediate run of success but the former Fulham boss has slowly turned things round at the Ricoh Arena, losing just five of the 14 games in which he has taken charge.

In a tricky recent run of fixtures they have lost only twice in eight games (to promotion-chasing Stoke and Watford) and came from a goal down to stuff Colchester 5-1 in their last road trip.

It says much about Charlton's recent troubles that the Sky Blues are actually favourites to win this game with some bookies, and we expect them to justify their faith.

Coventry only need a point to secure safety but they can condemn the Addicks to their seventh defeat in 11 games.

Verdict: Charlton 1-2 Coventry