Charlton v Sunderland | Sat 05 Jan | 3pm KO | Match Preview, Predictions, News & Views

Charlton Athletic v Sunderland
Saturday 5th January 2019 … 3pm Kick-Off
Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)

Introduction
Apologies for a late preview this week…

Delayed due to potential events on and off the field I didn’t really want to post any old information, yet as part of that news hasn’t been announced the show must go on!! – It’s certainly been a mixed festive period so far for Charlton, but 2019 brought in the first three points in three games to stop a poor run of form, early goals from our deadly duo up front ensured a 2-1 win on New Years Day.

This Saturday though will herald one of the biggest games at the Valley this season – Bringing 3,000 fans down from the North East will ensure a huge atmosphere as we play host to fellow promotion chasing Sunderland.

The Opposition
Name: Sunderland | Manager: Jack Ross
Ground: Stadium of Light

So we’re back to where it all began… The 2018/19 saw a season opener against newly relegated Sunderland; it began with numerous injuries and a lack of cover in the Goalkeeping area… For 65 minutes; the Addicks put in one of their displays of the season so far and could have been well clear even before half-time, unfortunately chances couldn’t be taken and fitness would eventually take its toll; Lynden Gooch (lucky to even be on the pitch) would score an gut punching winner for the home side!!

Dropping down from the Championship to League One is never straight forward – For some teams like Charlton and Sheffield United it marks a stay for far longer than liked!!... For others like Wigan and Blackburn its an instant return to the second tier – For Sunderland it was difficult to imagine how their season would pan out, especially with their previous wage budget, yet Jack Ross (down from St. Mirren) has steadied the sharp decline at the Stadium of Light and with just two defeats this season (both away from home) look set to be challenging for the automatic slots come the start of May!!

Yet all is not rosy on the playing field for the Black Cats… They too have their injuries and with a potential defender signing next week it means that our opponents are short at the back and can be hurt– In Josh Maja though they have their own young Striker who can get goals, and with fourteen this term finds himself two ahead of our own top league scorer: Karlan Grant

Charlton Team News
Of course one piece of news I was holding off for was the impending arrival of reinforcements – Post Walsall; Lee Bowyer would confirm that we were close to a number of signings with one in the stands for that game… Today has confirmed the signing of the first of those with Jonny Williams signing from Surrey based: Crystal Palace, the Welsh International, midfielder by trade has had is own injuries problems of late and having not played since March 2018 (ironically for Sunderland) may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Unfortunately that’s as good as it gets in terms of reinforcements (unless others sign prior to 12noon today), yet tomorrow we welcome back Chris Solly from suspension who will also no doubt take the captains armband with the continued absence of Jason Pearce!!


Prediction
Despite the fact that Sunderland will be one of the harder teams to visit the Valley between now and the end of the season this is one of those that is a game we must not LOSE!!... With two games in hand against us already it’s important we don’t lose ground as defeat will surely end our automatic hopes. If we can win its certainly a chance to put pressure on our rivals, seeing this is just one of three League One games this weekend due to the FA Cup taking precedence!!