Friday 26 September 2014

Super Big Bob Peeters...

The easy thing would be to predict a score draw for tomorrow's game. But there are so many things to factor in following Boro's excellent display in midweek against Liverpool.

Will they be fired up following such a fine display? Will they be tired? Will players be rested? I don't know. The now overused but entirely correct cliche that any team can beat any team in The Championship still seems to remain true.

It appears there is an entire army of 'he'll be found out soon...' Bob Peeters knockers waiting in the wings for us to finally lose a game. Maybe they'll get their bizarre wishes come true tommorow. There's no doubt now the Boro players have settled they are contenders.

Personally I think he's already been 'found out'! He's articulate, charming with a dry sense of humour, passionate about our team, honest and does seem to know a thing or two about how to play the game.

My thoughts are long may our 'fluke' of a run continue! Charlton 3 Boro 1

Saturday 20 September 2014

Millers preview

It's always exciting when we play a team we've not faced for some time.

Charlton travel to Rotherham for the first time in 31 years to face the Millers.

The last time we actually managed to record a win against them was even further back in 1980.

Thankfully ex Addick Richard Wood is injured so won't get the opportunity to stick one in against us as seems to happen so often with ex players.

Vetokele is apparently in contention for a place.

This is really the first fixture of the season, based on form, that we could be classed as favourites to come away with a result. (Rather worryingly!)

It will certainly be a test, the Rotherham manager has gone on record intimating they may well park the bus this afternoon and try to nullify our attacking threat, rather than go all out to win the game and a precious three points.

I'm going to err on the side of caution and predict a frustrating nil all draw with our unbeaten run to continue.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Spoils shared...

Another frantic and exhausting game was played out at The Valley last night. I got to the game without much time to spare so settled on a bottle of water rather than the customary pint I'd usually have.

Charlton were out of the traps quickly, and the game was both as entertaining and hard fought as Saturdays match against Watford.

I checked the table once the again excellent Biley had put us one nil up, and nearly put every joint in his body out with his acrobatic celebration, and we were top!  Unfortunately this didn't last, as good as we were in the first half, Wolves were equally as good in the second.

Like Big Bob, Jackett has put together a competitive team that besides the ability to be physical play good football.

An enjoyable night was tarnished by Wolves equalising, but to honest one all was a fair result. In Wolves, Watford AND Charlton I think we have seen three of the best teams in the division who will all be in contention for a top six place come May next year.

The big test comes at the end of the month when we travel to Carrow Road.

Another tough test looms with Boro at home.


Tuesday 16 September 2014

Charlton look to continue great start...

If you'd have told me we'd be sitting pretty in 5th place and on 12 points after only six games, having seen off 3 of the pre seasons most fancied teams for promotion I would have probabaly sighed 'I wish' before a ball had been kicked.

More importantly I think the good start we have made is no fluke and we are there on merit!

Wolves, who are begining to growl about back to back promotions, visit the Valley tonight. Both sets of players will be tired, particularly the Addicks, after Saturdays tough fought but deserved victory against Watford. I expect where needed we may see a bit of squad rotation. Wilson will start I hope. He deserves to. Ben Haim could even be rested with Morrison making his first start of the season. Both deputee's will fill in fine if picked I'm sure.

We are a bit thin up front and in the midfield however. In my opinion if we look to pick up another three points tonight then Vetokele HAS to start. Buyens fitness levels look good enough that he should start as well. As for the rest of the midfield it will be fascinating to see who lines up wide and partnering Buyens in the centre.

My head says a hard earned for draw is on the cards tonight, however with this group of players mindset any things possible, so I'm going with my heart and betting on a Charlton win. 2-1.

Saturday 13 September 2014

Charlton win scintillating encounter...

Well the goalfest I'd predicted didn't appear, but it was an exciting and exhausting 96 minutes down in Se7 this afternoon.

Watford filled the away end and were very vocal. Their songs however are pretty boring and to say they lack rhythm, melody and imagination would be an understatement. Unlike the excellent North Stand who on ten minutes to accompany the round of applause the crowd gave (including the Watford en mass) as a mark of respect to the late David Whyte with the old David Whyte Whyte Whyte chant.

The game itself could not got off to a better start, with Vetokele being cynically taken out - Buyons converted the spot kick and it was very much game on. A real blood and guts affair.

The passing game Charlton play has certainly moved up a step since Sir Chris's tenure. I think this is due more to improved playing staff than completely the new coaching team. Although they have to take some plaudits for the way we seem to be able to see games out now.

Watford helped us, their finishing reminded me of our own lack in that department last season.

Solly seemed a bit out of sorts during the first half but improved after the break. I thought Bikey once again had a great game, coming close to scoring with a scissor kick.

Lawrie Wilson had yet another good game, once he got on as sub. 

If Charlton players had made some better choices when breaking through and the hapless Watford forwards could hit a barn door then it could well have been a big scoring game.

The ref, penalty decision aside, had a dreadful game, both sets of supporters were united in their condemnation of his inept performance.

All in all, another enjoyable afternoon down at The Valley.

Man of the match for me was Bikey. Although Vetokele and Buyons gave him a real run for his money. 

Tuesday night. Bring it on.

Friday 12 September 2014

Expect goals!

I hate the international break. And back to back away games. It seems to have been such a long time since I've enjoyed that Friday night feeling of anticipation prior to a Saturday home game.

So Watford arrive with their new manager on the back of a great start to the season.

I read on the club website that Big Bob is anticipating the potential need to change his game plan if Watford turn up with different tactics and shape to that which had served the previous manager to date this term.

I'm expecting the same sort of line up that we've seen so far, perhaps with Gudmundsson missing out due to a knock picked up whilst on international duty. We could see a debut for network player Bulot in his place.

It's a difficult one to predict. I've seen some great games against Watford over the years. One of the most memorable was back in the Selhurst days, Charlton turning a 1-3 deficit round to win 4-3.

In a flash of crazy premonition I'm going for Charlton to win in a 5-4 roller coaster. I might even have a punt on it.

Just as a foot note, with Piggott going out on loan, I wonder if this means a deals now in the pipeline to bring in another striker on loan with some experience and pedigree to bolster our attacking options?

One things for sure, a win tomorrow and the same on Tuesday night and I'll really start to believe.