Tricky trip up to Turf Moor to play an in form Burnley. But you would hope after last weeks dismal showing against Millwall that the players wont be struggling for motivation and will be itching to set the record straight! Danny Ings seems to be the main man to watch tomorrow. A former target of ours, he's not really had much of a look in the Burnley team. But with Austin moving to QPR he has stepped up and is forging a nice partnership with Sam Vokes - another former loan target of ours. In fact - they seem to have a good balance in their midfield (something we horribly lack), with exciting players such as Kightly, Arfield, Wallace, Stanislas and Treacy being allowed the freedom to move forward whilst Marney and Jones will help out the defence when under pressure. As for us - Solly is still a few weeks away, whilst Cort has also been ruled out. On a more positive front, Yann could play some part. It's obvious we missed his presence against Millwall and if fit will be in a battle with Jason Shackell (another former target!!!!). Does CP continue with a conventional top 2 and partner him with Church? I'd imagine that to be the case, but I'd personally like to see Stewart or the Harriotts fill in behind the lone forward and help the midfield get the ball forward. Both teams won 1-0 on away territory last season - though we should note that Burnley played 75 minutes with 10men at their place. They don't concced many so we can't be wasteful when provided an opportunity as they are tough to break down. I'm undecided on the scoreline. I want to be positive, but that only gets me a draw as I can't see a win. Realistically, I think it'll be the same old story of going 2-0 down before we make a fight of it. 2-1 Burnley.
I'll be switching on CAFC Player tomorrow with fear bordering on dread. If the team comes up with the same midfield blind terror will set in, so no prediction from me.
Hope you're right! Up before 7am on a Saturday, already bored, so may well travel up. Oddly optimistic today so change my prediction to 1-2 Charlton
Much depends on how Sir Christopher of Tottenham sets us up. Please God he drops Pritchard & Stephens, and adds a bit of quality on the ball in the middle (Cousins). Surely some harsh home truths were spelled out at the training ground this week ? Knowing Charlton, it wouldn't be a surprise if we nick a draw. If we lose, the cacophony calling for Powell's removal will become a din.
No confidence whatsoever, but hope springs eternal. I hope CP picks a team of players who know each other and work as a team. Won't be listening to Charlton Player, as I've never Heard a good Word about it, so updates on the Sky score centre for me.
Currently watching the East Midlands derby. Not a bad match - certainly better than a week ago. The Rams are unlucky to be a goal behind, but their marking for Hobbs' goal was atrocious. Andy Reid looking a class above, as per usual. The young Ram, Will Hughes, looks like one for the future. So far, though, I feel we can get a result against Forest on Tuesday.
Have just gone on Twitter and the media guy has posted a video of the Charlton shirts in the dressing room... Kermorgant's number 18 is there so the big guy has travelled EDIT: Team News - Hamer, Wilson, Wiggins, Morrison, Dervite, Pritchard, Stephens, Cousins, Gower, Stewart, Church Subs: Alnwick, Evina, Wood, Hughes, Harriott, Kermorgant, Sordell
Not too confident, then again I was expecting a battering against Leicester and that turned out ok.... hope we're not rushing Yann back as much as we do need him. Like the line up so COYR
I take it Pritchard will be playing on the right-wing? If it were up to me, he wouldn't even be in the squad.
Do we assume that Jacko was rushed back too soon (perhaps explaining his poor form) and that he is being given time out of the squad to recover properly?
