Bolton Wanderers v Charlton Athletic Saturday 21st November 2013 3pm Kick-Off Referee: Philip Gibbs And so the Christmas period is upon us where Charlton find themselves playing four fixtures in the next week and a half which could really define the season, can the Addicks pick up some wins and get themselves away from the Relegation zone or will they find themselves deeper in trouble and slightly adrift from the rest of the pack? To begin the festive period Charlton face a trip up North to face Bolton Wanderers, a side who have struggled themselves this season yet have managed to pick up some wins moving them away from trouble although only slightly and defeat against the Addicks on Saturday could see themselves pulled back into the Relegation fight. The Manager â Dougie Freedman A man who Iâm sure needs no introduction⦠After a playing career (as a Striker) involving Barnet, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Southend United, Freedman mainly made his name at local rivals Crystal Palace making over 330 appearances scoring 107 goals. In 2011 Freedman became the Crystal Palace Manager and with Lennie Lawrence (am sure the name will ring a bell) as his number two took the South London side to the Carling Cup semi-finals in his first season at the club, yet after making a strong start in his second season, he shocked many by making the move to current side Bolton Wanderers (along with Lawrence), so far itâs been a rough ride for both men and after just missing out on the Play-Offs last season, Bolton now find themselves fighting to stay in the Division at the wrong end of the table. Key Men Adam Bogdan⦠Bolton and Hungary Goalkeeper who came through the Youth System and was named Player of the Year in 2012⦠Has kept four clean sheets this season Matt Mills... Experienced Championship Defender who has notably made appearances for Reading and Leicester City before moving to Bolton in 2012 Chris Eagles⦠A tricky winger who joined Bolton in 2011 from local rivals Burnley⦠Started out in the famed Manchester United Academy. Jermaine Beckford⦠The main danger man for Bolton who has 6 goals to his name this season, has previous experience with Leeds United, Leicester City and Premier League side Everton. Previous Meetings In terms of the Head to Head stats between these two clubs Bolton currently lead the way with 38 wins (4 of these coming in the FA Cup)⦠Charlton themselves have won this fixture on 25 occasions with two of these coming in the FA and League Cup. 30.03.2013 â Charlton 3-2 Bolton (Jackson, Dervite, Kermorgant; Sordell, Medo) 15.12.2012 â Bolton 2-0 Charlton (NâGog (2)) 31.01.2007 â Bolton 1-1 Charlton (Pederson; El-Karkouri) 25.10.2006 â Charlton 1-0 Bolton (M.Bent) Last Victory at the Reebok Stadium 24.08.2002 â Bolton 1-2 Charlton (Djorkaeff; Bart-Williams, Euell) Charlton Team News Chris Powell in his press conference today has said that he may shake things up for the encounter this Weekend yet has confirmed that Ben Hamer, Leon Cort and Marvin Sordell will all miss out (the latter because of Terms in the Loan Agreement with his parent club)⦠Chris Solly came through another U21 friendly against Cardiff so could be set for a start whilst Joe Pigott who scored twice in that match should replace Sordell on the bench. Possible Team to Face Bolton Wanderers Alnwick Solly â Morrison â Wood â Wiggins Wilson â Cousins â Stephens â Stewart Kermorgant â Church Substitutes Bench Pope â Evina â Dervite â Pritchard â Harriott â Green â Pigott The Referee Travelling From: West Midlands Matches This Season: 9 (5 in Championship) Yellow / Red Cards: 25 / 2 Penalties: 2 Last Charlton Match: 11.11.2012 (Bristol City 0-2 Charlton) A4Lâs Prediction: 1-0 (Morrison)
Thanks A4L, I will join you in going for 1-0 to Charlton. Dale Stephens with the goal as part of a MOM performance as he puts himself in the shop window trying to earn himself his desire move north in the summer.
Nice one A4L. I've elected to attend this as opposed to Christmas shopping, which will now be done tomorrow. Though I don't feel confident (about shopping or the match). Against Derby, you could see this is a team shot of confidence. Despite playing ok to well over the course of the match, at no point did I ever believe we were going to score. Kermo still needs to build match fitness - half an hour in the win over Cardiff on Monday would have been the right thing to do IMO. CP has admitted he plans to mix it up at Bolton - though we don't know if it will be formation or personnel. I still expect a 4-5-1, and predict Yann will retain. Hopefully Solly comes back, but I think it's a game too soon. I only request Pritchard doesn't start. Bolton 3-0 Charlton
I'm also attending this one, never been to the Reebok. Can't see us getting anything unfortunately, another 2-0 defeat, Beckford to score.
Cheers, A4L. It's good to have the match thread up early, and I think you have probably got CP's team right. I hope we don't see Stewart on the left, though, I'd play him up front just behind Pigott, with Kermit and Church dropping to the bench. I agree with the back 4, and Wilson on the right, I'd play Harriott on the left. I predict we'll grind out a 0-0.
I hope that Powell plays Pritchard up front in the 'hole' again. His virtuoso performance there last week reminded older fans of Dalglish in his pomp.
We have two things going for us. (1) It is in the NW, so Stephens will turn up. (2) Sordell won't turn up.
Nice one A4L. I have to say Powells comment about 'shaking things up' brings me out in a cold sweat after some of the exciting experiments we've tried so far this term. The idea of the team all bouncing down the tunnel on Space hoppers, with Sordell disguised as a dalek to fool the Bolton hordes is unlikely, but I would'nt entirely rule it out. (the idea first popped up in Viz when Graham Taylor was similarly experimental with England!)
We've had one or two shake-ups already- remember 3-5-2? or the midfield diamond> (abandoned too quickly IMO). I don't think our squad is as rubbish as some make out. I'm particularly concerned about out "talisman" who is not setting a good example, a bit like the England cricket team and Pietersen.
Not sure if I'm optimistic at the moment, I go in stages during the day where I think we can win. If we win we will somehow stop our goal scoring drought and win about 4-0 but if we lose it shall be a 1-0 loss
A4L Can'r see Wiggins scoring in this one so going for a 1-0 loss, a competative performance but with Beckford getting his normal scrappy goal.
Mrs Shabby has just offered me the chance to go shopping and thus miss the first half updates. Normally I'd put my foot down and go at full time but lately I'd be more sympathetic and aim to maybe come home half way through the second half when we've stopped conceding goals. Sad really, but sacrificing anything on the altar of Charltons football this season is pointless. Having said which, if she invites my mother in law along, I'll stay at home and smile through whatever thrashing Bolton choose to inflict on us. One thing is football, but another is the company of the wicked witch of the west
Solly starting, Pritchard to the bench with Kermit and Church up top, Wilson also starting, so that's what? standard 4-4-2? Cook on the bench btw
Afternoon all Charlton: Alnwick, Solly, Wood, Morrison, Wiggins; Wilson, Stephens, Cousins, Stewart; Church, Kermorgant Subs: Pope, Hughes, Evina, Dervite, Green, Pritchard, Cook. Bolton: Lonergan, McNaughton, Mills, Ream, Baptiste, Spearing, Danns, Moritz, Lee, Eagles, Mason Subs: Lee-Barrett, Knight, Pratley, Medo, M Davies, Hall, Beckford Solly is back! As is Wood, whilst Church returns to the starting line-up. COYA!
