Charlton dangerous, even without

By Chris Kirwan
March 4 2003

Everton's run of 3 victories on the trot has put them in with a great chance of European qualification, but Charlton are also looking for 12 points from 12.

Charlton are one of those sides who quietly go about their business and pick up points without you really noticing them. I was shocked to see that they have already amassed 39 points this season. For a side who, like Everton, many were tipping for a relegation struggle this is extremely good going, and the Valley faithful may still harbour hopes of a European spot.

When you look at Charlton it's easy to see why they pick up points, but equally easy to see why many tip them to struggle. They have potential England stars in the shape of Konchesky, Euell, Parker and Rufus, but a weak squad leaves them open to slumps in form. The player who has impressed the most this season has been Scott Parker. While Lampard gets the plaudits, virtue of playing for fashionable Chelsea, Parker must be close to an England call up. As he showed at Goodison he isn't afraid to get stuck in, and when he wins the ball he is comfortable in possession and can open up defences. Combined with the solid Claus Jensen, Tie and Gemmill are sure to have a busy afternoon.

With such a balanced look to Charlton's midfield it may be tough for a Goodison hero to force his way back into the side. Graham Stuart is just recovering cruciate ligament injury, and has been talking about the effect Moyes has had at Goodison. Stuart stated,

"In many respects it's a little like the ethic we had at Everton under Joe Royle and Willie Donachie. When you face Everton now you know you are going to be in a game from the first minute, whereas previously they had become a little bit of a soft touch.

"Now they are chasing every ball down and working from the front - and everyone trusts everyone else to do their own jobs."

While Charlton are a good side, Moyes will be expecting his side to go to the Valley and dictate matters. He always demands that his midfield gets hold of the game, and when you've got the free roaming Steve Watson in the side anything is possible. But Watson may have to return to the back seat this weekend, as Moyes prepares to unleash Rooney onto the Charlton defence. It must have been worrying for Alan Curbishley to have to brief his team on how to cope with the diverse threats of Radzinski, Rooney and Campbell/McBride.

I can see it being a tight game, and a point wouldn't be a bad result against a good Charlton side. But you never know, keep them level until we bring on Rooney and......