PREMIER LEAGUE: CHARLTON MATCH PREVIEW


Captain is Back!
By dixon9
February 4 2007

John Terry looks set to return tomorrow, although after the Ashley Cole injury blow on Wednesday, José’s cashmere blanket gets pulled up to the chin leaving the toes exposed again – or will it?

Wayne Bridge has been playing well, so providing Terry is not being rushed back and is at least 90%, we should be stronger overall.  It´s such a boost to get our captain back, and with our apparent return to form it looks as if our dark patch is finally over.

Charlton were my Grandad´s team, so I’ve got a softish spot for them but the 3 points is a MUST!  We can’t underestimate the importance of going only 3 points behind Man Utd and ensuring they feel the pressure whilst playing Spurs at the Lane (Come on Spuds! Do us a favour!).

Despite Pardew taking the helm of Arsenal’s old neighbours (Sorry! Couldn´t resist! But we are constantly lectured at on history aren’t we?!) they still lie 2nd from bottom with only two wins from their last eight games. They are tough tackling side and we mustn’t underestimate them – they need to get out of the bottom three.  I’m wondering if they’ll save energy for their forthcoming games though and play for the point with a 4-5-1 formation?

The Addicks new £2.5million signing, Madjid Bougherra has still not made his debut due to a calf strain and Darren Bent and Luke Young are at most 50/50 due to knee injuries. We are still missing Joe Cole and Boulahrouz. 

Talal El Karkouri will still be available despite a forthcoming suspension, Andy Reid looks set to return after recovering from a hamstring injury and Alexandre Song will probably play after his loan move from Arsenal.

I’m hoping we can get an early lead and give our other youngsters Sahar (although I´m not sure if he just played a match for the reserves?), Woods, Kalou, or Morais another run out at some stage.

I go for the following line up in 4-4-2:

Cech, Diarra, Essien, Carvalho, Bridge, Ballack, Lampard, Mikel, SWP, Shevchenko and Drogba. (Terry to come on for 2nd half, allowing Essien to go forward into midfield where he belongs – Mikel to go off.  Makalele rested).

My guess is a 0-3 win – Shevchenko, SWP and Essien the scorers.