Saturday 11 January 2014

Allez les rouges!

After all the excitement of the last week or two, there is the little matter of a six pointer against Barnsley at The Valley this afternoon. Barnsley have the worst away record of any team in the Championship, but our record against them has not been good of late. We have won only one of their last eight matches with them, the 6-0 victory at Oakwell last season. We last beat them at home in April 2008.

Swedish midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic could be in the Charlton squad after signing from Standard Liege, probably on the bench. Striker Marvin Sordell is out with a hamstring injury while full-back Lawrie Wilson is also a doubt (hamstring). Ryan McLaughlin is expected to make his debut for Barnsley after signing on loan from Liverpool.

Some Addicks are concerned about the departure of Cameron Stewart. He was speedy and could penetrate opposition defences and scored two wonder strikes. However, his reluctance to tackle, leading to us losing possession in midfield, worried me and those who sit with me.

A win would be nice for our new sporting director, who will be at the match, but I think that a 1-1 draw is more likely.

Odds are Charlton 19/20, Draw 5/2, Barnsley 14/5.

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