A Charlton view on Saturday’s game
Ahead of Saturday’s game we spoke to Charlton fan Danny Lay. He tells us how Karl Robinson has got on since taking over from Russell Slade, and we look at two key players to watch.
You’re in mid table and haven’t kicked on since we played you back in August. How do you feel things have gone?
Obviously it hasn’t been good enough this season. We have failed to kick on when we have got results. We drew too many games under Russell Slade against teams we should be beating. Slade was tactically inept. He couldn’t find a system that suited the players. I feel that because of Slade’s tactics we are mid table when we are expected to be up there.
Is the relationship between the owners and fans showing any signs of improving?
The relationship between owner and fans will never improve until he sells the club.
What are your thoughts on Karl Robinson so far?
Early signs are promising from Robinson. He is a very passionate manager, something we haven’t had in a long time. We got some decent results so far, beating MK Dons 1-0 away, and beating Bristol Rovers 4-1. Also for how little money he has been given he has brought in some decent players such as Nathan Byrne and Jake Forster-Caskey
What should we expect tactically?
Tactically I’m not too sure, without Josh Magennis we lack a big presence up front. If we go for it we will press you high up the pitch but I expect us to sit back and try and hit you on the counter with the pace of Holmes, Watt and Byrne. Expecting us to line up in a 4231 (Rudd, Solly, Johnson/Bauer if Bauer is fit, Konsa, Chicksen: Crofts, Forster-Caskey; Byrne, Aribo, Holmes; Watt)
Player to watch?
When picking a player to watch two come to mind. Ricky Holmes and Tony Watt.
Holmes is a tricky winger who likes to drive inside on his right foot from the left hand side. He has only been back from a small break in his foot (around three weeks) so not sure if he will start but if he does don’t allow him inside on his right foot or he will punish you.
Tony Watt a striker capable of producing a moment of magic. Obviously scored the winner against Barcelona for Celtic a few years ago now. Lots of questions have been asked about his attitude and his commitment but it appears as though he wants to be here now. He likes to drop deep and pick up the ball then drive at the teams defence. On his day he is unplayable.
And finally, a score prediction
My heart tells me we will sneak a draw but my head tells me you will edge it 1-0. Don’t expect an easy game though. We will make it tight.