Phil Parkinson hinted at changes earlier this week but whether or not these will just be enforced changes (Kyel Reid's injury) remains to be seen. He has also said that there will be no more excuses which sounds like a bit too much like fighting talk for Phil. However, he also said that he felt he went too attacking at home. I can't agree with this, because surely you should be taking the game to your opponent at home, I can't imagine the likes of Arsenal, Man United or Chelsea (well after the City game, maybe) sitting back defensively at home. And although I don't consider us to be like these teams, visiting teams always comment on how we are a "big club" in this league, in which case we should take advantage of that. Anyway, on to today's game.
The offer of two weeks of CAFCPlayer for free is very tempting, although I am supposed to be going to the beach with my fiancée today and it is very unlikely I would be able to listen to the match. A day at a dreary beach with the one I love or listening to a dreary Charlton match... Not much of a choice really.
In previous meetings Charlton haven't fared well against Carlisle. We beat them 1-0 at the Valley, but this wasn't much revenge for the 3-1 drubbing we received at Brunton Park.The forboding feeling that we could be in for another result like that will have made the coach journey up there very long indeed for Mr Parkinson.
A look at Carlisle's recent form leads us to believe we may stand a chance, 2 victories and 3 losses (in the league), however no one has managed to put more than two goals past them all season, something that has happened to us three times already in all competitions. Upon closer inspection their recent home form is also very good, 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, the loss was to Peterborough who, on paper, appear to be one of the stronger teams in the division. They also drew with Brighton, and in their second game of the season lost 1-0 to Huddersfield in the Carling Cup, both of whom put 3+ goals past us.
In comparison our recent form is 2 wins, 2 losses and one draw, a slight advantage to us then perhaps. But our inability to score more than one goal could hold us back, even though this has been improving in recent weeks we still only manage on average a measly 1.3 goals a game (this improves to 1.6 in away games). Our recent away form doesn't make for pleasant reading with only 1 win and 2 draws and losses in our last five away games, once again that forboding feeling returns.
Greg Abbott has a few injury headaches to deal with before our arrival. Sean McDaid and Oliver Norwood are both late injury concerns who will miss this match and Corry Evans has been drafted in on an emergency loan from Man United. In fact, Carlisle seem to have a very good relationship with Man United, similar to the one many fans hoped we would have with Liverpool following the sale of Jonjo Shelvey. They also have a number of long term injuries in Paul Thirlwell, Danny Livesey, Richard Offiong and Graham Kavanagh who was a thorn in our side for our last visit up North. We can probably expect a 4-4-2 formation with Matthew Robson or Corry Evans coming in for the injured Oliver Norwood. At left back I'm not sure who will replace McDaid.
For Charlton their are questions over the players and the formation. Parkinson felt we were too attacking against Brighton and so a return to 4-5-1 could be on the cards, however, do we have enough players for this formation? McCormack has only recently recovered from injury and after playing in midweek will he be fit enough to potentially play 90 minutes? If not, would he start on the bench and we shift Jackson or Martin into centre midfield? Another potential option is that we stick to 4-4-2 and bring Anyinsah in for the lacklustre Abbott upfront. Although his header in the first half against Brighton may have been the closest we came to scoring he looked off the pace for most of the game. Akpo is likely to miss this game as will Chris Solly and Kelly Youga.
Parkinson seems set against bringing in short term loan players after they failed to perform in previous campaigns. This could open up opportunities for some of our younger players. Ben Davisson impressed in pre-season, and with our lack of numbers for the left wing slot, I would hope he may get an opportunity to at least make the bench in some of our "easier" matches while Kyel is out. Also impressing for the under 18's at the moment is Tosan Popo, he has a number of goals, inflated by 5 penalties, this season and clearly has an eye for opening up the opposition. Although they are both young and may be a bit small because of their age, the only way to know if they can ever cut it for our club is to give them a chance.
What I would like to see happen today is for Charlton to utilise the 4-4-2 formation with the following team:
Elliot; Francis, Fortune, Dailly, Fry; Martin, Racon, Semedo, Jackson; Anyinsah, Benson
Subs: Worner, Doherty, McCormack, Wagstaff, Davisson, Popo, Abbott
We have the experience in there, but also the younger players who, you would hope, would be eager to impress. But I expect to see the following team announced later today, playing a 4-4-1-1:
Elliot; Francis, Dailly, Doherty, Fry; Wagstaff, Racon, Semedo, Jackson; Martin; Benson
Subs: Worner, Llera, Fortune, McCormack, Stavrinou, Anyinsah, Benson
This is a game I feel we have to win, but unfortunately I get the feeling we may be walking away with nothing come 5pm. But despite my feelings, as always
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!
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