Bring on the bull

For once there is a rare consensus among bloggers which is also shared by Sparrows Lane: we should not put out a full strength team against Hereford United in the Carling Cup tonight.

And indeed we won't. The E-mail bulletin reports, 'Phil Parkinson admits the Addicks will be down to the bare bones for tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at Hereford United. The Addicks boss confirmed today that he will be without his trio of summer signings for the trip to Edgar Street - and also ruled out midfielders Lloyd Sam and Jonjo Shelvey.

Central defenders Miguel Llera and Christian Dailly, who both scored in the opening day 3-2 win against Wycombe Wanderers, are sidelined with head and rib complaints, while a hip injury rules out right-back Richardson. Sam (knee) and Shelvey (heel) will also be absent for the match against the Bulls, and the shell shocked supremo said: 'We are down to the bare bones for Tuesday.'

What is important is that as many of these players as possible are available for a tough match at Hartlepool on Saturday. No doubt if Hereford win the county will be en fete for days claiming another Premiership scalp. There isn't much else in the way of excitement in Hereford, apart from the cattle market and a very old map. The fact is that Charlton are now a third division side that has to concentrate on getting out of the division. The Carling Cup is not a major priority.

Darren Randolph left Hereford under something of a cloud as far as the locals were concerned and I would play him in goal just to wind the yokels up, although that could be counter productive if it comes to a penalty shoot out which it well might.

Parky will also have 'wideman' Wade Small available to him. Some people think that the Croydon-born 25-year old is rubbish. I can't remember him from his visit with Blackpool last season. But we do need more options on the wing and maybe e can do a bargain basement job for us.

Hereford are likely to be without midfielder James Tolley who is a suspected swine 'flu case. Hereford blogs are expecting a 'hard match'. but are anticipating victory as a confidence builder.

Quite a few Midlands Addicks are going to the match but I am not as I won't be back from London until mid-evening. I am searching around for a match reporter, no luck yet.

I am forecasting 2-2 after extra time, Charlton to win 5-4 on penalties.