Friday 8 August 2014

What the form book says and what Belgian Bob predicts

I am never sure that performance in previous games against a particular team, or how one performs at a particular point in the season, is much of a guide to anything. Given the small numbers involved, there is no statistical basis for drawing conclusions and it gets close to superstition: 'we have never lost to this team at home on a Tuesday in February.' One of the things that marks out the Championship is that any team can beat any other team on the day and that makes it a more interesting competition than the relatively predictable Premiership.

But for what it's worth Charlton won the last two meetings, most recently winning 2-0 at The Valley in League One in January 2012. Brentford's last win in all competitions was 3-0 at The Valley in the paint drying trophy in October 2011. Charlton won the last meeting at Griffin Park 1-0 in League One in November 2011 - their only win in the last seven meetings there in all competitions.

Brentford are unbeaten in their last three games on the opening day, winning one and drawing two. Their last defeat was 2-0 at Carlisle in League One in August 2010. Charlton have lost only one of their last seven games on the opening day, winning four and drawing two. Their only defeat since 2006 was 2-1 at Bournemouth in the Championship last season.

Player interviews are rather formulaic. Igor Vetokele says that we 'have a great spirit and are ready', but he is hardly likely to saw morale is low and the squad is in chaos (not that I think that is the case): Igor Vetokele.

The Bob Peeters interview is a bit more interesting, although spoilt by a picture of him a bobble hat that makes him look ridiculous. He talks about the relationship with Roland and reveals that English will be used in the dressing room, although he may speak individually to players in other languages: Bob Peeters

Despite last night's draw between Blackburn and Cardiff which put them join top Charlton remain 9th in the table.

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