Saturday 14 February 2015

Victory for the pessmists?

Although I am often critical of the negativity and pessimism that afflicts many Charlton fans, I am not feeling optimistic about today. Nor are the bookies: a Charlton is 2/1, a draw 11/5 and an away win 11/10.

Our somewhat sketchy record against Brentford is relatively good. Charlton are unbeaten in the last three meetings, winning two. Brentford's last win was 3-0 at The Valley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in October 2011. Charlton won the last meeting at The Valley 2-0 in League One in January 2012 - their first win in three meetings there in all competitions. We drew 1-1 at Griffin Park earlier in the season when our defence was more solid.

Some fans assert that our early season performance was 'lucky', but it's always worth remembering that football is a game of thin margins and it doesn't take much to tip the balance one way or another. Confidence is also a factor and a win today would give the team a much needed boost.

It is rumoured that Watt and Vetokele will start together up front which has to be positive. Vetokele plays better when Watt is there. If Watt isn't fully match fit, he should play for the first 70 minutes and then be taken off, rather than used as a substitute. There are also reports that Roger Johnson may be involved, but I think that would be on the bench.

I really have no idea what the result will be and the game may be overshadowed by events off pitch which is unfortunate. I am going to watch a football match and hope that Charlton may be able to show some quality over the 90 minutes.

Orient seem to be having problems with their Italian owner: Troubled Orient

9 comments:

Brian G said...

Like you, Wyn, I'm not very optimistic about events today on and off the pitch. Also like you,given your length of time as a supporter, I've experienced seasons like this before, when it seems that, no matter what you do, you just can't get the points to move up the table. Do you remember the terrible season of 1962/3 when we escaped by winning at Walsall in the last match, a replay of an abandoned game in which we only drawing 0-0. We're in that sort of downward spiral now. In the 'excitement' of current events, you may have forgotten that our final game is at home to Bournemouth. I wonder who would back us to beat Kermogant's side if we need to? Can Peacock still play?

Anonymous said...

I think we maybe about to turn a corner, not into the abyss as is our shared fear. The return of Henderson to fitness, the obviously best pairing of Igor and Watt, and if he produces Lepoint gaining fitness, a powerful warrior midfielder whose stats and history display stamina and fight if he and the others mentioned can find their form,I would back us to pull away from the bottom, and save us all from the negative energy that we have sweeping over us. Never give in fight to the death. COYR!

Anonymous said...

I don't believe that Family Guy has got it - and therein lies the problem. Do we really think he will start with Watt and Vetokele?

Ben said...

Anon two above think like I think, all I want is a defeat for the boo boys and doom and gloom merchants and a morale boosting performance and win for the team.

Anonymous said...

Doom and gloom boys Ben?

I'd prefer to call them realists given the evidence before our eyes on a weekly basis.

Anonymous said...

I don't like to think of US with an US and THEM mentality at all, we are all CHARLTON supporters, pro or anti Rolly D. The problem is if your booing an owner who's not even in the ground. Then it's likely to have a unintended negative effect on the players and give give opposition a lift. I don't know what the answer is, as I sympathise with people's frustration.

Anonymous said...

I would rather see defeat for Brentford FC than a section of our own crowd. COYR.

Anonymous said...

Still no Gomez, not even a sub?

Brian G said...

How wrong can I be? 3-0! COYR!