Despite finishing 9th in the table last season Leicester are forecast to do well this season and could provide another tough test for the Addicks, although one they are well capable of surmounting as Saturday's performance showed. The Times have the Foxes finishing 1st while The Football League Paper and Four Four Two both have them in hot pursuit in third. The pressure is certainly on Nigel Pearson from the Thai owners who expect him to deliver Premiership football.
Defence has been a concern in the last two seasons with too many goals conceded. Fans were shocked to see popular defender Sol Barnba sold to Turkish side Trabzonspor for £800,000, but perhaps the fact that they are building a new hydroelectric power plant was an attraction. It's an advance on 'turning rubbish into power' at the New Den.
In goal Kasper Schmeichel is well regarded by the fans who showed their faith in the team by pushing season ticket sales up by 35 per cent. On Saturday against Peterborough Richie de Laet was impressive in City's problematic right back slot. In midfield, Ben Marshall is City's set piece expert, an area where Charlton can be vulnerable. Danny Drinkwater pulled the midfield strings effectively. The jury is still out on former Addick Paul Konchesky.
Up front Jermaine Beckford was not massively involved, but his pace meant there was always a hint of danger. Fleetwood Town goal machine Jamie Vardy, who was signed for £1m, provided evidence that he can cope at a higher level and set up the second goal.
Charlton showed skill and commitment on Saturday and it looks as if the team is well able to cope in the Championship. Morale seems to be high. I have been covering the crisis at Truro City for Radio Scilly and what a nightmare it must be to play for a club where wages don't get paid at the end of the month. Truro were bailed out by the Salisbury City chairman. At Charlton we can be confident that there is enough in the bank to pay wages at the end of the month, nor has a winding up order been served on us by the Inland Revenue.
Most pundits think that Charlton may finish lower mid-table but this may not be good enough for everyone. Investors may wish to see a quick return on their investment through promotion this year.
It is a moot point whether Chris Powell will still be in post at the end of the season. There are still questions in some quarters about whether he can deliver at a higher level. It is conceivable that Powell has reflected on his position in the last couple of months and it is possible to think of a combination of circumstances in which he could depart under his own volition.
For now, however, all looks set for an exciting contest with the Foxes. I am going for a 1-1 draw.
5 comments:
Fair article... Not to sure about your comments in regards to Chris Powell... Please clarify?
Personally I think Powell has a sufficient amount of knowledge through his playin days and days at leicester to push for a high mid table finish.
Very worried about the clubs financial state! As you said promotion again would iron out them worries!
The comments about Chris Powell are based on something I heard from within the club, admittedly low down the hierarchy, but someone who keeps her ear to the ground and is reasonably well informed. Personally, I have great confidence in Chris and in particular his knowledge of Leicester should be helpful, also Kermorgant has a point to prove.
Hi
As a Leicester fan I fear charlton more than Blackburn on Saturday . Think you should finish a safe mid table at least .. Chris p could develope into a top top manager he is also A true gent the thought you could look to replace him sounds Barmy !!
Would be happy with a draw tonight good luck for the season
That 'well informed' source and such serious gossip is unhelpful
and frankly not in keeping with the high standard of ACD.
Seems too many supporters want to find either a crisis or conspiracy
rather than enjoy the recent success.
Powell has had a magnificent season and must be one of the top young managers in the country.
Let's not undermine him and the club
I certainly wouldn't want to undermine Powell. He is our biggest asset and an outstanding individual so we need to keep him at the club if we can. But it's not my decision. I would not have published these comments if I did not think there was some substance to them.
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