It's a bit of a surprise to saw Bolton 18th in the table, although in part that refects a large number of draws (eight). However, Brighton have also drawn eight matches, but are in eighth place, but then they have managed to win four away games. Bolton have won only twice on the road as against Charlton's four.
The Addicks have only lost twice away and Bolton have lost only twice at home, so if statistical patterns mean anything, we are heading for a draw at the Reebok. Four of Bolton's last six matches have been drawn as have three of Charlton's games. But then both teams may decide they want to break the habit.
The pundits at Four Four Two had no doubts at the beginning of the season that they would end up as champions, but then they had the Addicks finishing 18th last season. However, the Football League Paper agreed with this assessment, while The Times had them finishing 3rd. Their fan pundit in Four Four Two had them finishing 2nd. I have to admit that they were one of my promotion picks.
Things clearly did not go to plan and Palace maestro Dougie Freedman was brought in to replace Owen Coyle with the club needing a quick return to the Premiership. Injury worries have not helped and now, after scoring one and creating one in the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield, 'legend' Mark Davies is out for three months: Davies
Most of the individual players seem to fill their positions well, although Zat Knight, who scored an own goal at Huddersfield, has his critics. However, the general view being taken, not least by Freedman, is that the quality of the play is improving and the points will soon start to accumulate against weaker sides like Charlton. We shall see.
Unfortunately our ace away reporter Paul May is being taken shopping by his new girl friend at Bluewater on Saturday, but we shall contrive to get some kind of report from the Reebok.
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