Charlton @ Boro [r]

[hartley]

Well, if we really want to stay in competition for even that fifth spot, then this becomes a must win on the road.

Boro are getting some players back, but the team has been kind of down. Charlton have done okay lately, but dropped out of the FA Cup by losing at home to the Foxes. Both teams should be hungry. I think the Addicks should be more so.

For me, it comes down to how Curbs handles his lineup. If he continues to play some out of position, then we will lose. He needs to look back on the great run once we switched to the 4-5-1. Take a look at the starting XI. Go with that save maybe one change for the first 60 or 70 minutes. Then switch to the 4-4-2 with Jeffers coming on to spice things up a bit.

Here's how I would go:

Kiely
Young - El_K - Perry - HH
Rommedahl - Holland - Murphy - Kishishev - Thomas
Bartlett
Subs: Andersen, Fortune, Konchesky, Jeffers, JJ.

JJ and Jeffers come on while Bartlett and Rommedahl go off. Konchesky comes on for Kishishev. Go to this 4-4-2.

Kiely
Young - El_K - Perry - HH
Murphy - Holland - Konchesky - Thomas
JJ - Jeffers

This 4-4-2 can also go 4-5-1 with JJ dropping back in Rommedahl's slot and Jeffers going it alone up top. If Franny would only work harder overall, he would be the lone striker starting. He can hold the balls when he wants and can be oh so dangerous once he gets in the box. Franny needs to spend less time worrying about his playing time and just focus on playing.

Now, if Curbs makes the mistake of playing Thomas on the right or not even starting him, we are doomed. Thomas and Murphy must be out there together or we have absolutely no creativity -- as evidenced in our poor form versus the Foxes.

If Curbs wants to start Konchesky, I think it best to keep him on the left but in the central role of Holland or Kishishev. I would think that would suit Paul well considering he thinks himself more a defender. He could defend and still get forward for some overlapping and some more central crosses. With HH, Paul and Jerome playing the left, we could be very potent from that side.

Then think of Young, Murphy and either Dennis or JJ on the right. There should be some good action and service for whomever is up front.

Go Addicks! Come out with heart and effort and take it to Boro!

[hartley]

So, do we root for Boro or against Boro in their UEFA Cup match today against AK Graz?

If they lose, we will get the backlash? If they win, we will be playing against a team in good form? Will they be too tired?

I think we root for them to have a tough, hard fought but close win against AK Graz. We have to hope they get worn silly but win. Then they will be relaxed but tired when we come in and take it to them on Sunday.

One more thing -- this match will be televised tape delay on Fox Soccer Channel on Sunday. I believe it is listed at 1 pm EST.

Go, go Addicks, watch them go, go, go.

[ERIMUS]

No chance :D

[hartley]

You're right, Boro don't have a chance.

[doug001001]

Wouldn't you say this is the biggest match of the year?

Now that they are out of the cups, if they want a shot at europe they need 3 points in this one. If they lose they'll be 6 pts behind boro. A draw wouldn't be horrible. If they get in europe, it will have to be passing boro and/or everton. I don't see any of the other teams dropping.

Awesome that its on TV, I won't watch any soccer until sunday so the result isn't spoiled.

Go you addicks!!

[ERIMUS]

You're right, Boro don't have a chance.

Oh yeah :rolleyes:

[gaijin]

I have a bit of a soft spot for Charlton. This is a toughie, they always give us a good game.

I think it'll be a draw. We have to play 10 times better than on Thursday. I just can't see how we can break this team down. Unless Charlton have one of those away-day brain farts they have been getting this season.

Any road, Cheslea win the League Cup and this grant 6th spot as a UEFA cup place. Which is where we will finish.




.........hopefully :rolleyes:

EDIT: Actually your away record is not that bad.....My mistake. :o

[hartley]

Quite a match. Both teams had their moments as well as the referees.

A different call hear or there and one team takes all the points. Maybe it is best that this was a draw. But I must say, I feel Charlton had it won.

So many of us have been calling for Kiely to come off his line and command the six-yard box. Then he goes off his line at the wrong time and Boro get the second goal. Hindsight is 20/20, but Deano should have stood his ground. Perry was coming on and might have got his foot to it had Graham decided to settle the ball instead of heading.

Ah, well. A point on the road is good. We need more. Let's go Addicks!