Addicks @ Wigan Athletic [r]

[hartley]

Well, the Addicks should be on a little high after overcoming so much to advance in the Carling Cup. Overcoming Curbs' Cup Curse was quite a challenge. Let's just hope it wasn't too cathartic. We need to keep up the good work.

Here's hoping Mr. Dowie sees "fit" to play a 4-4-2 since it has served us well as of late.

Possbile lineup [4-4-2]:
Carson
Young, Diawara, El K [or Fortune], HH
Faye
Ambrose, Reid, Thomas
JFH, D. Bent

Subs: Andersen, Fortune [or El K or Sankofa], Kishishev, Hughes, M. Bent

[hartley]

It is quite clear that Jerome Thomas plays best on the left. And that Andy Reid is actually more comfortable in the center of the park.

With Rommedahl most likely out, I would start Ambrose. Whatever the reason he has been in Ian's doghouse, we need that Ambrose speed and creativity to help the attack. Nothing against Bryan Hughes, but fleet and neat he is not. I just hope Ambrose can stay wide and not hinder Reid in the middle.

So, the question is whether Reid can play tough in the middle with Faye while pulling some of the strings. Though he started out on the left in the match against Chesterfield, he played better in the middle. He did have some laspes and gave up some possessions late on, but it has been pointed out that he is still not up to ID's idea of fitness. And yet, he went the entire match, plus all of the extra time.

I also think Reid has some lessons to learn about playing in the middle. He needs more time with D. Bent and JFH in front of him. There were a couple of times during the Chesterfield match where Andy did one thing and should have done another. One time he had Bent on one side and Jimmy on the other. He kept the ball and shot. That wasn't so bad except he could have driven deeper into the box and had the keeper one-on-one. And when will he score a goal for goodness sakes!

But I can be patient with Reid since he is playing a role we have desparately needed in the middle ever since what's his head went to White Hart Lane last season. Andy might not be up there with mmmmmurphy when mmm is at his best, but I believe Andy will get there. And he might be better -- especially in the long run (since the Boy couldn't seem to make a lot of long runs).

If Mr. Dowie doesn't think Reid can help out enough defensively against Wigan, then I foresee going back to the 4-5-1 to start the match. That lineup might be something like:

Carson
Young - El K - Diawara - HH
Faye - Hughes
Ambrose - Reid - Thomas
D. Bent

Subs: Andersen, Fortune, Kishishev, Pouso [or Holland?], M. Bent

[hartley]

BBC's Lawro predicts a draw. Hmmmm.

Could we possibly steal all the points at Wigan?

[batch]

We'll go-

---------------------------Kirkland--------------

Boyce----------De Zeeuw---------Webster--------Baines

Cotterill/ Valencia ----- Landzaat---- Scharner ----- Kilbane

--------------------Camara--------The Hesk

[hartley]

Here's my lineup [not necessarily Mr. Dowie's]:

Carson
Young - El Karkouri - Diawara - HH
Ambrose - Faye - Reid - Thomas
JFH - D. Bent

Subs: Andersen, Fortune, Kishishev, Hughes, M. Bent

It could be that Mr. Dowie will opt for the 4-5-1 to start again. That could mean the addition of Hughes and the subtraction of Jimmy.

We will see. Let's hope it is a cracking match, enjoyed by all.

I have to say it -- Addicks, Adddicks, Addicks!

[hartley]

We'll go-

---------------------------Kirkland--------------

Boyce----------De Zeeuw---------Webster--------Baines

Cotterill/ Valencia ----- Landzaat---- Scharner ----- Kilbane

--------------------Camara--------The Hesk


According to www.physioroom.com, Heskey is doubtful and Valencia is very doubtful. And Sky Sports predicts a 2-0 win for Wigan and that the player to watch is Cotterill. I say draw and keep your eyes on Andy Reid.

[batch]

Heskey is doubtfu and is probably 50/50l but Valencia is fit and ready to go but probably wont start due to the form of others.

I'll say a Wigan win and and Andy Reid eating 6 pies at half time.

[hartley]

Batch,

Really, this is NOT that kind of forum. Let's take the high road, shall we?. If you would rather talk trash, go to another forum please.

I am hoping this is quite a competitive match. We have not started well, but we seem to be getting some things together. Reid may have a shape problem. He will never look fit. But it seems his fitness is improving. And he played the entire match at Chesterfield. Hmmmm.

Andy could stand to be less cute on the ball sometimes and not give away some passes so easily. But he is much more comfortable in the middle than might have been expected.

I don't expect him to score at Wigan, but I do expect he will be putting in some passes that Bent will come close on. Jerome Thomas continues to impress so that we expect him to make runs at the defense and send up the delicious crosses -- like the one Bent scored on against Man City.

Addicks, Addicks, Addicks!

[batch]

:D Awww man, didnt realise you'd take such offence.

Yeah he's a fat sod but i was only messing, Reid is like Lee Ashcrot, only good, and Irish. I'll just put it down to you having a bad day at work or something.

wuvyoureally hartley

[hartley]

Well, didn't get to listen to this one -- was out playing footy myself. A small sides game and much fun. It's been a long time, but I actually scored twice -- once with my shin on a high pass across the face of goal and once with my ankle as I blocked a deep pass out from one of their defenders.

And well, I was wrong and we lost. Sounds like an interesting game with all the wind and rain.

Did Reid have a good game?