Charlton predictions.

[RobtheAggie]

Where do we think that Charlton will end up in the Premiership?

I think that they will be right around the same as last year. I just hope that they can avoid the second half dissapearing acts of the last two seasons. I am sure that they will pull off a few suprise wins like last years at Arsenal. But somewhere from 9-12 would be my guess.

I also think that Bartlett will have a 10+ goal year. He must be the most unlucky player in England. I can't count the times that he hit the post last year.

[RobtheAggie]

Bartlett scored 6 goals in the 8 pre-season games, lets hope that he carries that over into the season. Ewell and Johansson sored two as the Addicks had 4 wins, three draws and one loss over the pre-season.

[kevruth]

I'm hoping that the signing of Paulo Di Canio will result in more goals not just from him but the rest of the players that he can put in scoring position.

I would think maybe 9th or 10th this season. A lot depends if Konchesky stays with the club the full season. I think Curbs can make 3-5-2 with Paul as a wingback work. We can have more in central defense and still push forward with more wide attacks.

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

[DennisM]

Keep Scott Parker and get the goals and I see a top 7 finish. When was it two years ago? But I thought Johansson played really well. Less so last season.

A midfield with Hreidarsson, Parker, Holland, and Euell is very solid indeed. Maybe Hermann will play as a defender. In pre-season, they' been playing a 3-5-2 or a 4-5-1?

[RobtheAggie]

I really think that Charlton has a great oppourtunity to sneak up on teams. I think that a UEFA spot for 2004/2005 would be a stretch. This should be a fun season.

[Iceblink]

Originally posted by DennisM

A midfield with Hreidarsson, Parker, Holland, and Euell is very solid indeed.

And Claus Jensen. Last time I checked, he wasn't traded.

[RobtheAggie]

The Midfield does look like a strong point of the team. I would also put Kiely among the top 1/3 of keepers in the Premiership.

[kevruth]

I wonder what is going to happen now that they've got six strikers: Di Canio, Euell, Bartlett, Lizbie, Johanson and Svenson. Euell has turned out to be a better midfielder. He plays much better when he doesn't have his back to the goal. As for the others, I can't imagine what their futures hold at Charlton. I gotta believe one of them might have to go.

[RobtheAggie]

How old are the strikers? That may have a bearing on who stays. But with Di Canio signed for only one year, they might not want to part with anyone. Possibly a loan?

[RobtheAggie]

For what it is worth, here is where the Bookies place Charlton:

To win the Premiership:
11-10 Manchester United
9-4 Arsenal
4-1 Chelsea
8-1 Liverpool
12-1 Newcastle United
150-1 Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur
200-1 Leeds United, Middlesbrough
250-1 Aston Villa
500-1 Birmingham City, Portsmouth, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers
750-1 Charlton Athletic, Fulham
1,000-1 Bolton Wanderers
2,000-1 Leicester City


To be relegated:
8-11 Wolverhampton Wanderers
4-6 Leicester City
11-8 Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth
9-4 Fulham
5-2 Birmingham City
3-1 Charlton Athletic
4-1 Leeds United
5-1 Southampton
8-1 Aston Villa
9-1 Manchester City
12-1 Middlesbrough, Tottenham Hotspur
14-1 Everton