[RobtheAggie]

Lets hope that the Addicks can play for 90 minutes like they did during the first 20 last saturday. Since Fish will be out of the line-up, any idea who will replace him at Wolves? I assume Keily will be back also.

If Charlton does not beat Wolves, that would be a terrible way to start the season.

[kevruth]

Mark Fish will be available. His suspension will not take place until mid-September when they face Man. Utd.

My concern is Matt Holland's injury he picked up in that Ireland/Australia friendly. We need him to start.

I agree that they must beat Wolves. They need to make a turn-around fast or we could be looking at last season all over again.

This should be the week we see Paolo. Let's hope so.

[RobtheAggie]

Holland is going to play. His injury was not very bad: http://www.charlton-athletic.co.uk/n...s.200308203911

[RobtheAggie]

Nice game preview:
http://www.charlton-athletic.co.uk/n...s.200308214228

"Curbishley has already spoken of the need to get points on the board early, and with Everton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal the next four visitors to The Valley, it seems a point that needs no underlining. "

If Charlton can't get points from Wolverhampton, how can we expect to get them from the next few games?

Speaking of the strikers:
"It would be more realistic, however, to expect Di Canio to feature perhaps in the second half with a possible late appearance from Cole, who is still lacking match fitness having only appeared fleetingly for Chelsea this season."

That makes sense, see how the game is going, and if the goals are coming or not. If the game is goind good, bring in the two as late subs.

On the formation:
"Throughout pre-season the suggestion was that Curbishley would play with wing-backs this season to accommodate the midfield trio of Matt Holland, Claus Jensen and Scott Parker.
But after a disastrous opening 45 minutes against Kevin Keegan’s team using that system and a subsequent switch back to 4-4-2, the more orthodox shape may be employed this weekend even if it means that either Jensen, Holland or Parker will be dragged out of the middle."

I am not sure the first-half was a disaster, Charlton had the run of the play for a great while, and the 5 in the midfield was not to blame for the first goal (which looked like Greg Louganais) nor the third one.

[kevruth]

Originally posted by RobtheAggie
[B]Nice game preview:
Speaking of the strikers:
"It would be more realistic, however, to expect Di Canio to feature perhaps in the second half with a possible late appearance from Cole, who is still lacking match fitness having only appeared fleetingly for Chelsea this season."

That makes sense, see how the game is going, and if the goals are coming or not. If the game is goind good, bring in the two as late subs.

I don't agree with this. Charlton have a problem scoring goals. Why let the first 45 minutes go by before you decide to try score goals? Chances are they'll be losing at halftime. They must score earlier and often. The best defense is a big lead. The most goals scored by Charlton in a match last season was three at Sunderland and those were all own-goals scored by the Blackcats.

Get Di Canio out there from the start and bring in Cole, if needed, in the second half.

[RobtheAggie]

Originally posted by kevruth
The best defense is a big lead. The most goals scored by Charlton in a match last season was three at Sunderland and those were all own-goals scored by the Blackcats.

I remember that game. Boy that was a poor showing by Sunderland. I have never seen that happen, even at u-8 games.

I do see your point in starting Di Canio, it would be nice to get an early lead. His reserve match performance showed that he is close to match fit.

I guess that it would make sense. They are on the road and an early goal would help a lot. Only 24 hours to go.

I am going to try and listen to the first half of the match.