Friday, September 23, 2005
Baggies Trousered?
How to start a preview of an away game versus WBA? We are great, they are useless, so it's three points in the bag, yea? Hopefully...
Charlton have to return to form after two and a half matches where they didn't play to their potential, and I don't mind that our next opponents are not in the best of form themselves.
OK, hanging on for the points at St Andrews was acceptable - soaking up the pressure for second halves was something that Charlton did consistently last season - and the defeat against Chelsea inevitable (even though we hoped it might not be the case). Tuesday nights cup game featuring a whole raft of changes also led to some inconsistencies, but also a large number of balancing positives, so we should look forward to Saturdays match.
Curbs has a few selection headaches to deal with; a few players who may feel they should be playing, a few who hope to make the squad based on Tuesday, and a few who will be hoping not to get dropped after a poor show. What changes might we see? Ambrose and Bothroyd, both of whom may well have featured, have injuries, and are doubtful. Holland will be pushing for inclusion, but with all the middle of midfield apparently fit and well, he may not start. Sorondo looked short of match practice to me, but Spector is ready but may have to wait a little longer.
This is the team I think our manager will pick in the hope of getting three points at The Hawthorns:
Andersen
Young
Perry
Hreidersson
Powell
Smertin
Murphy
Kishishev
Rommedahl
Bent
Thomas
Subs:
Myrhe
Holland
Spector
JJ
Sam
If Bothroyd is fit I'd have him as sub over JJ and the seemingly disillusioned Bartlett. If Ambrose is fit (which seems very unlikely), I'd start him in place of Thomas (how we started the season in fact). Curbs has threatened to make changes for this match, but I think it may just be a smoke screen for Robbo along with a gentle nudge to remind players that they are not safe long term if they do not perform.
For the Baggies, we should beware of their forwards - Ellington (who hit two on Tuesday), Earnshaw (we all know about him!), and Gera (last minutes equaliser last week) - who can all cause problems. Unfortunately Kanu is injured, as is Kamara.
My player to watch this week is Alexei Smertin. Our Russian is getting better with each game and I'm hoping he can control the midfield and provide the ball for Murphy and Dazza to hurt the Baggies.
Pedro45's prediction is a 2-1 away win. Up the Addicks!
Charlton have to return to form after two and a half matches where they didn't play to their potential, and I don't mind that our next opponents are not in the best of form themselves.
OK, hanging on for the points at St Andrews was acceptable - soaking up the pressure for second halves was something that Charlton did consistently last season - and the defeat against Chelsea inevitable (even though we hoped it might not be the case). Tuesday nights cup game featuring a whole raft of changes also led to some inconsistencies, but also a large number of balancing positives, so we should look forward to Saturdays match.
Curbs has a few selection headaches to deal with; a few players who may feel they should be playing, a few who hope to make the squad based on Tuesday, and a few who will be hoping not to get dropped after a poor show. What changes might we see? Ambrose and Bothroyd, both of whom may well have featured, have injuries, and are doubtful. Holland will be pushing for inclusion, but with all the middle of midfield apparently fit and well, he may not start. Sorondo looked short of match practice to me, but Spector is ready but may have to wait a little longer.
This is the team I think our manager will pick in the hope of getting three points at The Hawthorns:
Andersen
Young
Perry
Hreidersson
Powell
Smertin
Murphy
Kishishev
Rommedahl
Bent
Thomas
Subs:
Myrhe
Holland
Spector
JJ
Sam
If Bothroyd is fit I'd have him as sub over JJ and the seemingly disillusioned Bartlett. If Ambrose is fit (which seems very unlikely), I'd start him in place of Thomas (how we started the season in fact). Curbs has threatened to make changes for this match, but I think it may just be a smoke screen for Robbo along with a gentle nudge to remind players that they are not safe long term if they do not perform.
For the Baggies, we should beware of their forwards - Ellington (who hit two on Tuesday), Earnshaw (we all know about him!), and Gera (last minutes equaliser last week) - who can all cause problems. Unfortunately Kanu is injured, as is Kamara.
My player to watch this week is Alexei Smertin. Our Russian is getting better with each game and I'm hoping he can control the midfield and provide the ball for Murphy and Dazza to hurt the Baggies.
Pedro45's prediction is a 2-1 away win. Up the Addicks!
