Charlton Athletic Online

Why? Because we might be on a bit of a hiding to nothing!

This year's league champions are nigh unbeatable, although we did turn them over in the Carling Cup back in October. Will this affrontary rebound on the Addicks though? It could, and big time!

The official club preview is here.

Charlton's record against Chelsea on their last two matches at Stamford Bridge is quite good; On the trophy presentation day at Chelsea's last home match of last season, a weakened Charlton team fought magnificently, only to be outdone in the last minute by an Olympic winning dive from Frank Lampard. Frankie Junior would have won gold for that for sure, not only because it was so graceful and he rose to great heights to get over Jon Fortune's leg, but because it started about three yards outside the penalty area, and ended up three yards inside! Mike Reilly was so impressed, he pointed to the spot. It didn't end there though! Makelele's penalty kick was well saved by Andersen, but the Frenchman snuck in the rebound to save his undoubted blushes and score his one and only goal so far for Chelsea.

The last match Charlton played down the Kings Road returned an even better result. The Carling Cup victory was celebrated long and hard - possibly too long and hard, as Charlton's form went to pieces over the next few weeks! The good memories are of a committed Addicks team equalising quickly with a trademark Darren Bent (top) goal after a mistake by Huth. The second half and extra time were all Chelsea, but the defence stood firm that night. Penalties don't count in the Mourinho household apparently, so I won't mention them...(it was 5-4 by the way!!!!).

So to Sunday's game. My own concerns are to do with our still fragile defence, and the number of chances most of the teams we've played have created. Yes, the team as a whole has played much better, with heart, passion, and endeavour, but West Ham left The Valley wondering how they lost, Sheffield Wednesday scored two goals and missed more, and Birmingham created a whole host of chances that Emile Heskey contrived to miss. If we give Chelsea half the chances Birmingham had, then we could get severely embarassed.

Team-wise, I doubt we will see too many changes; Thomas Myrhe will continue in goal, as he has done nothing wrong. It will be interesting to see if Stephan Andersen is the sub goalie now that he has got over his virus, or if Deano continues on the bench.

Luke Young will play right back, Jon Fortune and Hermann Hreidersson will hold the middle, and Chris Powell will play at left back, unless Curbs decides on a major personnel change which is unlikely.

In midfield, Matt Holland and Radi Kishishev will continue centrally, and it would be a major surprise if Dennis Rommedahl was left out again, as he is playing very well at present. On the left, Bryan Hughes made one and scored one last week, so he'll be in for sure. Alexei Smertin (left), is now fit again, but is loan-tied, and Danny Murphy may make it back onto the subs bench after his hamstring injury. If not, Darren Ambrose will continue to come on late in games.

Up front, 14-goal Darren Bent will obviously play, but will new signing Marcus Bent or Shaun Bartlett play alongside. My view is that Marcus will start, and Shaun will come on for the last twenty minutes or so. This tactic over the coming weeks may work, as our South African is a tireless runner and good defender, and if our Bent forward line can get us in front, then Barts may help retain any lead (not that I think that may happen on Sunday!).

The line-up should be:
Myrhe, Young, Fortune, Hreidersson, Powell, Rommedahl, Holland, Kishishev, Hughes, Bent (D), Bent (M).
Subs - Andersen, Spector, Perry, Bartlett, Murphy.

My one-to-watch this weekend is big Hermann (left) - we need a great game from him to have any chance. Pedro45's score forecast is not a happy one - I think we might get beat 4-0 I'm afraid, as Chelsea go in search of their 11th straight Premiership victory.

Pedro's recent predictions have been quite close, and I really hope I'm wrong and that the Blues have an off day, and that Charlton rise to the occasion at Stamford Bridge once more. I'll be glued to the TV to see our boys keep the dream alive.