Charlton Athletic Online

It is imperaative that Charlton bounce back from the indifferent start they have had this season, and who better to do that against than a Sheffield Wednesday side who have had as tough start to the season themselves. Charlton may not be sitting pretty at 17th in the table, but at least we are not as low as our opponents who are bottom.

Alan Pardew (above) has to be able to pick the winning formula, but he will have to do that without right back Yassin Moutaouakil who we are now told is out for over a month with an ankle injury.

In goal, I expect Nicky Weaver to continue; he has made some good saves without ever looking dominant, but that may come as he gets to know his defence.

That defence is likely to include Madjid Bougherra, Jon Fortune, and Ben Thatcher, but who plays right back is anybodies guess at this stage. A loan signing has not been ruled out, as obvious replacement Osei Sankofa is also injured. If no new signing is made, it may be that Thatcher moves to right back and Chris Powell comes in to work the left back role. The only other alternative seems to be to play Jose Semedo there, but Pards has already said he doesn't want to do that...

In midfeild I fully expect Zheng Zhi to start, probably in place of Darren Ambrose. Semedo has cemented his place with a couple of good games, and Jerome Thomas (left) can probably also expect to start. That means Andy Reid could play wide right, as I expect Pards to chose two forwards to start this match.

Those forwards would appear to be Marcus Bent plus one other. Todorov started the first home game, but McLeod started last week. Iwelumo is also pushing if Pards thinks he needs the required height from the start this week.

This is the side I think Alan Pardew will pick -

Subs from Randolph, McCarthy, Ambrose, Iweluo, Todorov, Sam.

My one-to-watch this week is going to be Zheng Zhi. A midweek reserves goal should have him just right for his return to the Valley fold, and he could be a great signing for the club this year.

Pedro45's score forecast has to be a confident one, as I doubt Wednesday-ites are looking forward to their trip to London too much; I think a 2-0 scoreline will be a good bet, and hopefully Killer will think otherwise (Is he the worst scoreline judge ever?).

A draw or wose is un-thinkable from this game, and I fully expect us to get the three points. Hopefully a holiday weekend crowd will cheer the team on, and I'll be back amongst them next Tuesday for the Stockport game.

Come on you Reds!