Charlton v Bristol City Preview
The positions that these two sides finished last season bemused everyone, with many expecting Charlton to make a serious charge for a comeback to the Premiership while City were tipped to struggle. As it turned out the tables were completely turned and Charlton finished in mid table obscurity, while Bristol City took the plaudits. It looks to be a similar situation this season as well, with Alan Pardew’s men languishing uncomfortably close to the relegation spots while The Robins are just a point outside the top six.
If you’re a Charlton fan, the last few years haven’t been nice viewing. After establishing themselves as such a steady Premiership side under Alan Curbishley, his departure rocked them and it looks as though they’re set to become a struggling Championship side. As it stands they sit in 19th position and after losing several key players over the last year or so, they don’t possess that Premiership quality they had when they first entered this division. There’s talk of a takeover at The Valley and there’s no doubt that Alan Pardew’s men desperately need something to lift them after picking up just one win in their last five games.
Although their form has tailed off a little in recent weeks and they’ve now dropped out of the play offs, there’s no doubt that Gary Johnson will be very happy with his Bristol City side. Considering the fact they’ve spent a fraction of their promotion rivals in recent years, their current position is nothing short of remarkable. They had something of a sticky run after defeats to Wolves and Sheffield United and a draw at home to Plymouth, yet recovered in good fashion with a 1-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday. As it stands the Ashton Gate outfit are just one point outside the play offs and considering Charlton’s predicament, Johnson will be hoping to claw his team into the top six come full time on Tuesday.
Alan Pardew has a number of problems heading into this one, especially in defence. Captain Mark Hudson and Jose Semedo are both suspended while Jonathon Fortune is certain to miss with a knee ligament problem. These absentees have made the way for Martin Cranie and Kelly Youga to enter the picture. As for Bristol City, Gary Johnson is expected to name the same starting eleven that beat Norwich on Saturday. Although David Noble has returned from injury, Johnson isn’t likely to make any changes from the weekend.
Both sides are inconsistent at the moment and due to this, we’ll have to predict a draw. Despite losing a few players, Charlton still have quite a few attacking options and considering all of the goals in Bristol City’s team, we’re expecting an exciting game. We’ll go for the 2-2 result.
