Charlton v Burnley Preview

Posted on | October 24, 2008 | 1 Comment

Had anyone said a few years ago that Burnley would be sat in the play offs while Charlton would be battling against relegation, you probably wouldn’t have believed it. However, times have changed and even though they were in the Premiership a couple of years ago, it’s all going horribly wrong for Charlton. Burnley on the other hand spent well during the summer and that looks to be paying off, with the Clarets currently 6th in the division.

Alan Pardew has had a rough time of it since relegation from the Premiership, with the Addicks’ manager forced to sell most of his prized assets. There was talk of a takeover recently but it’s now been confirmed that won’t be happening, which is a massive letdown considering the strengthening that is required amongst the Charlton ranks. They sit just two places above the relegation zone and should things not go their way this weekend, they could find themselves sat in the bottom three. Recent results haven’t been encouraging after defeats to Cardiff and Bristol City, so things must make a quick turnaround if Pardew is to avoid the normal pressure that accompanies poor results.

As for Burnley, manager Owen Coyle must be very happy with his side’s current situation. Despite a slow start, the Clarets have put together some fantastic form and deservedly sit in the play offs. They managed a good 3-1 win over Coventry midweek and before that they grinded out a point at Birmingham – so the evidence is there that they mean business this season. While we stated earlier that Coyle spent quite a lot of money during the summer, the fact that £1m signing Chris Eagles can’t get into the squad shows just how well his team are doing and he’ll be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

In terms of team news, Charlton will welcome back Mark Hudson after the centre half completed a one game suspension. That will mean that Martin Cranie moves out to right back, while Grant Basey is likely to play on the left. As for Burnley, Owen Coyle looks set to be without Chris McCann who is struggling with a leg injury. However, Robbie Blake is continuing to push for a start and after scoring at Coventry during the week, Coyle may decide to throw him in. Other than one or two minor niggles, there’s nothing else to report for the Clarets.

Charlton are really struggling at the moment although thankfully for them, their overall home form isn’t too bad and that will prove a big advantage for them tomorrow. However, Burnley are hitting their peak at the moment and we think they have to get something from this, so we’ll go for the 1-1 draw.

Related posts:

1. Burnley v Charlton Preview
2. Burnley v Wolves Preview
3. Burnley v Sheffield United Preview
4. Burnley v Plymouth Preview
5. Burnley v Doncaster Preview

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