Barnsley v Charlton Preview
Posted on | October 31, 2008 | No Comments
These two sides sit directly next to each other in the table on the same amount of points, with just two point separating them from the drop zone. Barnsley have enjoyed a resurgence of form in recent weeks, while Charlton have been inconsistent although manager Alan Pardew claims his side “deserve a win” soon.
It was only last season that the Addicks were attempting to bounce back straight into the Premiership but all of that has changed through this campaign. After losing several prized assets, the London side are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone and haven’t had any consistency whatsoever. Although they managed a good 1-1 draw at Ipswich in their last fixture, the Tractor Boys did miss a penalty so some would say that Pardew’s men were lucky to come away from that with anything. Top goalscorer Andy Gray, a player who couldn’t stop finding the net in the opening weeks of the season, hasn’t scored since mid September and with no other players consistently finding the net for the Addicks, Pardew has a lot of work to restore confidence and get his side back on track.
As for Barnsley, things seem to be looking up for the Tykes. Although they’re still very close to the relegation zone, ten points from a possible fifteen has lifted big pressure from Simon Davey’s shoulders and the Reds boss will now be looking to progress. Ever since his arrival at Oakwell, Davey has struggled with results away from home yet they got their first three points on the road on Tuesday night and they’ll be hoping for more of the same on Saturday. Despite the recent good form, the Oakwell faithful will know that these good results must continue as the Tykes are still just two points above the drop zone and should results go against them on Saturday, they could be hauled straight back into the bottom three.
Charlton have quite a few injury problems coming into this one and look to be without four key players. Centre half Linvoy Primus is struggling with a knee injury and looks set to miss, while fellow defender Jonathon Fortune also has a knee problem and is unlikely to feature. Elsewhere, both Zheng Zhi and Therry Racon have foot injuries and will not be available. It couldn’t be any more different for Barnsley, with Simon Davey having absolutely no new concerns. Long term absentee Michael Coulson is the only player who is unavailable, but other than that Davey has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Barnsley may have got their first away win on Tuesday but we can’t see them getting all the points in this one. Charlton have drawn their last two games and with both sides being poor in front of goal, we’ll predict a goalless draw.
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- Barnsley v Charlton Preview
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- Barnsley v Ipswich Preview
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