Premiership Charlton v Sheffield United

Posted on | April 20, 2007 | No Comments

This really is a six pointer at the Valley with Charlton looking to pull out of the bottom three, and Sheffield United looking to open up a decent gap between the drop zone.  While both teams have shown indifferent form of late, this is the business end of the season – a time when all recent good work can be undone with one defeat!
 
Alan Pardew is sweating on the fitness of strikers Darren Bent and Marcus Bent, both of whom have a major part to play if the Addicks are to pull themselves clear of the drop zone.  While Charlton have not been conceding many goals of late, they need to score goals, starting with Saturday.  On the plus side it looks as though Hermann Hreidarsson and Jerome Thomas will be available for selection, adding much needed experience as the pressure continues to build.
 
Having effectively written off the mid week defeat to Manchester United, Neil Warnock brings back the rested Keith Gillespie, Chris Armstrong and Christian Nade.  John Stead also has the chance to build on his recent form, and increase his goal tally for the season.  While Warnock has trying to protect his players from the pressure, there will be no hiding places on Saturday, with a team performance required to ensure the Blades live to fight another day in the Premiership.
 
While Charlton would seem to have the edge with their home form, which is far better than United’s away form, both managers have experience of the fight and drive required at this time of the year.  Home advantage may well prove vital in what is sure to be a physical game, with Charlton in particular in need of a win – while a point for Sheffield United would not be a disaster.
 
As the situation at the bottom of the Premiership hots up, even the like of Fulham and Wigan, who are above Sheffield United may yet be dragged into the mix.  As with many Premiership seasons before, this one seems sure to go to the wire, and it would take a brave person to forecast the three to lose their Premiership status.
 
Forecast : Draw

Related posts:

1. Premiership Blackburn v Charlton
2. Sheffield United v Charlton Preview
3. Premiership Sheffield United v Wigan
4. Charlton v Sheffield United Preview
5. Premiership Aston Villa v Sheffield United

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