A new year offers the promise of a fresh start and new possibilities. For Charlton fans, that is just what the doctor ordered. Frustratingly, a lacklustre run of form over the last month has quashed Charlton’s play-off hopes. As draws have turned into defeats, it has become more and more apparent that the existing group of Charlton players have too many basic shortcomings when it comes to mentality and desire, let alone footballing quality, to make a play-off push even remotely likely.        

Our visitors Oxford United hold that coveted sixth place at the moment and are pushing for promotion in their eight consecutive League One season. Once again, Michael Appleton faces a former club: It was the Charlton manager who steered Oxford to promotion from League Two back in 2015/16. We probably shouldn’t read too much into this, but that promotion season was his second in charge of the U's.  

These days, Des Buckingham, who was interviewed for the position as Charlton manager this summer, holds the reins at the Kassam Stadium. Seemingly, it might be a good time to face the U’s, as their current form is mediocre. The last six games have given Buckingham’s boys three wins, a draw and three defeats.

Oxford’s forte so far this season has been the ability to get wins instead of draws: They have lost seven league games overall (compared to Charlton’s eight) but have 13 wins under their belt (compared to Charlton’s seven wins), which explains the 14 point gulf between the Addicks and that elusive top-six spot.     

Oxford usually play a 4-2-3-1 formation, and – unlike Charlton - the front four have all chipped in with goals. Ruben Rodrigues – a non-league signing from Notts County before the season - has excelled in the no 10 role. Oxford score most of their goals from open play and are not a particularly physical side. Derby scored three second half set-piece goals against them on Friday's 3-2 win, a game where Oxford were 2-0 up at half time.    
 
Despite Charlton's agonizing defeat at Bristol Rovers, Appleton seemed quite pleased with the overall performance of his team. Therefore, he will probably not shake things up just for the sake of it. Neither does he have much choice, as Ankeke, Leaburn, Camara, McGrandles, Ness and Terry Taylor are still out injured. Scott Fraser and Alfie May are carrying minor injuries, but should be fit to play against Oxford.

Injury concerns and fatigue are factors that might come into play after a frantic Christmas schedule. However, Appleton seems to have no trust in neither Louie Watson nor Tyreece Campbell as starters, so the changes I expect are to have Fraser back to replace Anderson, while Tedic could get the nod instead of Kanu up front.

Prediction: Charlton 1 (May) - Oxford 2
 

Artikeln skriven av Jørgen Sørbø, 2023-30-12, 13:54