A Trip Too Far

A day off Wednesday and a trip to Villa Park to look forward to. That’s to say about a month ago I was looking forward to it. Now I approach it with a fair amount of trepidation. I keep saying to myself that if we can take six, or even four, points from the next two games then we are right back in the mix for seventh spot but there is nothing to remotely justify this misguided optimism. To be honest I’ll be happy with a spirited team performance full of pride, passion, spirit and endeavour but I won’t hold my breath.

I expect to see Talal back in the starting line-up at the expense of Fortune and Luke Young to take his place at full back. The rest of the defence picks itself although as our season is over I’d ‘blood’ Stephan Andersen in at least a couple of games between now and the end of the season to give him a taste of the Premiership so he’ll know what to expect when called on. To be fair I’m not entirely happy with Deano’s recent performances and in my opinion, although an excellent shot-stopper, he rarely comes for crosses and fails to sufficiently command his area. This permeates through to the defence and leads to uncertainty in some situations. In midfield I’d stick with Rommerdahl, who was excellent against Bolton and showed exactly what he is capable off given a decent chance, and Thomas in the wide positions with a central midfield trio of Murphy, Holland and Kish. Matt Holland is taking stick in some quarters but I believe that much of what he does goes unnoticed because it is unspectacular. However, he works his socks off and whilst he has not been at his best recently you can never accuse him of not trying. Up-front it has to be Franny Jeffers. I am firmly of the opinion that given a decent run in the team Franny will prove that he can score goals in the Premiership. However, we cannot expect him to thrive if we don’t create chances for him so with both Thomas and Rommerdahl in the team there should be no reason why they cannot provide the ammunition for our Fox in The Box.

Let’s hope (pray if you are that way inclined) for an improved performance and three much needed points. I’ll put my optimistic hat on and go for Villa 1 Charlton Athletic 2 (one a penalty - oh, now I am being ridiculous).

Up The Addicks !!!