What a quite unprecedented week it has been for Blackpool. The Oyston regime has come clattering down and the future looks bright, despite a possible, or even probable, 12 point deduction. Theoretically however, Charlton will be the last game with the Oystons in charge, with the receivers reportedly taking control at the beginning of next week. The Valley is something of a fortress for Charlton and, on the field, Blackpool may struggle. There is much uncertainty surrounding the club now, with McPhillips saying as much, but Blackpool must remain focused.
Injuries and Suspension:
Blackpool remain without their captain, Jay Spearing, and both Ryan and Clayton will also definitely be out. Marc Bola, who hobbled off on Tuesday, could struggle to be fit again for Saturday and Donervon Daniels is likely to return, but missed Tuesday. Matty Virtue, Callum Guy, Myles Boney and Nick Anderton are all doubtful also.
Charlton see both Lyle Taylor and Patrick Bauer back into contention following suspension. Joe Aribo is another one who has come back. Albie Morgan, Lewis Page and Jake Forster-Caskey are out for Charlton, despite this being a much lighter list than Blackpool's.
The History:
Charlton Athletic are a side with a proud history, but recent seasons have proved far from ideal. After Duchâtelet became owner in 2014, he has been accused of using Charlton as a way in feeding his separate foreign clubs and has been extremely disliked by the fans. It is alleged that he has demanded which players are to be picked and his relationship worsened with the fans following relegation from the Championship in 2017. Charlton have been through countless managers in recent times, but Lee Bowyer seems to have reinstated a winning mentality into the players, after a positive start to management.
The Addicks won the FA Cup in 1947 and were relegated from the Premier League in 2007, a season in which they finished second from bottom. Saturday's match will be played at the 27,111 capacity 'The Valley' stadium, the third largest in the division. Charlton finished 6th last season though and remain in the hunt for the playoffs again this season.
The Manager:
Following a successful spell as caretaker, Lee Bowyer has gone from strength to strength as Charlton manager. The former central midfielder actually started his playing career at Charlton, where he played just shy of 50 matches. He also played for Leeds, West Ham, Newcastle, Birmingham and Ipswich. He won the League Cup with Birmingham in the 2010/11 season, defeating Arsenal in the final and scoring a crucial goal in the second leg of the semis.
The London born manager has won approximately 47% of his matches at Charlton, a statistic taken from over 50 matches managing the club. Bowyer's Charlton is tough to break down, free scoring and is targeting a return to the Championship this season.
Star Men:
Lyle Taylor:
Charlton's number 9, Lyle Taylor, has been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring 15 times in 29 appearances; a strike rate better than 1 in 2. Taylor is vastly experienced, playing 184 times in League One and has also spent time in Scotland. Over the course of his career the 28 year old has played for Wimbledon, Falkirk, Partick Thistle, Bournemouth, Scunthorpe, Sheffield United and Hereford. Taylor is a physical striker with bags of pace and will be Charlton's focal point on Saturday.
Ben Reeves:
Northern Irishman Ben Reeves has acted as Charlton's playmaker this season, with 24 appearances to the attacking midfielder's name. Reeves has played 60 times for Charlton in total, scoring 10 times, and also spent a few seasons at MK Dons, where he played 135 times. Reeves will look to provide service for the likes of Taylor and will be a huge threat.
Darren Pratley:
The veteran midfielder is someone who provides stability in the middle of the park for Charlton. His 248 games in the Championship have proved invaluable and he is Bowyer's go to option. At 33 years of age he has played 19 times, but his impact on the dressing room alone must be huge. He predominantly played for Bolton and Swansea during his career and will look to win the battle in midfield on Saturday.
Stats:
Scoring goals, not conceding and 5th in the league, things couldn't be much better for Charlton. Despite being winless in three matches, they have managed to not lose at home since early October, a statistic Blackpool will be looking to put to the sword on Saturday. Blackpool, on the other hand, are unbeaten in 6, but have struggled on home soil so far. With recent events off the field possibly ending the fan boycott however, this home form could be soon turned on its head.
Charlton are just 7 points off the top two and look unlikely to give up their playoff spot. The Addicks have scored 1.5 goals on average and concede just 1.03. It is this combination of a consistent attack and resilient defence that has led to their current position.
Prediction: 1-1
A Blackpool win, although seemingly a virtual impossibility, is on the cards. I feel the scores may end even however, through Blackpool's extensive injury list and the fact that Charlton are in severe need of a win. Judging by the match at Bloomfield Road, it will likely be a scrappy match, so I think a game of few goals is probable also.
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