Walsall vs Charlton

[Bobbin']

When the fixtures first came out I immediately pointed to this one as our first tough test (no offence to Bury, Northampton or Shrewsbury but back in June we would have been hopeful of 7-9 points from those games).

A far better performance from us on Tuesday which has hopefully created a bit of buzz around the changing room. Our last away game was atrocious so I'm looking forward to seeing how we look now with a couple more additions since then.

There seems to be a bit to be positive about from our last three halves of football so confident that we can pick up a good result if we can continue. No doubt this is a difficult game on the road so a draw isn't to be sniffed at, a win would be lovely though with Bolton coming to The Valley next.

Will probably start with the same 11 but I'm still unconvinced by the midfield.

1-1. Ajose finally finding that bit of luck and getting his first goal.

 

[AnotherSaddler]

We haven't scored in the 3 games since the opening day win at home to Wimbledon, some injury problems too, so I'm not optimistic.

For any Charlton fans venturing up by train, spend as little time in Birmingham city centre as possible.
Birmingham are at home to Wolves and there are usually problems between both sets of fans, West Brom are at home to Everton and Villa have a short trip to Derby for a 5.30pm kick off. I think the idiots will be out in force.

 

[Bobbin']

Sounding like we may have a few injuries ourselves, which is not good as our squad is still far too thin for that.

 

[Geosaddler]

I am with AnotherSaddler on this one. We already have some key injuries, players nowhere near fully match fit yet and will be relying on an inexperienced second choice team. I'll go for a 0-2.

I think we are in for a much bumpier ride this season. Losing something like 9 players from last years play off side is big ask particularly with a rookie manager. Our fans are going to have to be patient. There is definite potential in the rebuild but the cliche was written for us this season........this team will need time to gel!

 

[Jonny12]

I will probably miss a large chunk of the first half so expect lots of early goals! 3-0 Walsall with a Franck Moussa hattrick within 15 minutes

 

[codaplenty]

Walsall to win a thriller 3-2

 

[Saddlerrad]

Dependant on the first goal this. I get the feeling that both sides are fragile, Charlton with what's happened in recent times, us with an entire new squad, first team, injuries etc. If we can start well and score an early goal, I reckon the away crowd will get on the players backs and they could crumble, find themselves 3-0 down, just a hunch. On the flip side, Charlton have put together a decent first XI, spending some massive fees for this level on forwards. If we concede first, I can see them winning comfortable.

No idea if Henry, Osbourne, Chambers, Cuvelier, Moussa, Oztumer will be fit/play.. so it's a really hard game to pick a score in as it could go either way quite convincingly IMO (in Charlton's case anyway)..

Whoever scores first, will win.

 

[Saddlerrad]

1-0 down just before half time, probably don't deserve to be 1 down.. with our scoring record and lack of goals.. that's game over.

 

[Lamby]

That'll do nicely

 

[Jonny12]

Didn't deserve to lose but we did because tactically we were awful and didn't take our chances.Defensively we were all over the place too, especially at left back as we still don't have a natural left back whilst Rico is out injured.

Changes needed down the Bezzla.

 

[Bobbin']

That is a great result, not just because we got the three points and at a difficult place to go but because there were more signs that hopefully this team are gradually heading in the right direction.

Last season if we had conceded, heads would have dropped and we likely would have gone on to lose. Today, we dusted ourselves down and went straight down the other end to score again.

A draw probably would have been a fair result but it was a good away performance from us, not spectacular but every player did their job solidly.

Delighted for Ajose to get his first goals, he's been getting closer and closer and it was only a matter of time, I'll say it again but Magennis is going to be a real handful in this league as is Ricky Holmes who is proving to be one hell of a signing and I'd be surprised if there's many better goalkeepers than Declan Rudd in L1, so good at commanding the area and dealing with crosses and he made 3 brilliant saves today.

First back to back wins since November, happy days.