The Taming of the Shrews

The Addicks haven't visited this quaint corner of Shropshire since April 1986, when their promotion push was temporarily halted after a 2-1 defeat.

Shrewsbury are now managed by Graham Turner after a volatile 14-year run as both Hereford manager and Chairman (never needing to fear the dreaded vote of confidence).

They now play at the new Greenhous Meadow rather than at the previous ground whose name made schoolboys giggle. Their brief dalliance in non-League football is an increasingly distant memory.

They are a team I've always maintained a unusual soft spot for, because when my Dad bought me one of my first football books as a young kid, I really liked their blue and gold colours.

Charlton haven't won a Carling Cup tie since August 2007, when they overcame Stockport County 4-3 at The Valley, before losing tamely at Luton in the following round.

Following humiliating early defeats in previous seasons to Hereford and Yeovil, the Addicks will be keen to avoid a trio of shocks against West Country opposition.

Admittedly few Charlton fans would lose sleep if that scenario would occur. The only excitement the Carling Cup could represent is the prospect of a subsequent tie against Premiership opposition.

Arguably the Johnstone Paint Trophy ought to be taken marginally more seriously given that it offers a genuine prospect of success, and thus a realistic chance of a much-needed day out at Wembley.

Charlton were impressive on Saturday given the unfortunate circumstances of Semedo's sending off (although I suspect their appeal will fail), and the need to integrate so many new signings at once.

Phil Parkinson has indicated some fringe players will get a chance and rightly so, but winning begets winning and it's important to instil that mentality early on this season.

With very little confidence, I expect Parkie to line them up as follows in an attack-minded 4-4-2: Worner, Solly, Fry, Dailly, Doherty, Smart, Racon, McCormack, Reid, Abbott, Martin.

My charity bets will be somewhat reliant on his team selection, but I can't help thinking I've found some terrific value:

NY Addick bets £5 on Lee Martin to score first (at 14/1)
NY Addick bets £5 on Lee Martin to score at any time (at 11/2)