Winning the War on Terrier

After Saturday's sharp reality check, the Addicks face their toughest-looking challenge of the season when they travel to much fancied Huddersfield.

Fixtures against Huddersfield maintain a romantic element thanks to events at The Valley in 1957, but most fans would accept a dull 1-0 victory if it can somehow be eked out.

Charlton earned four points against the Terriers last season, including a valuable late-campaign point in March just as our promotion chances appeared to be capitulating.

The Addicks should benefit from having exited the Carling Cup at the earliest stage, whilst Huddersfield (cheered on by their 5,000+ fans) were thrashed 5-1 in midweek at Everton.

Indeed when one considers that they were 2-0 up approaching half-time against Peterborough before being defeated 4-2, they have conceded a goal every 15 minutes in the past 135 they've played. Full of confidence they won't be.

Charlton have scored six of their eight goals this season on the road, perhaps reflecting their preference for playing on the counter given the pace they possess on the flanks.

It's difficult to imagine for example that Wagstaff, Reid and Martin (the team's trio of 'flair players') could be snuffed out to the same degree, when an expectant home crowd is pushing their team forward not back.

Semedo will surely return in favour of the disappointing Racon, whilst Dailly's calm presence will be preferred to Llera's rather less sure-footed approach (not that the Spaniard did too much wrong to be fair).

I would expect Martin to be asked to play as an attacking midfielder rather than a mere deep-lying second striker, enabling us to be a tight-looking 4-5-1 when defending but a pacy 4-4-2 (or even 4-2-4) when breaking forward.

On Saturday, I correctly predicted both the starting eleven and the subs, which probably reflects the paucity of options available to Parky, rather than my own soothsaying abilities.

Richard Murray had indicated that the three players we are still seeking might be available for Saturday, but this looks far-fetched as things stand.

Talks have been confirmed with Jonathan Fortune (who was sat next to Semedo on Saturday incidentally), but I find this a rather retrograde step given he's 30-years old and injury-prone, regardless of the generally solid job he has previously done for the club.

Either way, I expect us to line up as follows: Elliott, Francis, Jackson, Dailly, Doherty, McCormack, Semedo, Reid, Wagstaff, Martin, Abbott. Subs: Worner, Solly, Llera, Fry, Racon, Sodje, Tuna.

For my charity bet, I fancy a similar outcome to last season with the home side taking the lead, but being hauled back as the Addicks earn a point.

NY Addick bets £10 on Huddersfield/Draw (HT/FT) at 15/1