Plymouth Brethren

A brief preview on this occasion, as it's 10pm here in New York and I've still not shaken off the jet lag.

I will turn 37 on Saturday (John Lennon would have turned 70 incidentally), and whilst three points would be a terrific birthday gift, I would 'imagine' it might require a massive improvement from the Brentford game which by all accounts was a shambles.

Despite being one of pre-season favourites, Plymouth are languishing in the bottom half of the table, and have already lost at home to Hartlepool, Brighton and Peterborough.

Charlton are unbeaten on their past three visits to Home Park, and will have been buoyed by their impressive midweek comeback at MK Dons.

It was a joy to see the damage that Kyel Reid can do seemingly at will again. If only we could play through the midfield often enough to get him enough ball then our prospects would be greatly enhanced.

The superb finishes by Benson and Abbott respectively suggest that the confidence of our strikers is untarnished despite their lack of goals, but like my car they need servicing.

Scott Wagstaff's scoring record is somewhat remarkable, not least given that one can rarely recall him missing many chances.

If only he could add the type of wing play that Reid exhibits, then we would present a potentially devastating threat on both flanks. For now, he remains frustratingly inconsistent in that regard.

I remain far from convinced that Phil Parkinson has the requisite tactical and technical inspiration to deliver promotion, but we must remain hopeful for as long as the division remains so wide open.

Our home form is solid enough, but automatic promotion would likely require 40 points or so on the road, a tally which looks fanciful based upon recent away performances.

The next two fixtures after Plymouth are against sides currently placed 1st and 4th respectively, so avoiding defeat would at least relieve some of the pressure that will inevitably build before that pair of fixtures.

For my charity bet, I fancy the Addicks might start slowly but just as they did in their previous three matches, I will back them to 'win the second half' and earn a useful point.

NY Addick bets £10 on Plymouth/Draw (HT/FT) (at 14/1)