http://www.cfc-net.co.uk/content/results_detail.asp?ID=4989
MATCH PREVIEW - CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Whilst Charlton may not be amongst the Premiership’s elite, a trip to
The Valley is not a fixture that any side looks forward to. Claudio Ranieri
confirmed this in his mind when his side were thumped 4-2 by Alan Curbishley's
men during Chelsea's Christmas slump last year. The Blues can ill afford to
lose points again this weekend and the fixture could be more crucial than
many come the end of the season.
Should Chelsea bag the points on Saturday then they will move five points
clear of champions Arsenal who travel to Anfield to face Liverpool the
following day. Liverpool may be a few strikers short, though with
Steven Gerrard back fit they can trouble anybody at home. Arsenal, having
been sailing across a millpond for the past twelve months, have suddenly
come into choppier waters. Sol Campbell may be returning from injury, but
their recent form is not that of a Championship side and their trip north
is their biggest test of character thus far this season.
The same could be said of Mourinho's Chelsea. The Portuguese admitted that
no side of his has ever let slip a two-goal lead until against Bolton last
weekend and it is crucial that his team respond in the right way against
Charlton. A performance like the ones produced at West Brom and Fulham would
be the perfect tonic, though the manager would undoubtedly appreciate
any kind of win to put the pressure on Arsenal and to set the ball rolling
before the Christmas period.
The players rested in midweek will prove crucial on Saturday. John Terry,
Claude Makelele and Tiago need to continue their strong recent form if
Chelsea are towin. Patience will be the order of the day if the likes of
Arjen Robben and Damian Duff are to hurt Charlton. Against Bolton Chelsea
came across as a little predictable and as such, Robben rarely got in behind
the back four.A watchful approach should entail a little more freedom for the
Dutchman this weekend.
The return of Didier Drogba will also help the Chelsea cause. The Ivory Coast
striker looked lively upon his return against Paris Saint Germain in midweek
and, despite missing his one opening, looked hungry for a starting role
this weekend. Whether the manager grants him a start, or indeed whether he
will play with two in attack remains to be seen, but having Drogba fit can
only be of benefit to the squad.
Charlton have been largely inconsistent this year, although their home form
has been better than that on their travels. The fact that Scott Parker is
now warming the Chelsea bench rather than firing the Charlton midfield has
certainly had a role to play in this, but the Addicks still have some talent
in their ranks. Matt Holland and Danny Murphy represent a useful midfield
pairing and if not watched they could cause Chelsea problems. In attack
Charlton have some surprise packages. The likes of Jason Euell and
Kevin Lisbie are often underrated though their goals have helped
their side to numerous victories in the last couple of seasons.
All in all, it is hard to imagine Charlton being able to live with Chelsea
in the way that Bolton managed to. Credit to Bolton, Chelsea were not bad
last weekend, Sam Allardyce’s men simply earned their point. However,
it is hard to see Curbishley's side replicating the feat. Despite it not
being the easiest of fixtures, Chelsea will fancy their chances of
returning to winning form.
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