[fasteddy]

Everton vs Charlton


soccernet.com
Everton:
Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta returns to the Everton squad after serving his one-match ban. But Phil Neville is sidelined once again through suspension. Simon Davies aggravated an ankle problem at the Stadium of Light, while Per Kroldrup was unavailable against Sunderland due to a similar injury, but both stand a chance of being involved.

Everton stole a 1-0 over Sunderland last time out, not deserving according to some reports , but it's 3pts and a good tool for motivating the players...and Moyes needs something to do that at the moment.
I am not a fan of the Toffees simply because of the talent ( on paper, at least) they have and the lack of results they get: it's a disgrace. They are not alone in the EPL on this matter, but they are a club that should be consistently higher ranked than they are. Bad signings and some erratic performances from 1st team players has made this season a mirror image of last year, but even taking into account the changes in the sides there has to be a massive improvement sought by the management for the second part of the season.
Charlton aren't the easiest side to try to get back to back wins against , but they themsleves are still in a period of resurgence , so it is a definite opportunity.

Arteta and Cahill form an important partnership in midfield , giving pressure and pace going forward. There doesn't appear to be a consistent level of support to the movement from defence to midfield , and it's this that leaves them without options and therefore scoring opportunities. Taking the ball into the last 3rd is a struggle as you can never tell who's best to recieve it: Mc fadden, Beattie or Bent?...not a lot of confidence in any of them.

Charlton :
will have midfielder Danny Murphy back from suspension. Midfielder Alexei Smertin (knee) and winger Jerome Thomas (virus) are both doubtful, while centre-half Gonzalo Sorondo faces a fitness test on his bruised foot. Winger Dennis Rommedahl could keep his place after impressing in the 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.


Charlton are well...Charlton. Start well then fade away. They seem to be happy being the 'enigma' of the EPL. Great or shit...that's the choice they give their fans. The win over West Ham was done well, although a bit nervy, but to be expected I suppose after such a poor run of results.
What they do have is a good frontman in Bent: fast and great positioning for the ball. He gives his support options and makes it eaiser for others to take advantage of his ability to draw out defences and leave gaps at the back.
Charlton had to waether a Hammers storm , but they did so, and left with a clean sheet and 2 goals: excellent confidence building.
With Murphy back in the squad and Rommendahl looking on form as well, they have a solid squad and the neccessary attributes to take 3 pts here.
Everton won't be wanting to be too open at the back, with the pace Charlton have, so it could be a very tight affair, but as ever the Toffees will make a howler and gift them a goal.

If Charlton score first ...it's all over. If Everton score first then it will be a very nervy match , but the Addicks can get back into it.

The visitors to recieve a start is too generous to ignore.
Charlton +0.25

Comments Mr M?