Huge disappointment for us this season obviously - we thought we could
build on our second place and instead we're destined for the first
division. The reasons aren't immediately obvious, after all it's probably
one of the finest squads in the club's history, and going forward we look
consistently dangerous. But a consistently poor central defence has passed
the wobbles on to the rest of the team, and we've really missed the
presence of Kanoute up front - that and a bit of bad luck sees us languishing.
>Who do you thinks your best/most on form player(s)?
The youngsters are the only players to emerge with any real credit. Cole
has been superb and so hard-working with it, Defoe is starting to really
sparkle up front, but Carrick, after a poor start, has been nothing short
of majestic - sadly all are probably destined for the very top but not with
our club!
>Your worst players?
The defence has been so poor really - Dailly, Breen and particularly Repka
have really let us down. Repka is a World-class defender on his day but has
been gifting goals, conceding pointless fouls and getting himself into
trouble with the ref since the start of the season. Other players started
the season well but have been dragged down performance-wise, Sinclair and
James being the more obvious recent offenders.
>Any hidden gems or promising youngsters in the squad?
Well, we're told that we have three absolute gems waiting to be blooded -
all defenders. Elliot Ward, Anton 'little brother' Ferdinand and the more
well-known Glen Johnson, who is closest to the first team. Actually it
might explain why we haven't strengthened more in defence - unfortunately
Roeder has decided that this isn't the time for youngsters, though I
remember Rio coming from nowhere to help us out of relegation trouble last
time.
>What sort of line-up can we expect?
In the absence of Kanoute and Di Canio I think we'll stick with the 4-4-1-1
that we started with at Arsenal, with Cole in the hole behind Defoe.
Carrick's hopefully back so Lomas will drop back to right-back with Dailly
possibly the one to be dropped, depending on Ian Pearce's fitness.
Suggested team: James, Pearce, Breen, Lomas, Winterburn, Cisse, Carrick,
Bowyer, Sinclair, Cole, Defoe.
>Your best chants?
Well if you concede a goal we should be singing 'Are you West Ham in
disguise?'.
>What do you make of Charlton this season?
I'm quietly impressed once again - I'm sure you'd agree that on paper
Charlton should be struggling more than they have, it's credit once again
to Curbishley I guess.
>Which Charlton player will you fear the most?
I'm always impressed with Euell - he seems an intelligent, creative forward.
>Predicted score??
We couldn't me more desperate for the result - we'll be treating it like a
cup tie. I pray for a 1-2 to the away team - lose and we're down.
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