**Official Pre-Match Thread - Charlton v City**

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

First topic message reminder :

With all this Christmas nonsense going on, it's easy to forget the really important things in life..........like how many are we going to lose by tomorrow?

I wouldn't be surprised to see Connolly at RB with Brayford on the left again. It really would make sense to see an extra man in midfield - Adeyemi perhaps for Le Fondre, with Harris playing just behind Jones? Perhaps a bit sophisticated for our Russell?

The one bright spot I can see is that Charlton are in worse form than City, but how many teams in that position have chosen the City fixture to turn things around.........

Hope for the best and plan for the worst......the wise words of Jack Reacher, funnily enough, not Malky Mackay!

Merry Christmas!

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

Well that was coming all half...well deserved.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Oh well!

[SteWellsTeam Captain]

Anyway, back to football. Charlton will have to sit back and try to hit us on the break. Hopefully we'll be able to keep it tight at the back, and let them wear themselves down and tire. Then we should be able to push for a second or third goal.

Sit back, with 10 men? You are joking aren't you?  This is City you're talking about.

I've had a right in this thread, you're right

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

City have done so well today, by not giving the ball away in midfield......but they just couldn't resist the temptation.........defending far too deeply against 10 men.

[SteWellsTeam Captain]

I'm not listening, so only have stats and live text to go on, but it seems like they've battered us second half?

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

I think the possession 2nd half must be 70/30 for Charlton.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Nearly lost it in midfield again - lucky City at the end...........

I smell blood.

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

Well a point away is better than nothing but dear oh dear...what happened?!

Our first half performance sounded really good - the new diamond formation seemed to be effective.

It seemed the key moment where things turned around was when we changed formation from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. From that point, it all went down hill and we were getting absolutely battered. For me this just confirms that the much lorded 4-5-1 (or any variation there of) is not the answer to our problems.

Also, looking at the bench, I can see why Slade only brought on one player - the bench looked very week indeed.

If we can get three points against Watford now things won't look as dour...but at the moment, it is not looking. Not looking good at all.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Well a point away is better than nothing but dear oh dear...what happened?!

Our first half performance sounded really good - the new diamond formation seemed to be effective.

It seemed the key moment where things turned around was when we changed formation from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. From that point, it all went down hill and we were getting absolutely battered. For me this just confirms that the much lorded 4-5-1 (or any variation there of) is not the answer to our problems.

Also, looking at the bench, I can see why Slade only brought on one player - the bench looked very week indeed.

If we can get three points against Watford now things won't look as dour...but at the moment, it is not looking. Not looking good at all.

Have to agree with you on the change in formation. Harris for Noone perhaps, or Ralls for Le Fondre would have made more sense the way the game was going in terms of possession.

[CyncoedslumdogNational Legend]

I've been out and about but I listened to the radio and Andy Legg said that we were a disgrace second half and need a good kick up the backside. The commentary team said it looked as if we couldn't be bothered against 10 men.

[macazAcademy Player]

Pathetic to say the least, must win game sunday now, 4 points from 6 isn't bad if we win sunday

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Pathetic to say the least, must win game sunday now, 4 points from 6 isn't bad if we win sunday

Watford are not going to be a pushover. We were very lucky to win there and they are gooing to be out for revenge. What worries me is that teams have worked out Slade's system and can effectively shut down or over run our midfield and starve us of possession.

[macazAcademy Player]

I agree TDA, slade does not have a plan B, and I don't think he realises we are getting over run in midfield, that's why he needs a new centre midfielder in January

[MessiSquad Player]

I agree TDA, slade does not have a plan B, and I don't think he realises we are getting over run in midfield, that's why he needs a new centre midfielder in January

Slade must see what all football fans are aware of?
I agree he do not have a plan B, and other teams know how to run over us now,
Unfortunately.

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

I agree TDA, slade does not have a plan B, and I don't think he realises we are getting over run in midfield, that's why he needs a new centre midfielder in January

Slade must see what all football fans are aware of?
I agree he do not have a plan B, and other teams know how to run over us now,
Unfortunately.

Problem is though, look at the bench. Poor old Slade doesn't have a lot to work with. Let's hope for better on Sunday

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