Sheffield United Charlton Match preview
Overview
This Saturday sees the first example of what can be named as a top of the table clash in League One. An impressive start to the season under the leadership of relative managerial novice Chris Powell, has led to Charlton holding an unbeaten record and riding high at the top of the league one table. After a relatively mediocre campaign last season a major overhaul by Chris Powell saw the arrival of 14 signings over the summer.
With the services of last season`s top goal scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips retained, Powell has attempted to bolster the squad with players that are experienced and proven at this level to aid the more youthful aspects of the side. Former Scunthorpe man Paul Hayes has quickly struck up a lethal relationship with Wright Phillips that has led to a tally of 9 goals between them in 10 games and has put Charlton second in the table of top League one scorers behind Preston. Supporting the two front men skipper Jonnie Jackson provides extra fire power as a goal scoring midfielder that provides the adhesive for a rather inexperienced midfield. Charlton youth product Scott Wagstaff who operates primarily on the wing and £350,000 summer signing Dale Stephens a central midfielder rumoured to be in talks with Bayern Munich over the summer are two youngsters that have played their part in midfield to aid Charlton`s ascendancy this season. This is backed up by a water tight defence that has only conceded 8 goals a record that is only bettered by Sheffield United. Alongside these new names Blades fans will recognise the appearances of familiar faces such as Christian Dailly, Jason Euell and Gary Doherty that have played only bit parts in the Charlton side this season.
Player to watch
Although on a relative lull in goal scoring form with only 2 goals in the last five games, Bradley Wright Phillips has to be the player to watch out for. After a slow start to his career, this once ‘Coca Cola Kid` has seemed to find his feet and goal scoring form at Charlton and previously Plymouth. With a general lack of pace at the back for United, Maguire and Collins will have to watch out for Stephens and Jackson attempting to release Wright Phillips behind the back line. In addition to this an assuredness in front of goal means he will not have to be given too many invitations to put the ball in the back of the net. The Blades midfield will have to do a good job of not allowing Charlton any time to find any telling passes and the defence will have to do a better job than last week of making sure they do not get turned because Wright Phillips will punish any mistakes.
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