Charlton Athletic vs Colchester United PREVIEW

Last updated : 29 September 2009 By Matt Fricker

Colchester began the season with the best start possible, a 7 -1 thrashing of Norwich City sent them flying to the top of the League One table. The U’s looked to be one of the strongest sides in the league until manager Paul Lambert was snapped up by Norwich City in an attempt to turn the fortunes of the Canaries around.

A win against Gillingham before defeats to MK Dons and Leeds saw the excellent start to the season come to an end for the then manager less Colchester. U’s fans had their early season optimism renewed at the start of September when the announcement was made that former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd would take charge at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.     

Since Boothroyd has been in charge however Colchester have been unable to find the same form that they displayed under Paul Lambert, winning once and drawing three times in Boothroyd’s four games in charge.

Colchester should not be underestimated however, as they have only lost two games and are still on a four game unbeaten run. That coupled with the added threat of former Charlton stalwart Kevin Lisbie (who sadly has a habit of scoring against the Addicks) means that the trip to Essex tonight should be a very tough test for Phil Parkinson’s men indeed.  

The story for the former Colchester gaffer Phil Parkinson has been very different this season. His Charlton side have begun the League One season with an almost un-blemished record, winning seven and drawing two out of the opening nine fixtures.

Charlton, following on from victory on Saturday against Exeter, will be looking to get their eighth win of the season as they prepare both mentally and physically for Saturday’s trip to Elland Road and Leeds United.

Parkinson had to name his first altered starting eleven on against Exeter as Jose Semedo was ruled out through injury. Matt Spring was the player selected to replace the injured Semedo and by all accounts subsided fears amongst some fans of a lack in depth should any of our best eleven be injured.

Semedo is however, the only injury doubt for the trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium but is expected to play if he is fit enough meaning that once again, Phil Parkinson will name a Charlton team of:

GK: Rob Elliott
LB: Kelly Youga
CB: Christian Dailly
CB: Miguel Llera
RB: Frazer Richardson
LM: Nicky Bailey (c)
CM: Jose Semedo
CM: Therry Racon
RM: Lloyd Sam
SS: Jonjo Shelvey
CF: Deon Burton

Subs: Darren Randolph, Sam Sodjie, Chris Solly, Scott Wagstaff, Matt Spring, Izale McLeod, Tamer Tuna

Come on you Addicks!  

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