So, after a long season and an excruciating ten minutes period last Saturday where we actually thought we’d finish in 2nd place, we find ourselves in the playoffs.
Although automatic promotion was the ultimate aim, few would have argued that the playoffs weren’t going to be our real destination, especially after we drew so many games against weaker teams.
Thankfully, the win against Oldham gave the Addicks the tie that most fans would have been hoping for, Swindon.
In our two meetings this season, both games were drawn, however many Charlton fans would argue that the Valley meeting showed the best and the worst of Charlton Athletic, as Sam Sodje and Deon Burton found themselves sent off in the first half before Miguel Llera heroically pounced in the last minute to salvage a draw.
Both Sam Sodje and Deon Burton are expected to start tonight, and we are all praying that they both last for the full 90 minutes this time.
Swindon fans will be looking for a convincing display at the County Ground tonight, and hoping not to have a repeat of the league meetings, where in both fixtures the Robins led until injury time when the Addicks struck to earn a draw.
In terms of form, the Addicks have lost twice, drawn once and won three times in their final six games compared to Swindon’s solitary victory over Brentford (along with three draws and two losses)
Although Swindon may not have won many games in the season run in, you have to go back to March 10th 4 -1 drubbing at the hands of Bristol Rovers to find the last time that Swindon lost at home.
That said, Charlton have played some truly brilliant football in the run in, the sort of football that was last seen during the promotion campaign of 1997/98 with Darren Randolph taking the place of Sasa Illic as the goalie nothing will get past.
With this in mind, my prediction for the starting line up is:
GK: Darren Randolph
RB: Frazer Richardson
CB: Sam Sodje
CB: Christian Dailly
LB: Gary Borrowdale
RM: Lloyd Sam
CM: Jose Semedo
CM: Therry Racon
LM: Nicky Bailey
CF: David Mooney
CF: Deon Burton
Subs: Rob Elliot, Miguel Llera, Chris Solly, Matt Spring, Scott Wagstaff, Nicky Forster, Akpo Sodje
COME ON YOU ADDICKS!!!!