Seagulls capable of embarrassing South Londoners
Charlton Athletic host Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, with the match being the Seagulls’ first competitive match since the World Cup break.
The Addicks are managerless, at the time of writing, six games winless in League One and preparing for off-field developments ahead of the January transfer window.
The squad that remains has suffered from a defensive injury crisis, is desperately lacking in certain areas when everyone is fit and is very low on confidence ahead of taking on Premier League opposition.
Brighton were very well represented at the World Cup, which could in turn make their preparations for this fixture a bit harder, but some time on the training ground under Roberto De Zerbi should aid their transition under the former Sassuolo manager.
Background
Joe Wollacott, Mandela Egbo, Terell Thomas, Eoghan O’Connell and Conor McGrandes are ruled out through injury, with Miles Leaburn making his return against Bristol Rovers at the weekend.
Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck are unlikely to feature while Jakub Moder is ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury.
The attendance will be a significant improvement on the dwindling numbers recently in SE7, with takeover talk contributing to that more than any other factor.
The Seagulls are strong favourites and with good reason, it is likely that they will dominate possession and the club have had a consistent style of play for such a period now, where players from the youth ranks and second string can slot in seamlessly with a great understanding of their roles.
The Addicks need to stay in the game for as long as possible, or Brighton could run away with it and rack up a handsome scoreline should they open the scoring early on.
In impact substitute Chuks Aneke, the Seagulls may come up against a type of striker they are not used to defending against, but the former Milton Keynes Dons man is not fit enough to feature for extended periods at full throttle.
Goals?
Possibly an angle into the fixture, however, I am more comfortable taking a stance with the Asian Handicap.
Charlton have scored in eight of ten.
Charlton have conceded in all of their last 12.
Charlton have seen both teams score in eight of ten.
Charlton have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Brighton have scored in seven of ten.
Brighton have conceded in nine of ten.
Brighton have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
Brighton have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
0-0, Charlton go through on penalties!