Value on visitors after time on training ground
Charlton Athletic head to Port Vale as potential value outsiders on Saturday, aiming to end a three-game winless run in League One.
The Addicks have won just one of nine away trips so far this season, but they have also only lost three, with Vale making a steady step up to life in League One under Darrell Clarke.
At their best Charlton have been one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the division, as Swindon Town were under Ben Garner in League Two last term, and will be some needle in the fixture, after the unsavoury scenes that followed Vale’s play-off semi final penalty shoot-out victory over the Robins.
Vale’s best suit is their defence, and if they can contain the Addicks, there will be opportunities to hurt them, with their backline holding them back in making a push for the top six.
Background
The Addicks will welcome Sean Clare back from suspension, and Garner will likely introduce the 26-year-old on the right side of the back four in the place of Richard Chin, but they are weakened by injuries at the moment.
Garner will be grateful to have a free week to prepare for the fixture, after a busy schedule in cup competitions and that could be what is required to sort out their defensive woes.
Vale have a comfortable nine-point cushion on the relegation zone despite sitting in 15th place, it has been a smooth transition up a division, expertly overseen by Clarke.
This is a tough one to call and a draw would surprise many, however the hosts are a little too short for me close to evens to win the game, and in that providing some wriggle room to tentatively get the visitors onside using the Asian Handicap.
Goals?
A week on the training ground will do the Sam Lavelle and Ryan Inniss defensive partnership good, and for that reason I am not as enthusiastic about a goals angle as I often am in Charlton fixtures.
Vale have scored in eight of ten.
Vale have conceded in seven of ten.
Vale have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
Vale have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Charlton have scored in eight of ten.
Charlton have conceded in seven of ten.
Charlton have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Charlton have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Such a poor game, Vale edged it 1-0.