Powell asks for calm and focused approach

Chris Powell has called for a calm and focused approach at tomorrow's match against Sheffield United with the Addicks playing to their strengths and not being distracted by the ferbile atmosphere in the stadium.  Rather surprisingly this report from the steel city says that Charlton are 'two points ahead of second placed Charlton'.   It is encouraging that our second string side are now in the league and could also get promoted: http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/addicks_boss_concentrates_on_calm_1_3824406

The feeling in Sheffield is that the match against Wycombe shows an inability to take scoring opportunities and that they lack a player with an eye for goal in the way that Bradley Wright-Phillips does.   There is a concern that they may be exposed as 'playground bullies' by Charlton with a lack of real quality: http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/danny_takes_long_term_view_1_3824415

I must say that I find this a really difficult match to call.   It really could go one of three ways, but it is certainly a key match.   However, defeat should not be interpreted as meaning that automatic promotion is outside our grasp.

The bookies have Sheffield United as firm favourites for the game.   Ironically, I have to be at a 80th birthday celebration in Hull and could well be travelling back via Sheffield as the game ends.