Haddocks versus Cod

Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton says that his players are in a 'SAS mindset' ahead of this evening's fixture at The Valley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fleetwood-town-boss-joey-barton-confident-ahead-of-charlton-athletic-test/

Of course, he says it's a 'tough test', but they all say that.  It helps with his alibi if his team lose and if they win or even draw he can portray it as a great victory.

Fleetwood are currently 9th in the table.  At home they have won four, drawn one and lost one.  Away from home, they have won one and lost four, although two of these wins have been at Gillingham and Shrewsbury.   However, they are very much the form side, one place behind Charlton form table (second and third).

One of the things I don't like about being in League One is playing Fleetwood.  It's difficult not to see them as a jumped up non-league club, but they are there on footballing merit.   The ratio of attendance to population is one of the highest in League One.

After last year's 6th place and play off exit, Four Four Two are forecasting a 4th place this season.  The fan contributor is more modest forecasting 8th.  Four Four Two comment: 'Beware the wounded Joey Barton, who has over 100 games as manager under his belt and shown himself to be more than capable. Adding Callum Camps from Rochdale is smart business.'

Last Saturday Camps 'chested the ball down before volleying home superbly.'   He was withdrawn on 76 minutes to rest him for tonight.

The fan contributor says, 'The fan's opinion of the gaffer is like Marmite: some like him, some don't.   I wasn't a big fan at the start, but Barton has proven me wrog.'