Charlton face mid-table Portsmouth at The Valley tomorrow. Pompey have lost three of their last five matches and have drawn the other two. Their 2-2 home draw with Plymouth midweek was characterised by defensive errors.
Last Saturday they lost 1-2 at home to Cambridge United and Danny Cowley said that there had been a lack of intensity across the pitch, although he also had picked the wrong side.
On the road, Portsmouth have won one, drawn two and lost two, scoring six goals and conceding six.
At the beginning of the season, Four Four Two forecast a 9th place finish, noting that 'Portsmouth begin the season with a more popular management team than 12 months ago, but perhaps an inferior squad.' 10 senior players were allowed to go on free transfers this summer. The fan commentator says that it is a season of transition and forecasts a mid-table finish.
Nigel Adkins has been full of praise for on loan keeper Gavin Bazunu, possibly getting his excuses in first: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-has-massive-praise-for-on-loan-manchester-city-keeper-ahead-of-clash-with-portsmouth/
Nigel Adkins has praised Charlton's 'fight' and 'spirit', but I am more concerned about quality and consistency of play across the 96 minutes. Can we exploit Portsmouth's defensive weaknesses? Can we defend crosses? Can we stop the midfield disappearing? We will have a clearer idea after tomorrow.
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