Trotters provide very tough test

There is no doubt that this afternoon's game against Bolton Wanderers is a particularly tough test and will probably provide more ammunition for the vocal 'relegation is inevitable' crowd: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=cfcd7198a1&e=97ed1d02c3

It is asserted that this is the worst Charlton team ever, although I think there are competitors over the last 70 years.  It might be pointed out that we have never been in the 4th division.

However, at one time there was no 4th division but a third division north and south with only one team from each being promoted.   For years this kept the likes of the Glaziers and the Super Hoops in their rightful place.

Promotion chasing Bolton have won eleven at home, drawn two and lost three.  They have scored 32 goals.  I doubt whether the Addicks defence will last the 100+ minutes.

Midweek they beat Wycombe 2-1 at home after drawing at Northampton last Saturday.

Bolton see Charlton as under pressure

Bolton boss Ian Evatt believes that the Whites are creating chances at the moment but not taking them.  He is putting his faith tonight in debut forward Elias Kachunga: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/elias-kachunga-bolton-wanderers-charlton-21688716

After back-to-back defeats, Bolton are looking to take three points off an under pressure Charlton.  Bolton have stability whereas Adkins has been forced to rotate his team: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/evatt-adkins-pressure-charlton-bolton-21690121

Bolton have had a mixed start to the season following promotion. They are 9th in the league, but just four places ahead of Charlton in the form table.   Away from home they have won two, drawn and lost two.

The fan contributing to Four Four  Two at the start of the season expected a 6th place finish and promotion through the play offs. Fans will not be happy unless there is a play off challenge and many are expecting back-to-back promotions.  Four Four Two thinks that ambitions for a dream double promotion will have to wait a little longer, forecasting a 11th place finish.

Jacko wants to keep on playing

Johnnie Jackson's contract is up in the summer, but he hopes to go on playing, even though Karl Robinson is preparing him for a coaching role: Johnnie Jackson

Charlton face Bolton Wanderers away today. It wasn't so long ago that this was a Premier League fixture when it could get a bit tasty afterwards.

Bolton were one of my promotion picks. Their form has been a little mixed recently, but with Charlton still facing injury worries this looks like a home win. Former Addick Lawrie Wilson is a regular for the Whites, but Dorian Dervitte has struggled to make the first team: CAS Trust preview

Odds: Bolton 20/23, Draw 12/5, Charlton 10/3. Officials are all from the north.