There is nothing quite like the first game of the season. The nervous anticipation of a good season, the chance to see the new recruits in competitive action for the first time, and renewing acquaintances with people you only see on match day are just some of the attractions.
The Addicks head north to Bury for the season’s opener, and will be supported by a healthy following of nearly a thousand fans.
The Shakers have lost leading scorer, Leon Clarke, over the summer, and he will leave a big hole for manager, David Flitcroft, to fill.
Russell Slade has not finished his summer shopping yet, and could have another midfielder to add to the mix before the team leave at lunchtime.
In all probability though, Slade is likely to go with his current options. Callum Harriott’s move to Reading could go through on Friday, but it is unlikely that he would be included at Bury even if the deal is not completed.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant is set for a loan move to a League Two side, so is another who is unlikely to make the trip.
Unless he is offered a late deal, Kevin Foley will not be available either.
Dillon Phillips has done everything asked of him in pre-season, but will give way to new arrival, Declan Rudd.
Another recent arrival, Jason Pearce, will form a no nonsene partnership with Roger Johnson in the heart of the defence. The duo will be flanked by Chris Solly and Morgan Fox.
Ricky Holmes is a right-footer who normally operates on the left, but he could be deployed on the right at Gigg Lane. Ademola Lookman will probably feature on the left, but Slade could well switch them during the match.
Skipper, Johnnie Jackson, and Andrew Crofts are likely to fill the engine room berths.
Lee Novak will have a specially made cast to protect his broken hand, and will be in tandem with Bury born goal machine, Nicky Ajose, up front.
Charlton could look like this:
Rudd; Solly, Johnson, Pearce, Fox; Holmes, Crofts, Jackson, Lookman; Novak, Ajose.
Subs: Phillips, Konsa, Thomas, Holmes-Dennis, Ba, Muldoon, Hanlan.
Nigel Miller from Hertfordshire will be the referee and one of the few females on the list, Helen Byrne, will be one of his assistants.
Slade’s brief is to get a speedy return to the Championship, and he will be confident of getting off to a winning start.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic