County visit The Valley tonight in search of a route through to the third round of the Carling Cup, where the ‘Big Four’ of the Premiership will enter the draw. County have a quite a good record against Charlton, also being the only club of Charltons promotion season in 1998 to do the league double over the Addicks.
Vital Quotes:
Jim Gannon: My first reaction (of the draw) was that of dissapointment, as there were four big teams left in the bag, including Man City and Newcastle(and Sunderland and Aston Villa). It’s a tough game away from home, but we’ll look forward to a couple of days in London. I’m dissapointed for our fans who face a long trip but they follow us to all four corners of England, so I’m sure there will be, as always, good numbers at the Valley.’
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Left-back Ben Thatcher is doubtful for the game with what could be knee ligament damage, so Chris Powell could start. Yassin Moutaouakil and Osei Sankofa remain sidelined and Cory Gibbs is not yet fit from a calf strain. Amdy Faye may be played as centre-half if in case of emergency.
Player to watch: Izale McLeod
Ex-MK striker Izale Mcleod, signed for £1 million, was introduced to the County defence last season with a great overhead kick from just inside the area. Ash Williams and Gareth Owen will be looking to keep him quiet though, but it will be a tough test for both McLeod and the County pairing if he starts.
Stockport County Team News:
Liam Dickinson and David Poole are both doubts after both came off at half-time on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Rotherham. The former with a bandaged hand, the latter with a suspected groin strain. Greg Tansey and Tommy Rowe, both having signed new contracts last week, join the squad as back-up, with Jason Taylor and Gary Dicker expected to start in midfield.
Player to watch: Conrad Logan
This man looks an amazing goalkeeper so far, but with a possible strike pairing of Sletoslav Todorov and Izale McLeod, Logan will have to be on his toes, and will need good back-up from the County defence of Williams and Owen.
Match Odds
Charlton – 4/11
Draw – 3/1
County – 6/1
Next Fixtures:
Mansfield vs COUNTY
Crystal Palace v CHARLTON
