It’s the battle of the blades this weekend as Charlton Athletic look to put Sheffield United to the sword (Sunday 1pm). The men’s team’s trip to Bramall Lane last September was an undoubted success and hopefully the women can follow suit.
Last time out against Newcastle The Addicks were impressive. Two first half goals were representative of a much more fluid attacking display than we saw before the winter break. Charlton may have only had thirty two percent possession in that first half but created three big chances and took seven shots. The second half was much more what we’re used to, twenty seven percent possession and just the one solitary shot. Bar the goal conceded, the defence was once again imperious with Elisha N’Dow particularly impressive. Karen Hills’ side also showed good game management, wasting time effectively and running to the corner on more than one occasion.
The Blades' 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend was their fourth consecutive defeat. The Yorkshire club are not free-scoring and the game will see the bluntest attack (10 goals in 13 games) coming up against the meanest defence (6 conceded in 13). Clean sheets also aren’t a forte for the hosts, with just one all campaign.
The reverse fixture may have ended in a 1-1 draw but Charlton weren’t really fully in rhythm at the time. This weekend’s fixture should tell a different story and it would be a disappointment not to be coming home with all three points, particularly as nearest rivals Bristol City and Birmingham have home games that they should win and form team Crystal Palace will be seeking their sixth consecutive win.
Sophie Whitehouse is likely to have a quiet afternoon on Sunday but you can vote for her for the January save of the month here:
Photo by Rhea Spencer-Newell