[ad_pod ]
Charlton enter the international break on a fantastic run of form – the Addicks haven’t suffered defeat in seven games having played out a 0-0 stalemate with Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
Lee Bowyer named a much-changed side for the clash with the Pirates and it paid off. Now, though, the Charlton boss will have some difficult decisions to make when the club competition resumes at the end of March.
On the chalkboard
Bowyer sprung some surprises at the weekend as he opted for a 3-5-2 formation, straying away from the 4-1-2-1-2 which has been so successful in recent weeks.
That tactical change saw stalwart Naby Sarr and Chris Solly drop to the bench, while Krystian Bielik stepped in at centre-half having previously impressed at the base of a midfield diamond.
Charlton were excellent from back to front and Bowyer will have a dilemma to solve over the international break.
Spoilt for choice
Sarr has been a rock at the back for the Addicks this season and is a firm fan favourite, so Bowyer’s decision to drop the Frenchman, even considering the quick turnaround of fixtures last week, was a surprise.
Fortunately the gamble paid off, with Jason Pearce, Patrick Bauer and Bielik excelling as a trio – the real star, though, was, Anfernee Dijksteel.
Bowyer’s men fought valiantly in abhorrent weather conditions but there were still elements off class about their display. Dijksteel, who came in on the right of a five-man midfield/defence, particularly impressed.
The 22-year-old’s last-minute, point-saving tackle to nick the ball off the toe of Liam Sercombe was the cherry on top of a solid performance that should give Bowyer a difficult decision to make when the Addicks host Bradford on 30th March.
It would certainly be harsh for the boss to drop any of the defenders who did so well last time out but it’s a nice headache for Bowyer to have – defensive depth is a commodity at any level.
