Npower League One: Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers

League One/Two Tips

 

Npower League One
Charlton Athletic (2nd) v Bristol Rovers (16th)
Tuesday 23rd November 2010 – 7.45pm
It’s the turn of The Valley next as I turn my attentions to midweek fixtures in League One – hosts Charlton Athletic take on Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night needing to extend their winning run at home to a third successive win to keep tabs on leaders Brighton who currently possess a four point cushion.
However, it’s very easy to see where the gap in points came about, as Charlton’s only home loss so far was against Brighton, losing badly in a 0-4 exchange midway through October. Since then though, The Addicks have recorded back-to-back victories on home ground over Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 & Yeovil Town 3-2.
Charlton’s home record currently reads 5-2-1 10/9, and have kept four clean sheets in the process, whilst failing to score just the once.
Midfielder Johnnie Jackson (7 goals, 2 assists) is perhaps the surprise package this season, and has notched four goals in the last three matches. Striker Paul Benson (6 goals, 1 assist) was also in good form but hasn’t scored in the last five matches, but the former Dagenham & Redbridge hit-man hit 21 goals last term in League Two and you have to think he’ll score sooner rather than later. Midfielder Scott Wagstaff (5 goals, 4 assists) has created and finished chances also.
Tonight’s visitors, Bristol Rovers will be looking to halt a four match winless run away from home, their last away victory was at Huddersfield Town 1-0 back in early October.
Since then, The Pirates have picked up just two points out of a possible twelve on the road which was courtesy of draws against Hartlepool United 2-2 and Brighton 2-2.
Rovers’ away record stands at 2-4-3 13/15, and they’ve kept only two clean sheets in the process, and failing to score just once also which was a 0-3 loss at Peterborough United first match of the season. Forward Will Hoskins (6 goals) leads the way, while defender Jeff Hughes (5 goals, 1 assist) has also scored. Midfielder Stuart Campbell ( 5 assists) will also need to be stifled if Charlton are to take all three points here.
The Verdict: These are the sort of matches that Charlton will need to win to cement their status as automatic promotion candidates, and they should record a third successive home win here at The Valley.
Main Pick: Charlton Athletic @ 1.77 with Pinnacle Sports