Wolves Preview

A tricky game awaits tomorrow as Mick McCarthy and his table topping Wolves side come to the Valley. Whilst early season form shouldn't be read into too much, the men in gold are unbeaten, free scoring and bound to be a stiff test for this Charlton team. Memories of this fixture last season are probably best forgotten, their late late winner pretty much signalling the end of any play off ambitions we harboured. With a team containing the likes of Michael Kightly, David Jones, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and, of course, Chris Iwelumo, it's fair to say that our defence will be in for another busy afternoon.

With only one enforced change to the team that performed so convincingly against Reading, the defeat at Preston can't be regarded as anything other than a disappointment. The thinness of our squad was highlighted by the fact that Nicky Bailey, who performed so admirably in the middle of the park against Reading, was forced to move to the right in Lloyd Sam's absence. I'm not sure one change should have disrupted the side so much though and it suggests we may be in for more of the 'hot and cold' form that we experienced last season.

Despite the disappointment a fortnight ago, I hope that Pardew resists the temptation to tinker with the side. This was a tendency which, by his own admission, put a large dent in our promotion hopes last time round. I am in agreement with Chicago Addick (more) regarding the right back position and do think that Yassin Moutaouakil should continue. However, the general feeling seems to be that new boy Martin Cranie will get a start at the expense of the Frenchman. I haven't seen Cranie play so will reserve judgement, but I'm sceptical as to whether he can combine as effectively with Lloyd Sam as Yassin does.

Elsewhere in the side, Pardew has stated that Jonathan Fortune will be playing, so with him partnering Mark Hudson that only leaves the left back position up for grabs. I expect Kelly Youga to be reinstated for this game, and to be honest it's difficult to choose between him and Grant Basey right now. There is a bigger dilemma in midfield than I was expecting with no less than eight players seemingly in contention: Sam, Ambrose, Bailey, Holland, Shelvey, Bouazza, Semedo and Zhi.

Given the imbalance in the side at Deepdale, Lloyd Sam can expect to be restored and I can't see Bouazza being changed on the left. So that leaves five players and two spaces. Bailey will presumably continue so the only question remains whether Pardew will continue to partner him with Matt Holland. I imagine the answer to this is 'yes'. Whilst I can understand this, I would really love to see the return of Zheng Zhi although do not expect given that he is not even mentioned in the match preview on the official club site (more) . It would be nice to know why. Is he still recovering from the Olympics? Is he injured? I know there are mixed opinions on ZZ, but personally I think he's a great player and needs to be used in games like this.

Anyway, with Luke Varney and Andy Gray starting up front again, I expect Pards to line them up as follows: Weaver; Cranie, Hudson, Fortune, Youga; Sam, Bailey, Holland, Bouazza; Gray, Varney. Subs: Elliot, Moutaouakil, Semedo, Ambrose, Dickson.

This game appears to be full of goals so will probably end up a 0-0 draw. I'm looking forward to it though and will be interesting to see the side we put out and the way we perform. Come on you Reds.