Heaven and Hull

Steve Bruce has been in London watching the Addicks. He can be seen here in Trafalgar Square.

Part 4 of Charlton's easy start to the season takes place tomorrow when for the second successive home league game we entertain a team that was in the Prem last term.

There's a lovely symmetry to both our symmetries in terms of results. Both sides have won their two home games and drawn their away ones. At present with an eye on our injury problems and the strength of the Tigers squad most Addicks would probably take a draw tomorrow.

Injuries will rule out Solly, Watt and Reza with the Iranian's being severe enough to rule him out for the long term apparently. Igor's ongoing injury problems mean we look very light up front. Luzon may opt to partner Karlan with the great Dane but has the option to use Mak as a target man with someone playing just off him.

Charles-Cook is expected to replace Solly and the rest of the side should be as that which started at the City Ground on Tuesday.

Hull have plenty of quality throughout their side and will probably pose the toughest test this season. The loss of Solly and Watt in particular then make this an even bigger ask and so any kind of positive result would be good.

I'm old enough to have seen Steve Bruce play for Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium. This was in a game against a Fulham side managed by Malcolm McDonald if I remember correctly . He actually got an assist from a throw in that day. He picked up a balloon that had found its way to the side of the pitch and pretended to throw it in and that somewhat distracted the Fulham defence. When Bruce took the throw proper, launching it into the box, the Gills scored and as I recall went onto win. 

Hopefully everyone's season tickets have now been sorted. I'd like to think the big screen will be listing the players throughout the game and that if I ask for a London Pride post-match I won't be offered a meat pie !

All that, like expecting a home win, is a big ask but this is Charlton, this is The Valley and you just never know although being Charlton you'd not be surprised if none of those came to pass !

Come On You Reds !