Charlton Athletic vs Manchester United - Preview


Race Against Time

By David Hobbs
September 13 2003

Manchester United travel to The Valley to play the very unpredictable Charlton Athletic in United’s first Premiership game in 2-weeks. Despite a slip-up in Southampton, United are in great form hammering Bolton 4-0, coming back to beat Newcastle 2-1, and holding on to a 1-0 lead at Wolverhampton. Match Report

Charlton Athletic v. Manchester United - Preview

Manchester United travel to The Valley to play the very unpredictable Charlton Athletic in United’s first Premiership game in 2-weeks.

Despite a slip-up in Southampton, United are in great form hammering rivals Bolton 4-0, coming back to beat Newcastle 2-1, and holding on to a 1-0 lead at Wolverhampton.

Charlton haven’t made the best start to the Premiership season. They lost 3-0 at home versus Man City, forced a 2-2 against Everton and drew 0-0 with Bolton. But they did manage to thrash new boys Wolves 4-0.

As for the team news, United have 3 major doubts for the game. Mikael Silvestre and John O’Shea both picked up knee injuries whilst on international duty, and Rio Ferdinand has still got a kidney problem.

Diego Forlan is also a doubt, as he may not get back in time from international duty playing for Uruguay. Forlan scored a fine goal for Uruguay against Bolivia the other week.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer (knee) and Nicky Butt (ankle) will both be out for Saturday’s game as they too picked up injuries whilst playing for their respective countries.

Obviously Paul Scholes (hernia), Wes Brown (ankle) and World-Cup winner Kleberson (dislocated shoulder) will all be out for a number of weeks.

As for Charlton, Italian magician Paulo Di Canio is expected to make his full debut for Athletic but other new signing Carlton Cole will be on the sidelines for a number of weeks due to a hip injury.

Mark Fish is suspended for the Addicks, but Chris Perry, on loan from Spurs, should also make his first start of Charlton.

If you fancy a flutter on tomorrow’s game, Ladbrokes- United’s official betting service, have made United 8/13 to take all 3 points and Charlton have been made 7/2.

One to Watch - Paulo Di Canio
The Italian magician will be looking to produce the same magic for Charlton as he did for West Ham. Remember when Di Canio ran through United's back 4 from a Freddie Kanoute through ball to score the winner in the 4th round of the FA Cup in 2001? Di Canio will be looking for more of that when he makes his full debut for Charlton against United.

ManUtdWeb Prediction – Charlton Athletic 1-1 Manchester United
I was not exactly filled with optimism after our last two performances, and the Valley is never an easy place to go. United are also missing a number of key players, so I am going for the 1-1 draw.

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