CHARLTON host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday night in League One. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.
Charlton vs Sheffield Wednesday | Saturday 7th August 2021, 17:30 | Sky Sports
Two League One heavyweights lock horns in the season opener, this Saturday evening kick-off. Nigel Adkins’ Charlton Athletic finished last term strongly, missing out on the play-offs on goal difference, and they welcome Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday looking to bounce straight back up to second tier football.
The Owls are a few places higher on the outright list to win League One however many are predicting that the off the pitch troubles could hamper them once more in the third tier.
Moore is experienced at the level having spent over one and a half seasons with Doncaster Rovers before his move to Hillsborough, the 47-year-old will be hoping his limited transfer business will be enough to get the better of the South Londoners.
How are they shaping up?
The Addicks boast a fairly impressive starting eleven, arguably ranking them inside the division’s top six for their initial lineup. However significant business is still needed if they are to assemble a squad to compete over the 46 game season, with the bench in an extremely youthful and inexperienced predicament coming into the opening game.
Wednesday do not have that issue and in turn also boast players with the ability to blow the league away in this campaign. Josh Windass and Callum Paterson remain at the club with the former having plenty of possible suitors, while orchestrator and captain Barry Bannan will apply his trade in League One for the first time in his career.
Sean Clare and Craig MacGillivray are the marquee additions for the Addicks, with Akin Famewo returning for a second successive season on loan and Jayden Stockley signing on permanent terms at The Valley following a temporary spell at the club last season.
George Byers is a key acquisition for the Owls in midfield and Bailey Peacock-Farrell is a wonderful glovesman at third tier level. Jack Hunt has also returned to the club after his deal at Bristol City ran out this summer.
Ownership problems or not, the Owls have an accomplished squad for a League One promotion push and a manager in Darren Moore capable of realising exactly that.
The betting angles
The opening day feel can often be a leveller and with good support from the stands, Charlton will be feeling confident. With the prices so evenly matched, adjusted to the newly returning home advantage it would seem there is a good opportunity to get the underdogs onside.
Adkins instilled a defence first style in the last couple of months of last season with the Addicks and it would not be a shock to see that crop up at the beginning here with the squad still lacking in key areas. Therefore the draw is an attractive selection.
Best Bets
Charlton vs Sheffield Wednesday – Draw (9/4 Bet365)
Charlton vs Sheffield Wednesday – Sheffield Wednesday +0.25 Asian Handicap (5/7 Mansion Bet)
