'A barometer of Charlton's credentials'
- Published
Charlton Athletic travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon (15:00 BST), in what promises to be a stern early season test.
Bristol City's opening league win was a statement 4-1 victory over the very team, Sheffield United, that knocked them out of last season's play-off semi-finals with a crushing 6–0 aggregate scoreline.
That emphatic result set the tone, and with a solid EFL Cup victory over MK Dons also under their belt, they have begun with both a league and cup win.
Charlton, freshly promoted, also got off to a promising start, landing a narrow Championship opening day win at home against Watford, quickly followed by a 3‑1 EFL Cup triumph over Stevenage.
This encounter offers a barometer of Charlton's credentials. While Bristol City rotated five players for their cup match, Charlton made 11 changes - prioritising depth, youth and fresh legs.
Ashton Gate is a proper football stadium - I have visited three times - and fans may still feel the sting of injury-time heartbreak in the 2019-20 season.
My own indelible memory is of 6ft 5in Dane Simon Makienok fussing over his long blond hair more than the action during a Boxing Day match in 2015.
My first visit here was part of my 'Doing the 92' quest - a joyful double-header that included ticking Newport County off the list later that evening.
On the pitch, Charlton must avoid gifting cheap free-kicks in Scott Twine territory. The City playmaker has already had a hand in five goals this season (two goals and three assists).
In both of their matches, City have shone in pressing intensity and rapid transitions - hallmarks of head coach Gerhard Struber's style, which is founded on vertical, high-energy football.
Charlton, though, have weapons of their own: Lloyd Jones is a physical menace at set-pieces, Josh Edwards' long throws can wreak havoc, and pacey Rob Apter adds penetrating delivery from the right.
Up front, the forward combinations of Tyreece Campbell, Charlie Kelman, Issac Olaofe or Miles Leaburn could unsettle any defence.
Still, City's Championship nous may just have the edge. Reluctantly, I'm predicting a narrow 2‑1 defeat for the Addicks.