Charlton +1 – 4/6
I mean, they’re at home around Christmas time.
You know how this goes. A side who are marginally better than the hosts turn up and their performance goes to pot simply because they believed they’d stroll into the Valley, pass the ball around at half-pace for 90 minutes, then score a litany of goals to please the travelling support who absolutely under no circumstances could ever boo you.
Well, not quite. Hull are six points better off then Charlton, I grant you, but their defensive record leaves an awful lot to be desired.
Their 29 goals conceded is the worst of any of the top 14 sides in the division and while they might be offering a brand of football one doesn’t immediately associate with Hull City (the only things you do associate with them, mind you, are Jimmy Bullard and half-time team talks on the pitch) they’re very easy to roll over.
They lose shape about as often as anyone in the division and not coming in as underdogs will be counter-productive to them here, too.
Charlton to have a Red Card – 17/2
There have been a lot of things said about Lee Bowyer’s managerial career, but the one that always sticks out to me is that he reinforces the idea that blood and thunder wins the day.
In adopting that approach, Charlton may well run through a brick wall for him. Or, you know, an opposition player – and the last time I checked, I believe red cards were issued for those offences.
It’s exceptionally easy to get wound when your home fans are on your back and you’re in the middle of December – and this could well be the occasion where it happens.
Full Time Score: 0-0 – 11/1
You know sometimes you just a feeling about a match where both sides would relatively happy with a result after about an hour, making the final 30 minutes a non-event for everyone involved?
Yes, I’m painting a picture but it’s definitely something everyone can relate to.
What I’m saying is, if you’re about Friday and you want to have a bet, take the above advice.
Shoot over to PaddyPower.com now for all the latest football odds* All odds correct at time of posting.
