da supremo： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da pixbet： Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has a big decision to make ahead of the game against Swansea on Wednesday evening.
The Addicks are in a spot of bother at left-back, with first-choice Ben Purrington set to be assessed ahead of the game and his backup option Lewis Page also struggling to stay fit.
Alarmingly, the situation has added significance given who the Swans have available to line up on the right flank…
Who do they have?
The Welsh side have the in-form Andre Ayew available to them, a man who has been in eye-catching form so far this season upon his return to the Liberty Stadium.
Ayew, who has 80 caps for Ghana, spent last term on loan at Fenerbahce but has returned to south Wales in focused fashion as he embarks on his first taste of Championship football.
The 29-year-old has registered three assists in seven league appearances so far in 2019/20, while also recording 2.4 shots and 2.1 dribbles per game.
His skill and the difficulty he causes opponents out on that right flank is emphasised even more by the fact that Ayew gets fouled two times per game on average.
Who does Bowyer have to choose from?
Aside from the aforementioned Purrington – who has been playing on with a calf problem lately – Bowyer may have to look at some unnatural options for the left-back role with Page also unavailable – the 23-year-old is yet to appear this term.
The south Londoners may have to consider the likes of Naby Sarr and Deji Oshilaja for the position.
Sarr is a natural centre-back according to Transfermarkt, although a left-footed one meaning he could potentially be moved out to left-back, whereas Oshilaja – as per his Transfermarkt page – is able to operate at left-back and right-back as well as at centre-back.
Two other options Bowyer has at his disposal are Chris Solly – who can play in both full-back positions – and Adam Matthews- the recent arrival can also operate in either full-back area as well as at right-midfield.
With Ayew in such good form, the decision in Bowyer’s hands is certainly a big one.