Bolton home. What was the score? Lost 1-0 I don't know much about the game on Saturday but when the result came through it was not surprising, knocking us back to earth after the victory at Chelski on Wednesday. We have never beaten Big Sam's boys in the Premiership and their rough and ready style has always unsettled us.

Our home form is extremely disappointing and I'm sure Curbishley would swap a couple of our away achievements for home victories.

It didn't augur well when Bent was taken ill on Friday and as we all suspected we just can't afford for him to be out. Bothroyd, from the little I have seen, is not a lone front man.

Our home form is a cause for concern - The Valley has only seen 3 home league wins in 2005! Our game is well suited away from home and we play with fine confidence and movement. At home opponents concentrate on stifling Murphy and Smertin and with the trigger locked the wide men have to drop deep to find the ball and so often a the lone striker is isolated.

Whereas Bent can hang on defenders shoulders and get away on goal if given the slightest opportunity, the other forwards in the club cannot.

I would really like us, starting against United, to start with two up front, if for no other reason than to see Bent play in his preferred formation. Bent and Bartlett (if fit) or Bent and Bothroyd. Come on Curbs, why the hell not?

Reports from those that were there: Charlton Athletic Online; Addicks Diary; All Quiet; cafc.co.uk.  ¶ 20:10