Stuart wants aggressive Addicks against Pompey

14 April 2012

Graham Stuart has called on his team-mates to up their work-rate ahead of tomorrow's trip to Portsmouth.

The Charlton midfielder is unhappy at his side's inconsistent start to the season and says the only solution is sheer hard work.

Stuart believes Charlton are at their best when they play a high-tempo pressing game, and hopes to see an aggressive attitude at Fratton Park. He said:

"We've got a really good work ethic but when we take our foot off the gas we don't get results. When we work hard we get victories as there are not many teams out there who can outfight us. We're at our best when we're jumping in at people and getting stuck into the opposition.

"It's been difficult this season and we're a funny side. We seem to have sloppy patches and then go on ridiculous unbeaten runs and everyone talks about us getting into Europe. We're funny like that. We can be brilliant one minute and awful the next and need to show more consistency. If we can play consistently we'll finish in the top half of the table."

Sunday's thrilling 3-2 defeat of Liverpool was only Charlton's second win of the season and Stuart believes it could prove to be the turning point of their campaign. Portsmouth made a superb start on their return to the top flight but have not won for four games and, after defeats by Blackburn and Birmingham, will want to get back to winning ways in front of their own supporters.

Charlton's good away record will give them encouragement however, and with Arsenal the first visitors to The Valley after the international break, Alan Curbishley's side are targeting tomorrow's game as one they can win.

Stuart said: "We've got a chance now and want to build on this victory. They've lost two on the bounce and will want to get back to winning ways at home so it looks like it'll be a tough game. It's going to be hard and we're expecting a battle. The law of averages suggests they won't carry on losing and they'll be fired up.

"We've got to be honest about it and look to pick up points where we can. We know Arsenal are coming and can't expect to get much out of that game, so Portsmouth is a big game for us."

Curbishley adds Jason Euell to the squad that beat Liverpool, with defenders Richard Rufus, Gary Rowett and Hermann Hreidarsson still struggling for match fitness after recovering from knee injuries. Kevin Lisbie is expected to start with Shaun Bartlett up front following his hattrick against Liverpool, though Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp regards Paolo Di Canio as the visitors' most likely match winner.

He said: "Paolo's a real talent and can win a game with one piece of skill. He's still a great player and a great character, and he did a brilliant job for me when I took him to West Ham. I'll be looking forward to seeing him tomorrow."

Portsmouth v Charlton, 3pm, tomorrow, Fratton Park

Stuart wants aggressive Addicks against Pompey

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