Charlton v QPR 9 Aug 22 0 - 0 ET 5-3 (1st Rnd Carabao Cup)

I'm confident that Beale will eventually get things sorted but as fans we saw the same weaknesses that were there last season. IMO our fringe players like Albert (better wing back than attacking midfielder), Thomas, Bonne Kakay and Hamalainen aren't good enough for Championship football. We saw tonight that even against League 1 opposition they struggle to be competitive. 

Another waste of a squad place is Charlie Owens and he couldn't even make the bench tonight. Whoever gave him another 12 month contract should be made to pay his salary out of their pocket. 

I except that we are not in a position to just offload all of our misfits but a goalscorer and a couple of full backs are vital.

With Willock, Amos and Paal all injured and  not be available for the Sunderland game it looks like another grim trip up north plus an investigation on what's causing all these injuries. 

Asked by WLS if the lack of cover for Paal was a worry, Beale said: “

“There’s no lack of depth in terms of numbers, because Niko played there.

“He’s a player that has been at the club a long time. He’s an international and has played in big games and he’s been waiting for his opportunity.

“So if I say there’s a lack of strength or options there, then we’re just going to dispel him, and he doesn’t want me to do that obviously.

“He trains at a higher level than he showed this evening"

Roberts looks like he can do Willock's job on Saturday. But that is where the positives end.

Without Amos the midfield is too one paced and too safe. Dozzell has disappointed me because I thought a change of manager could help him find that extra few gears but he's plateaued at best. Field isn't pushing forward like he was in pre-season, he's reverted to a defensive mindset.

Hamalainen continues to look uncomfortable. He wasn't the worst player last night, but I fail to see what he brings.

So having a questionable left back and a question mark in midfield could be a big issue on Saturday.