An aubergine-provoked post

I purchased an aubergine this week. Nothing sinister in it, I just fancied a change. I've become slightly bored of other vegetables, I've lost my zest for the pea and my adoration of the carrot, so I made a decision to try and spice up my meals and add some moxie to my dinner plate. I wonder if Phil Parkinson will have the same idea with regards to the Addicks' starting line-up.

I don't mean he should field an aubergine at left-back - feel free to insert your own Grant Basey criticisms - because that would be stupid, vegetables do not have feet. But after the trite performance that the Reds put on against Leyton Orient, you have to expect Parky to make some alterations to the first XI.

Leon McKenzie has made some decent contributions from the bench in the last month or so and I would like to see him begin proceedings at the Valley on Saturday. The ex-Crystal Palace man prefers to play up front but he looks to be fairly adept on the left side of midfield, Charlton's most troublesome position.

If he did start - probably in place of David Mooney - the 31-year-old could occupy a wide berth when we need him to but have the license to join Deon Burton when he can. McKenzie's presence would free up Jonjo Shelvey - or perhaps even the seldom-seen Therry Racon - to push forward and impact on the game from a central area.

The Addicks should be given a stiff examination by Tranmere, as despite the Birkenhead outfit's lowly league position, they are on the up. Les Parry - who took over from the hapless John Barnes - has galvanised the Whites and following Tuesday's victory over Yeovil, they have only lost two of their last nine league encounters, winning four. Rovers also gave a spirited account of themselves in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Wolves earlier this month, but they are not so industrious outside of Prenton Park.

The Merseysiders have amassed a solitary away league victory this term - and that was at second-bottom Wycombe - while John Aldridge's former club have scored in just four of their 13 games on the road and been barren in their last three. Then again, Leyton Orient had a pretty bad travelling record when they headed to the Valley.

I'm done with predicting who scores and who wins but you have to hope that our players are inspired by the spannering we gave Tranmere in August and come out full of beans. I'll be there to witness the match but until then, I need to figure out what to do with an aubergine.