After dropping another 2 points in midweek and failing to convert a 1-0 lead into a win for the 4th time in a row, the Tigers desperately need to find a way to win to keep their playoff hopes alive...

Opponent Observations

Charlton’s scenario before kick-off is clear; a point is all they require to be playing Championship football next season. This makes the game so much more challenging for the Tigers, as if it wasn’t going to be anyway, facing a side who will be more than fired up for the occasion, especially considering they are winless in their last 7 games.
After doing some due diligence by watching Charlton’s game on Wednesday vs Ipswich Town (in hopes that they would secure the point they needed), this is what I saw: A hungry team who weren’t scared of taking the game to their opponent, especially considering where Ipswich sit in the table; they were quick to break with the ball after re-gaining possession, posing a real threat on the counter and out wide if you’re not careful.
Ipswich soon learned how to deal with this, though, and gradually began to dominate the game. The way to do so is to take control of the midfield battle, which is where the Addicks thrive, with ball-winners like Conor Coventry, Joe Rankin-Costello, and former Tiger Greg Docherty.

If City can keep possession and use the flanks to their advantage, with the likes of Mo Belloumi, Liam Millar, Kyle Joseph, or Joe Gelhardt bombing down the line and creating chances, they will certainly pose a big threat to Charlton.

Key Players

Sonny Carey
The attacking midfielder is the top scorer for the Addicks this season, with 8 goals to his name. A large portion of Charlton’s play is dictated by the Englishman, creating just under 2 big chances per 90, while also not being afraid to let a shot go, posing a threat from range.

Lloyd Jones
Vice-Captain Lloyd Jones has been by far Charlton’s standout this season, starting 43 of 44 games.
Jones is a dominant centre-half, winning just under 70% of all aerial duels this season, and making over 13 defensive contributions per 90 (tackles/interceptions/blocks/clearances), a large reason as to why the Addicks are above the drop zone, rather than inside it.

Greg Docherty
Former Tiger Greg Docherty has hit the ground running after his spell in Black and Amber came to an end, playing 49 games in all competitions last season, and another 39 so far this season.
Doc hasn’t contributed as many goals or assists as he did last season, but he has been an important part of Charlton’s engine room this season, playing in a more defensive role out of the Addicks’ midfield 3.

Head to Head

Perfectly poised for the balance to be tipped one way or the other, 3 wins for Charlton, 3 for City, and 3 draws in the last 9 meetings between both sides.
In the reverse fixture at the MKM, the Tigers were held to a 1-1 draw in agonising fashion, when they conceded from a 91st-minute corner after being the better side and leading almost as soon as the second half began.
The Tigers have only won one of the last 5 against the Addicks, which was while both were playing in the third tier during City’s title-winning season. The last time City won at the Valley came all the way back in November 1985. Is it about time to break that duck?

Their Last Few

Charlton Athletic 1 - 2 Bristol City
Watford 1 - 1 Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic 1 - 2 Preston North End
Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic 1 - 2 Ipswich Town

Predictions
Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
Left Back: Ryan Giles
Centre Back: Semi Ajayi
Centre Back: John Egan
Right Back: Lewie Coyle
Midfield: John Lundstram
Midfield: Regan Slater
Attacking Midfield: Matt Crooks

Left Wing: Kyle Joseph
Striker: Oli McBurnie
Right Wing: Mohamed Belloumi

Scoreline

I am hoping and praying that City can finally get a win after going so long without one, hitting a dry patch at the worst time possible. It’ll no doubt be an awfully tricky match to navigate, but I have faith that they can get it done. Playing early on Saturday, a win would pile the pressure on Wrexham, who face the Champions on Sunday. I’m going for a narrow 2-1 win.