Michael Appleton is expecting a tough test at Portsmouth on Saturday.
Pompey currently occupy Sky Bet League One's top spot and are unbeaten in a club-record 26 league games, with their last loss coming on March 11th, 2023.
“Clearly, there’s a belief and a momentum within their group that they can win every game and they certainly don’t expect to lose," explained Appleton. "It’s going to be a tough game. I’ve got a decent record at Fratton Park as a manager and I really want to continue that.
"The lads are in good spirits and they’re looking forward to the game. When a side is at the top of the table, they’re there for a reason and it’s because they’ve got quality in abundance.
"We’re aware of those qualities but at the same time we do think that we’ve got a game that’s capable of hurting them as well,” he added.
The Addicks have won each of their last seven showdowns at Fratton Park in a run that dates back to April 2005. Asked if his players are aware of that record, the Head Coach said: “I think it’s important to make players aware of it. Whether it makes a difference or not, I’m not too sure.
"I’m not particularly superstitious in any way, but I think it’s important to note it because I know that there are players who are and they thrive on that. If that helps them an extra couple of per cent tomorrow then brilliant.”
Appleton revealed Tayo Edun and Conor McGrandles are both set to be involved on the south coast after making unscathed returns to action.
“They both came through it with no issues which I was delighted with," he confirmed. "We knew we’d get an hour or so out of both them, obviously Conor played a little bit more because of the situation. We’ve had no ill effects of the weekend with those two and they’ll be involved to some degree on Saturday.
“Apart from where we’ve been at in the last couple of games, we’re pretty much as we were.”
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