Nathan Jones is anticipating Charlton's toughest test of the season so far on Saturday when the Addicks host Birmingham City.
Blues narrowly edged the Carabao Cup tie between the two sides at The Valley back in August.
“Structurally they will be similar I’d imagine," said Jones. "They are a wonderful side and they are the best side in the division because they are top at this point in time. They are proving, at this point in time, that they are the best side in the division. It will be a tough, tough game, but, as you've seen, they all are.
“If you ask me now would I take three points and a poor performance over a brilliant performance and a defeat, I’d take the points. That's a real necessity. It’s going to be a tough game. We gave them a wonderful game in the cup and should have scored more than we did. It's as tough a test as you can get at this point in time, and we will be up for it.”
Miles Leaburn made his long-awaited return to action for Charlton in midweek, coming on as a second-half substitute at the Memorial Stadium.
“I would have liked him to come on a bit earlier, but we listened to medical advice and made sure he got the correct amount of minutes with the development squad before we put him in," revealed the boss. "We didn’t bring him on at any risk - we brought him on because the situation determined. He will get better game in, game out, and he’s back in contention.”
Jones also provided an update on Gassan Ahadme, who was forced off on Tuesday.
“We have been assessing him,” the gaffer explained. "He took a blow to the chest which caused him to have some breathing problems. We took him off immediately and have gone through all of the protocols. We need to make sure he is alright.”
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