Charlton welcome Bristol City to The Valley on Boxing Day (3pm) as the Addicks look to harness the momentum from Saturday’s last-minute equaliser against QPR.
Following the devastating last-gasp draw with Hull City, it appeared that it would be another disappointing result in west London until Naby Sarr stepped up right at the death to earn a crucial point.
Bristol City currently sit eighth in the Championship, 11 points ahead of Charlton, although the Robins have lost three on the bounce including Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Lyle Taylor returned to the starting XI and scored in the draw against QPR. Initially, the plan was for Taylor to play 70 or 75 minutes, but he ended making it the full 90 minutes after asking to be left on the pitch when chasing the game. He should, however, be available from the start on Boxing Day.
The Addicks, however, will still be without Tomer Hemed, Chuks Aneke, Jonny Williams, Josh Cullen, Jake Forster-Caskey, Sam Field, Beram Kayal, George Lapslie, Lewis Page and Ben Amos. Jonathan Leko will also be absent after picking up a knee injury early on against QPR.
For Bristol City, Tomas Kalas made it through the Robins' defeat to Sheffield Wednesday unscathed after returning from tendinitis trouble, but former Addick Jay Dasilva is still unavailable as he recovers from a fractured tibia.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer: "“I’m looking forward to the game. When we played them at there place I thought it was a good game and another game we should of won with the amount of chances we created that night.
"The most important thing is that we get the rest into the players because the games are going to come quick and fast and we have no players coming back from injury. The sooner we can get them rested up the better.”
Bristol City boss Lee Johnson following defeat to Sheffield Wednesday: “We’ve got good players and it won’t stop the belief. We’d have gone joint third today with a win. It is a tough and tight league but we don’t want to keep missing opportunities.
“There were a couple of individuals that didn’t look the level today – and they are at the level – and that is a little bit frustrating because I do believe in them.”
Charlton have faced Bristol City on 62 occasions, winning 31, drawing 12, and losing 19.
The Addicks last beat Bristol City at The Valley in May 2013, Yann Kermogant notching a brace while Jonathan Obika and Johnnie Jackson also scored in a 4-1 victory on the final day of the season.
Keith Stroud will lead the officiating team on Boxing Day. The referee has overseen 16 Championship matches this season giving a total of 50 yellow cards and two reds.
The referee’s last two matches has seen him hand out a total of 12 yellow cards and two reds. Stroud’s last match in charge of Charlton was October’s pulsating 2-2 draw with Fulham.
Rob Smith and Richard Wild will be the assistant referees while Fourth Official Ian Cooper rounds out the officiating team.
Supporters purchasing concession tickets should be aware that ID checks will be in place for those who may appear close to, or outside, the relevant age groups. Appropriate identification includes a driving license, passport or any other photographic ID that shows date of birth. The club will also accept a copy/photograph of these documents provided the date of birth is clearly legible.
Supporters are advised to get to the ground early to avoid queuing to get into the ground. Supporters are also asked to not bring bags, if possible, to help speed up the bag search process.
A 'print at home' option is available, or tickets can be scanned from mobile devices. Tickets are available from the stadium on the day, but supporters should note that a £3 increase on adult, over 65s and U21 tickets kick in 2 hours before kick off.
Supporters can follow all the build-up to the game on Charlton's official Instagram account, official Twitter account and Facebook page.
International fans can watch the game with a Match Pass which costs £5.
Live audio commentary of the game from Charlton commentators Terry Smith and Greg Stubley will be available on Valley Pass in all countries. To purchase the relevant Valley Pass subscription, click here
(Article by Benjy Nurick)