MATCH PREVIEW | Charlton v Middlesbrough

Charlton take on Middlesbrough in a vital fixture near the bottom of the table on Saturday and Lee Bowyer will be looking for his players to stick together and bounce back after a disappointing result at fellow relegation-battlers Huddersfield Town last weekend.

The Addicks' last game against Middlesbrough saw Charlton slip to a narrow 1-0 defeat at The Riverside Stadium back in December and Lee Bowyer will be hoping to get one back over his former Leeds and Newcastle teammate, and current Boro boss, Jonathan Woodgate.

Just a single point separates the two sides with Middlesbrough in the final relegation spot while Charlton sit in 20th.

Saturday could see the return of Darren Pratley, who has been sidelined recently with a back complaint, while the game comes just too soon for Naby Sarr. Tom Lockyer also misses out for the Addicks in his final game of his suspension. Long-term injury sufferer Lewis Page also remains sidelined, as does Sam Field.

For Boro, they will be boosted by the return of Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher though they will still be without Dael Fry, Patrick Roberts, George Roberts and Daniel Ayala. Former Charlton man Anfernee Dijksteel has also returned to training after a lengthy spell out but is unlikely to play having been building up match fitness with the U23s.

Charlton Boss Lee Bowyer: "We’re in the run-in now for the last 10 games and both teams will go out there and try and win the game. I have no doubt that Jonathan [Woodgate] will be getting his side ready.

"I know it’s going to be a tough game, but I trust my players and I know that they will go out there and fight for every ball.”

Middlesbrough Boss Jonathan Woodgate:

"They started off really well but they had 15 players out at one point. What they did last season was fantastic. They have suffered a lot with injuries."

Charlton and Middlesbrough have faced off 105 times with Charlton winning 36 times and drawing 25 times while Middlesbrough have come out on top 44 times.

The last time Charlton beat Middlesbrough at The Valley was back in 2016 when the Addicks managed a surprise 2-0 win over promotion-chasing Boro thanks to goals from Jorge Texiera and Callum Harriott.

Stephen Martin will be the referee on Saturday in what will be his fourth time in charge of a Charlton game this season having overseen our 3-0 win over Derby County, the reverse fixture against Middlesbrough and our 0-0 draw against Fulham.

Martin has dished out 70 yellows and two red cards in 29 games this term. He will be joined by Robert Hyde and Matt Foley as assistants while Sam Purkiss will be the Fourth Official.

Saturday's game is KIDS FOR A QUID, with every U11 ticket costing just £1!



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.

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.

Due to scheduled rail maintenance works there will be no trains running to Charlton station, click here for further information.

Supporters are advised to arrive at the ground early and to avoid bringing bags to help speed up entry to the stadium.

Supporters can follow all the build-up to the game on Charlton's official Instagram account, official Twitter account and Facebook page.

Live audio commentary of the game from Charlton commentators Terry Smith and Greg Stubley will be available on Valley Pass in all countries.

International fans can watch the game with a Match Pass which costs £5.

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