MATCH PREVIEW | Ipswich Town v Charlton

Charlton will be looking to bounce back after an uncharacteristically-lacklustre performance in midweek as they head to Portman Road to take on fellow promotion-chasers Ipswich Town.

Tuesday's defeat at Burton Albion was the Addicks' first loss in nine and Lee Bowyer will be expecting a reaction against the Tractor Boys, who themselves suffered a disappointing midweek defeat, losing 3-0 at home to Hull City.

After a particularly strong start to the season, Paul Lambert's side's results have slipped somewhat in recent weeks, leaving them fifth in League One, two points and one place above Charlton, who have a game in hand.

Alfie Doughty and Ryan Inniss remain sidelined for Charlton through injury, as does Akin Famewo, although the defender is now nearing a return to fitness. Jake Forster-Caskey is also likely to miss out again.

Jason Pearce and Deji Oshilaja are both now fit, but Bowyer warned that Saturday may come too soon for either to start.

For Ipswich, Teddy Bishop, Gwion Edwards, Cole Skuse, Flynn Downes and Jon Nolan all missed Tuesday evening's game with knocks, while Freddie Sears limped off in the first half, so they may be doubtful for Saturday. Andre Dozzell will be available again having served his three-match ban.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer: “I always want a reaction when you lose. It's a case of putting Tuesday to bed, we know that isn't us, so it's about resuming what we're good at - being solid, being good as a team and moving the ball, creating chances.

"The players aren't stupid, they know it wasn't good enough and they'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert: “We lost a game, but we’re still a really good side, we’ll still be up there and we just have to learn from that.

“As I said before, we have to be nasty and I’m pretty sure some of the guys in there have to realise that football isn’t just an easy game, you’ve got to be nasty.”

Charlton and Ipswich have met on 52 previous occasions, with the Addicks winning 18, the Tractor Boys 23 and the remaining 11 games ending in draws.

The last clash at Portman Road came in April 2016 in a game which finished goalless. Charlton's last victory at Ipswich came in September 2012, with Johnnie Jackson and Ricardo Fuller netting in a 2-1 win.

Craig Hicks will be the man in the middle at Portman Road. He has taken charge of 14 games, so far, this term, producing 40 yellow cards and two reds.

It will be the second time he has refereed the Addicks this season, following the 2-0 victory over Oxford United in October, in which he showed a red card to Ryan Inniss.

The match will be played behind closed doors and supporters are reminded to maintain social distancing guidelines and to stay away from the stadium when the match is taking place.

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

Supporters will be able to watch Charlton league games this season live on Valley Pass. All league games, except those selected for UK or international broadcast, will be available to purchase with a match pass which costs £10 in the UK and Ireland and internationally.

Supporters living abroad can purchase a season live video pass for £195, which will give them access to every game the club is allowed to stream internationally during the 2020/21 season.

Supporters who are yet to purchase a pass for Saturday's game can do so here. UK-based supporters who purchase a stream will be entered into the Your Club, Your Car prize draw which will see one lucky fan drive away with one of the club's now-infamous Range Rovers. Click here for more details.

Meanwhile, live audio commentary of the game from Terry Smith and Greg Stubley will be available to Valley Pass subscribers in all countries as usual.

Click here for more information on how to purchase a streaming pass for Saturday's game.

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