Charlton face a tough task if they are to progress to the second round of the FA Cup. They travel to Mansfield on Sunday to face a Stags side that has been in impressive form this season.

David Flitcroft’s side sit in seventh place in the League Two table, and have lost just twice all season.

West Brom beat them in the Carabao Cup, and Exeter inflicted their sole league defeat on them.

The Addicks will field a mixture of fringe players, with one or two of the more senior members of the squad.

One player who will play some part in the game is Billy Clarke, who makes a welcome return after a year on the sidelines.

Lee Bowyer had this to say about Clarke at his Friday press conference:

“He’ll be involved Sunday. It’s good to have him back in and around the squad.
“He’s not back to where he was, he is still a bit off that, but he’s a good lad and he’ll keep working hard and we’ll keep pushing him.

“This was always the plan, to introduce him into this game and he’s ready to get involved so it’s good for him.

“It’s a relief, I’m pleased for him because he’s worked so hard.”

Clarke scored in the Under-23 game with Bristol City last week, and if he can stay fit, he will be like a new signing for Bowyer.

Among those Clarke could be joined by are Dillon Phillips, Anfernee Dijksteel, Ryan Blumberg, Jamie Mascoll, Naby Sarr,Toby Stevenson, George Lapslie, Taylor Maloney, Mark Marshall, Albie Morgan, Darren Pratley, Jamie Ward, Nicky Ajose and ‎Tariqe Fosu.

The referee will be Ollie Yates.

Mansfield willgo into the game as bookies’ favourites to win, and Charlton will have to show character, resilience and determination if they are to progress in the competition.

This will be ‎the Addicks’ first trip to Mansfield for 40 years, so it will be a new ground for many of the 500 or so fans who will make the journey.

Train travel is always difficult on a Sunday, and this trip is no different. There will be engineering works on the East Midlands line, meaning a replacement bus service will be in operation between Bedford and Leicester.

It will be a difficult afternoon all round.