You have to go back nearly 20 years, to December 1995 for Charlton’s last win at the Den.
There have not been that many encounters between the local rivals in the intervening years, but the fact is the Addicks have a dreadful record against the Lions.
Millwall have a real fight on their hands if they are to beat the drop, and recently installed club legend, Neil Harris, as interim manager following the dismissal of Ian Holloway.
The Lions main failing has been at home where they have not won for nearly six months. They beat Cardiff 1-0 in October but since then, in all competitions, Millwall have drawn five and lost eight of the games they have played at the Den.
Lions fans will look at this game as an ideal opportunity to end the run, whilst the travelling contingent will feel that they have the best opportunity of beating their near neighbours for some while.
Guy Luzon’s side have won seven of their last nine games and Charlton fans are enjoying his attacking philosophy:
“Football is about momentum. I don’t like if we are leading 1-0, I want to push for two, three, four or five,” is how Luzon described his outlook.
The head coach’s team selection may not be straightforward. His squad have had a number of injuries, a suspension and players returning from international duty.
Stephen Henderson will be in goal but Luzon will have decisions to make about the back-four. Chris Solly was injured in the warm-up before the Reading game but is expected to be fit enough to return.
Roger Johnson’s experience will be vital in a game that is bound to be played in an electric atmosphere. Tal Ben Haim has been away on international duty with Israel and Joe Gomez has played three times for the England Under-19 team since the Reading game.
Rhoys Wiggins could be fit but Luzon is likely to stick with Morgan Fox at left-back.
Johann Gudmundsson is another who has been away on international duty but looks certain to fill the wide right berth in midfield, with either Frederic Bulot or Chris Eagles on the opposite flank.
Yoni Buyens picked up his tenth yellow card of the season against Reading and will miss this game, as well as Tuesday’s clash with Fulham at The Valley. Alou Diarra – if not required for central defensive duties – will probably partner Jordan Cousins in the middle, though Johnnie Jackson may be available again.
Tony Watt will relish the atmosphere of this match and Igor Vetokele looks set to return as his partner.
The Addicks could line-up like this:
Henderson; Solly, Ben Haim, Johnson, Fox; Gudmundsson, Cousins, Diarra, Bulot; Watt, Vetokele.
Subs: Dmitrovic, Gomez, Bikey, Lepoint, Eagles, Church, Harriott.
The referee will be Mick Russell from Hertfordshire.
Charlton have been very cagey in this fixture of recent times but Luzon plays a more expansive game than some of his predecessors. His team will be looking to end their recent goal drought against Millwall and go on to secure a rare victory over their close rivals.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic