Queens Park Rangers have had a disappointing season, and have never seriously threatened to make their anticipated promotion push.
Lack of consistency has been their downfall, but losing star striker, Charlie Austin, to Southampton in January has not helped their cause.
The Addicks played well at Ipswich in the week but the draw, though a good result in normal circumstances, was not enough given their current predicament.
Jose Riga had Yaya Sanogo available after serving his three match suspension, but the Arsenal loanee had an indifferent game.
Charlton picked up a couple of unwanted injuries at Portman Road. Johan Berg Gudmundsson suffered an early head injury and had to be replaced. Alou Diarra got through the 90 minutes, but could hardly move by the end after injuring his foot.
Gudmundsson’s creativity is vital and the player has indicated he could be available for the Loftus Road clash. Diarra looks very doubtful though.
Chris Solly returned at Ipswich and could retain his place, especially if Riga decides not to risk Gudmundsson. Marco Motta would be the likely replacement for the Icelander.
Nick Pope continues to make the most of his opportunities and will again keep his place between the sticks.
Skipper, Johnnie Jackson, or El-Hadji Ba will probably come in if Diarra fails to recover in time, and Riga will alsohave to consider his striking options.
Ademola Lookman was a constant threat on Tuesday and will keep his place, with Yun Suk-Young being unavailable for this game.
Patrick Bauer played 45 minutes for the Under-21s in the week and could be in contention for a place on the bench.
The Addicks could field this team:
Pope; Solly, Fanni, Teixeira, Fox; Motta, Cousins, Jackson, Lookman; Sanogo, Harriott.
Subs: Henderson, Lennon, Gudmundsson, Ba, Bergdich, Makienok, Vetokele.
West Yorkshire’s Andrew Madley will be the man in the middle.
Charlton’s plight is desperate now and they probably need to win five of their remaining six games to survive.
If they can replicate Tuesday’s performance, and be a bit more clinical in front of goal, the Addicks will have a chance of winning in West London.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic