After a two week break due to international fixtures, the Addicks return to League duty on Saturday, and have another game three days later.
Russell Slade’s side have not won since August, and have slumped to 18th in the table. The manager will be anxious to arrest the fall and take a quick fire six points.
Recent performances have done nothing to suggest the team are about to embark on a run, but Slade will have been working them hard in training.
First up is rock bottom Coventry at The Valley on Saturday, followed by a trip to Port Vale next Tuesday.
The Sky Blues have won just one of their League One fixtures, ironically at Port Vale in their last outing.
Coventry’s form in the knockout competitions could not be more different. They have beaten Portsmouth and Norwich in the EFL Cup, and West Ham and Northampton in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Sky Blues recently parted company with manager Tony Mowbray, and their fortunes have improved since Mowbray’s assistant, Mark Venus, took over. Their fans will be hoping the new manager bounce effect continues on Saturday.
Coventry’s supporters are unhappy with the club’s owners, and will join Charlton fans in a pre-match march, with further protests planned for inside the stadium.
It will be a difficult afternoon for the players, but it is essential that the Addicks return to winning ways quickly.
Port Vale have soared to fourth in the table, despite that recent loss to the Sky Blues at Vale Park.
Their home form has been good. Vale Park has one of the biggest pitches in the country, and
Bruno Ribeiro’s side make full use of it with their expansive game.
Slade is a cautious manager, and the wide open spaces of Vale Park will present another problem for him to counteract.
Charlton have good attacking options in their ranks, Ricky Holmes, Nicky Ajose, Josh Magennis and Lee Novak should all enjoy the freedom of Tuesday’s venue.
Holmes has already established himself as a fans’ favourite, and Slade will be hoping the wide man can supply enough bullets for his strikers to find their shooting boots and win the game.
It will be a crucial few days for the Addicks.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic