Charlton host Portsmouth in promotion clash

As the League One play-off chase hots up, fourth placed Portsmouth visit fifth placed Charlton.

A win for Charlton would see the Addicks rise within two points of Pompey who recently reached the Checkatrade Trophy final.

Victory for Portsmouth, who are unbeaten in the league since 29th January, could see them rise to third if results go their way.

Although unbeaten for over a month, Kenny Jackett’s side drew five league games on the bounce in February to halt their promotion chase. The south-coast side finally took all three points last weekend, emphatically beating Bradford 5-1 at Fratton Park.

Charlton come into the fixture following a draw with fellow play-off hopefuls Doncaster away from home.

Lee Bowyer, who is in talks to extend his contract with the club, speaking on the fixture said, ‘We have to match them physically – if we don’t then we lose.’

Charlton will enter the game without captain Jason Pearce as he failed to fully recover from an ankle injury. The Addicks will also be without Jake Foster-Caskey and Lewis Page who have long-term injuries.

Portsmouth recently lost centre-half Christian Burgess with an ankle injury, but are expecting Oli Hawkins, Ronan Curtis, Matt Clarke and Nathan Thompson to return. Long-term absentees Omar Bogle, Andy Cannon and Jack Whatmough will not be available.

The earlier tie this season was packed with incidents. Charlton shot out to a two-goal lead before half-time through goals from Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Nicky Ajose. Portsmouth fought back late through a late Andre Green strike, but Ben Thompson’s late red card stifled Pompey’s rhythm and the Addicks ran out 2-1 winners.

Portsmouth have the best of the head to head record between the sides. Pompey have been victorious on 45 occasions to Charlton’s 35 with 27 draws.

Bowyer and Jackett will both be hopeful of their side coming out on top in the 108th meeting between the two.

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