Promotion candidates Charlton Athletic visit strugglers Rochdale in League One

Lee Bowyer’s Charlton side will be looking to bounce back after their midweek loss at home to Portsmouth, as they travel to the Crown Oil Arena to face a Rochdale team who lie precariously just three points above the relegation zone.

Despite an impressive 2-1 victory away at Bristol City last weekend, Rochdale come into the game with just one win in their last eight, something manager Brian Barry-Murphy will be looking to rectify as Charlton visit the Crown Oil Arena.

The Dale have seen goals flying in at both ends in recent weeks, with a total of 50 goals being accrued in their previous ten games, with two wins, four draws and four defeats in that same period, leaving them 18th in League One.

Meanwhile, Charlton haven’t been in great form themselves, despite sitting in eighth position and level on points with Sunderland in the last Play-Off spot, they have managed just two wins in their previous ten outings.

If they are serious about challenging for promotion, Lee Bowyer must address this form as they head into the latter part of the season.

In the reverse of this fixture just three weeks ago, fans were treated to a spectacular eight-goal thriller as the game finished 4-4 at The Valley. It was Rochdale who led 4-2 at half-time, however, the Addicks showed great character as they produced a second-half comeback to take a share of the points.

The two sides have previously met on 19 occasions, with Charlton winning ten and Rochdale winning five, with the remaining four encounters ending in draws.

Charlton’s last win away to Rochdale came ten years ago back in September 2011, with Danny Hollands and Rhoys Wiggins scoring in a 3-2 victory.

Team news

Dale have been handed a boost and could give debuts to new arrivals Jack Vale, Conor Grant and Conor Shaughnessy. However, they could be without Eoghan O’Connell, Paul McShane and Jimmy Ryan, all three are doubts having been sidelined with injuries in recent weeks. Jay Lynch could make a return having observed a period of self-isolation.

Charlton defender Akin Famewo has a chance of being involved after returning to full training this week, however, Lee Bowyer recently said he may look to give Famewo some minutes for the U23 squad to help bring him up to speed again.

Deadline-day arrival Diallang Jaiyesimi is now available to play and is in line to make his Addicks debut. Conor Washington is the only other injury doubt but Bowyer has confirmed he is not willing to risk him this weekend.

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