The lower divisions are a relentless slog, 46 league games as well as three cup competitions have to be fitted into the campaign.

Nowhere is the workload more intense than in the engine room, the centre of midfield. Dale Stephens and Danny Hollands are the manager’s preferred option in this area and both have been below their best recently.

Danny Hollands has started every league and FA Cup game, a total of 39 appearances. Hollands started the season as the more defensive of the pair, nominally the holding player, albeit with far more to his game than Jose Semedo, the player he replaced.

During Stephens’ enforced absence, Hollands pushed further forward and has notched a creditable seven goals. Since Stephens has returned, Hollands has – on occasions – still played further forward than his partner.

Stephens missed three months of the season following ankle surgery and the recent hectic schedule seems to have caught up with him as well.

Flanked by Danny Green and Johnnie Jackson, the Charlton midfield does lack pace, which can make things attritional in the middle of the park.

Powell does have options though. The side prospered when Andy Hughes came in to partner Hollands and Preston loanee, Darel Russell, is another who can add solidity to the central area.

Bradley Pritchard is an energetic performer who can also be used in a central, as well as wide position.

The secret is to know when to make a change without disrupting the rhythm of the side. The temptation is to leave things alone, which is what Powell has done. With a week’s rest between the Notts County and Scunthorpe games, the manager may opt to stick with Stephens and Hollands again. Scunthorpe make the long trek to Yeovil this evening so the Addicks should have the edge, freshness wise, on Saturday. Yeovil, ironically, visit The Valley next Tuesday.

Another reason for Stephens and Hollands’ additional workload has been the five man midfield utilised ny many opponents recently, thus giving them a numerical advantage.

Powell will be mulling over his options, which could be increased if there are any arrivals via the loan market.

Charlton fans will be rooting for last week’s conquerors, Colchester, who entertain second placed Sheffield United this evening.