Not since the heady days of Harry Redknapp’s time in charge, have Bournemouth played in the second tier of English football.

Like Redknapp, Eddie Howe honed his managerial skills at Dean Court – or the Goldsands Stadium as it is currently known.

Howe’s performance in overcoming a 17 point deduction and keeping the Cherries in the Football League was a magnificent performance. Soon he followed it up by taking the club he spent most of his playing career with, into League One, then into the end of season play-offs.

His achievements alerted other clubs to his talent, Charlton amongst them. He bade a teary farewell to his beloved Bournemouth after a televised Friday night game at Colchester in January 2011. Howe took over at recently relegated Burnley and though he steadied the ship at Turf Moor, the move was not a complete success.

When the opportunity came to return to Bournemouth midway through last season, it was too good a chance to turn down. Hovering around the drop zone, Howe and his assistant, Jason Tindall, quickly turned the Cherries fortunes round.

A long unbeaten run, followed by a blip, then a strong finish saw Bournemouth gain automatic promotion. But for that incredible incident at Griffin Park, when Doncaster got a late, late goal, Howe would have won the title.

His sides always play an easy-on-the-eye passing game and Chris Powell will need to have his troops on their mettle to get anything from the game.

Howe has added experience to his back line with the acquisition of Elliott Ward from Norwich and Ian Harte from Reading. Former Addicks, Simon Francis and Harry Arter, are regulars in the team and one time Charlton target, Matt Ritchie will supply the bullets for hit-man, Brett Pitman to fire.

Powell’s late swoop for Simon Church and Marvin Elliott may have come too late for the duo to feature in the starting XI and they may have to settle for bench spots.

Powell will probably retain the 4-5-1 shape he has used in recent friendly games. Dale Stephens and Mark Gower are likely to be used as the two holding midfielders in the central quintet. The pragmatism of Bradley Pritchard will probably get the nod over the flare of Danny Green on the right, with Johnnie Jackson and Callum Harriott providing the goal threat to supplement lone striker, Yann Kermorgant.

Charlton could line-up like this:

Hamer; Solly, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Pritchard, Stephens, Gower, Jackson, Harriott; Kermorgant.

Subs: Pope, Wood, Evina, Wilson, Green, Church, Sordell.

The referee will be Andy D’Urso from Billericay.

There will be plenty of hope and expectation at the start of a new season and with Charlton normally being good starters, Powell will anticipate getting something from the game.