Charlton leapfrogged Stoke on Thursday evening without even playing! The Potters were drubbed 5-0 at Leeds, giving them an inferior goal difference to the Addicks. 

Things at the bottom of the table took another twist on Friday when Luton won 2-0 at Huddersfield to move within two points of the Addicks.

Lee Bowyer’s side could clamber as high as17th if they beat Reading on Saturday and results elsewhere go there way. Currently in 15th and 16th place are Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday who are both facing points deductions. 

Jason Pearce was revealed as the first ever EFL Player of the Month for June on Friday. As well as his usual no nonsense defending, Pearce scored the goal that won the game at Hull when action resumed.

Charlton will be relying on their skipper to marshall his defensive troops against Reading.

With goals at a premium, it is essential the Addicks are watertight at the back.

Bowyer will again shuffle his pack. He has hinted that Macauley Bonne may need a breather, but such is the paucity of his attacking options, he may be forced to start the Zimbabwean again.

Tomer Hemed and Chuks Aneke struggle to complete 90 minutes, and have scored one goal between them, while Andre Green misses out with a niggle.
Bowyer may bring Aiden McGeady back to add some attacking sparkle, but like fellow attack minded midfielder, Jonnie Williams, McGeady is yet to score for the club.

There could scarcely be a better time for the attackers to find their shooting boots. Games are running out fast, and three points from this game could be crucial.

The referee will be  Darren Bond of Lancashire.    

Here are Bowyer’s pre-match thoughts:

“From when we started after lockdown, we are in a better position, it is in our hands. We’ve done well to pick up the points we have, three very good results and then the last two we haven’t really done much wrong and we’ve been unfortunate not to pick anything up. 

“So, we’ve got four games, all tough in different ways, and it is in our hands to get as many points as we can to stay in the division.

“Reading are another good side but it’s a game where I think if we turn up and do things right, we’ve got as good a chance as they do. 

“The most important thing is that we keep fighting, pushing and sticking together until the end.

“We’ve got four games to go and we’ve got to work hard for every point. Every point is precious. That Cardiff one, we might look back at that and think ‘that was a great point that night’.

” We’ve still got 12 to play for and I think we’ll be ok but we have to do the right things. We have to fight, compete and dig in and when we get our chances we have to take them.”