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Carlisle Utd v Charlton Ath Preview
Carlisle Utd v Charlton Ath Preview

Having twice won promotion at Brunton Park in the 1980’s, many Addicks fans have long identified 14 April as the day when the club would ensure their elevation to the Championship.

It is not entirely in their own hands of course, but a victory over Carlisle would mean that Sheffield Wednesday would need to win at Colchester to deny the Addicks a guaranteed top two finish. All Charlton can do is take care of business in Cumbria which will not ne easy.

Carlisle lost three of their opening four home league games but now proudly boast an unbeaten run of 17 games that stretches back to September.

The Cumbrians play-off hopes took a jolt this week when leading scorer, Lee Miller, and influential midfielder, Chris Chantler, were ruled out for the season.

Chris Powell looks set to have a full squad to choose from other than the suspended midfield duo of Danny Hollands and Darel Russell. Gallic warrior, Yann Kermorgant, Rhoys Wiggins and Bradley Wright-Phillips all seemed to pick up knocks on Monday but seem set to travel.

Midfield will be the area that the manager will give most thought to. Scott Wagstaff is available again and is likely to return on the right. Powell is a fan of Stephens’ passing and Pritchard’s energy, though they do not look an ideal pairing. Many would prefer to see the more solid Andy Hughes anchor midfield, with either Stephens or Pritchard alongside.

It would appear that Powell does not see Johnnie Jackson a central midfielder so he will continue on the left.

Carlisle are not one of the more physical sides in the division, so Wright-Phillips is likely to partner Kermorgant up front.

Charlton could line-up like this:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Wiggins; Wagstaff, Stephens, Pritchard, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Subs: Sullivan, Taylor, Hughes, Cook, N’Guessan.

County Durham’s David Webb will take charge of his third Charlton away game of the season. Webb was in charge for the 2-1 win at Bury as well as the 1-1 draw at Walsall.

For the conspiracy theorists, Yorkshire’s Carl Boyeson – who took charge of Charlton’s game at Huddersfield – will be the referee for Sheffield Wednesday’s game at Colchester!

Chris Powell will be hopeful his resolute defence can keep Carlisle at bay. If they do, the Addicks have enough players capable of snatching a goal, to grab a narrow win.

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