Charlton’s home form has been poor this season, they have recorded just four wins from sixteen games in all competitions.

There are numerous theories, the latest coming from Ben Hamer, who believes the state of the Valley pitch is to blame.

A contributory factor has certainly been the lack of adventure the Addicks have shown, Chris Powell has often fielded a 4-5-1 line-up and his team have struggled to create chances.

Birmingham are a side who would have expected to be challenging for promotion this season. Lee Clark has found the step up to managing in the Championship a difficult transition, though his side are in reasonable form at present. The Blues have lost just one of their last six fixtures and are unbeaten in their last three on the road.

Powell has a full strength squad to choose from, with some of those who have sidelined by injury playing in the friendly with Millwall on Tuesday.

The game will come too soon for Andy Hughes to be involved but Powell may start Rhoys Wiggins at left-back. Dale Stephens could return in place of Dorian Dervite in midfield and if, as expected, Powell sticks with a 4-5-1 formation, Danny Haynes will challenge Scott Wagstaff for the wide left starting berth. The manager will also have to choose between Yann Kermorgant and Ricardo Fuller for the lone striking role.

Charlton could field this team:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Wiggins; Wilson, Pritchard, Stephens, Jackson, Wagstaff; Fuller.

Subs: Button, Taylor, Evina, Dervite, Green, Haynes, Kermorgant.

Billericay’s Andy D’Urso will be the man in charge.

A battle of two managers striving to end the season on a high. Both are naturally cautious and have at times truggled to adapt their game plan when things have not gone to plan. The match is unlikely to be a classic and a share of the spoils is the most likely outcome.