There was a time when the FA Cup was regarded as a prestigious tournament which attracted bigger crowds than league games.

These days, the early rounds are, by-and-large, played in front of small crowds, even though clubs reduce prices substantially. The league is all important, so clubs tend to field weakened teams in the Cup.

Being drawn against a team in the same division is something that reduces interest still further, so Saturday’s game against Blackburn will probably be played in a subdued atmosphere.

Rovers have injury worries and a number od their players have been struck down with a bug. Gary Bowyer’s team may largely pick itself.

Bob Peeters will want to give some of his players a breather, with next week’s hugely important clash with Brighton in mind, though his options are limited.

Those hoping for a first look at Tony Watt will be disappointed. The winter transfer window does not open until Saturday and registrations for Third Round eligibility have to be with the FA by noon on Friday 2 January.

Neil Etheridge’s loan spell from Oldham ended on Tuesday and his short term deal with the Latics expired on Wednesday. He is a free agent who can be signed outside of the window, so he should be available.

Chris Solly is one of those likely to be given an afternoon off, with Joe Gomez being his likely deputy. Morgan Fox could get a recall on the left.

With Oguchi Onyewu picking up a hamstring injury during the warm-up at Ipswich, Tal Ben Haim and Andre Bikey are the only available senior central defenders, though Harry Lennon has apparently returned to the club from Gillingham.

Lawrie Wilson may get a run out on the right side of midfield and Frederic Bulot could come in on the left.

Yoni Buyens’ yellow card count may influence Peeters’ to rest him from the starting line-up. Jordan Cousins could move inside to partner skipper, Johnnie Jackson, in the engine room.

Igor Vetokele is another who Peeters is unlikely to risk ahead of the Brighton game. George Tucudean and Joe Pigott could be paired up front.

Charlton may look something like this:

Etheridge; Gomez, Ben Haim, Bikey, Fox; Wilson, Cousins, Jackson, Bulot; Tucudean, Pigott.

Subs: Pope, Lennon, Thomas, Gudmundsson, Buyens, Munns, Ahearne-Grant.

Keith Stroud from Hampshire will be the referee.

Despite Blackburn’s injury and sickness problems, Rovers will be a tough nut for the Addicks to crack.