Derby have won their last five games and currently occupy one of the play-off spots. Charlton have taken one point from their last three games and are one place above the drop zone.

The difference in confidence levels could not be more stark.

Steve McClaren will expect to take all three points back home with him. Chris Powell will have to do without suspended skipper, Johnnie Jackson, but has double Player Of The Year, Chris Solly, available again and will have to decide whether to risk him from the start.

If he does, Lawrie Wilson could be pushed forward into midfield. Cameron Stewart can operate on either flank, so Powell could use the Hull loanee on the left.

Solly played for an hour against Brighton in an Under-21 friendly on Wednesday but if the manager decides to wait a little longer before starting him, Wilson will continue at right-back with Callum Harriott coming back into contention for a midfield slot.

Jordan Cousins had to be taken off at Yeovil but is expected to be available.

Yann Kermorgant has been below par recently and may still be having problems with his troublesome ankle.

Ben Alnwick has impressed since taking over from Ben Hamer and Hamer may struggle to wrest the gloves off his rival when he regains fitness.

The Addicks could start with this line-up:

Alnwick; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Stewart, Cousins, Stephens, Harriott; Kermorgant, Church.

Subs: Pope, Solly, Evina, Wood, Pritchard, Hughes, Sordell.

Hampshire’s Andy Davies will be the man in charge.

McClaren is a vastly experienced coach who has transformed Derby’s season. His team are flying and Charlton’s last match at The Valley before Christmas could end in disappointment.