Charlton will hold a precautionary pitch inspection at 9.00am on Saturday morning. Head of Operations, Mick Everett, expects the pitch to be passed playable though it is currently in a very wet condition. 

The problem is that torrential rain is forecast for the area in the hours between midday and kick-off. Everett says that if the forecast is accurate, the club would have a ‘significant problem’ in terms of getting the match on.

Volunteers will fork the pitch from midday onwards in a bid to ensure the game goes ahead.

Chris Powell desperately needs a win and Derby could be ideal opponents. The Rams have lost their last two games and have only scored 10 goals in their 12 away fixtures.

Powell has possibly tinkered too much with both formation and personnel of recent times and may be pondering how many changes it would be prudent to make. Powell made two half-time substitutions against against Ipswich and the players who were replaced – Danny Green and Manny Frimpong – could be most at risk, particularly as Lawrie Wilson is available again after suspension.

Ben Hamer picked up a dead leg, Ricardo Fuller appeared to injure his wrist and Dan Seaborne had a shocker against the Tractor Boys. The injured duo are expected to be available but Cedric Evina will be pressing to replace Seaborne.

Powell could be planning to field this team:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Evina; Wilson, Stephens, Pritchard, Jackson; Hulse, Fuller.

Subs: Sullivan, Dervite, Green, Frimpong, Kerkar, Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Carl Boyeson, who handled the controversial game at Huddersfield last season, will take charge of the game.

If the match goes ahead, conditions will play a huge part in its outcome. Derby are a youthful team and Charlton’s greater experience should tip the scales in their favour.