One point from three games is not the sort of start Chris Powell will have been hoping for, but the manager will have been pleased with his team’s second half performance at Oakwell last week.

So even is the division, that a good run against tough looking opponents can happen – as it did for the Addicks at the end of last season – but a poor run when the fixture list looks a little easier is just as likely.

The six games before the end of September will see Charlton face Doncaster, Leicester and Millwall at The Valley, with trips to Watford, Huddersfield and Burnley. These six games will go a long way to fashion the club’s season.

Predicting what will happen is even more difficult than usual at this time of the year as player movement, both in and out, is still taking place. Powell has shown recent interest in Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Eric Tie Bi but he will probably still lose a player or two. Changes in personnel are also likely in the ranks of most of the upcoming opposition.

On paper, Doncaster and Millwall look to be the best opportunities for Charlton to secure three points, but Doncaster were impressive when drawing at Wigan in the week and Millwall always give the Addicks problems.

Paul Dickov’s sides are fiercely competitive and Powell’s team will have to be at their best to win. Rovers will come looking for three points, not to park the bus and hope to snatch a point.

Influential midfielder, Richie Wellens, suffered a dead leg at Wigan on Tuesday and there must be doubts about his fitness. Harry Forrester is a dangerous player but is probably not yet fit enough to be considered for this game.

Former Derby striker, Theo Robinson, has made a promising start to his career at the Keepmoat and the Jamaican international will stretch the Charlton back line.

Powell will have been disappointed with his defence so far this season. Dorian Dervite was replaced at half-time at Barnsley but Michael Morrison was not at his best either. There have been stories circulating about Ben Hamer having a finger injury but it seems likely the custodian will be fit enough to start.

In midfield, Powell will have Bradley Pritchard available again and he will probably be put straight back in. Dale Stephens is ruled out with an injury and though back in training, Johnnie Jackson is unlikely to be risked.

Mark Gower will start and Powell will have to choose between Andy Hughes, Danny Hollands or Jordan Cousins as his partner. Cousins changed the course of the match at Oakwell and surely deserves to be given his first start.

Simon Church is beginning to look a very astute signing but Yann Kermorgant has not been at his best over the past couple of games. Marvin Sordell will be pushing for a starting berth but Powell is likely to keep faith with the talismanic Frenchman.

Charlton could look like this:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Wiggins; Pritchard, Cousins, Gower, Harriott; Kermorgant, Church.

Subs: Pope, Evina, Wood, Green, Wilson, Sordell, Pigott.

Lee Collins from Surrey will be the man in charge.

The game will be a harder test than some imagine but Powell will be disappointed if his team does not record its first win of the season.