Chris Powell would dearly love to turn round his team’s poor home form and build on two consecutive away wins.
Similarly, Brian McDermott must be scratching his head about his team’s run of five straight defeats on the road.
Charlton have gone four games without a win at The Valley and have scored just five goals in their last nine games. All the indications are this will be a tight game where a single goal could be enough to secure all three points.
Leeds are likely to be without Sam Byram and Stephen Warnock, Danny Pugh and Adam Drury being possible replacements.
Dexter Blackstock may get his first start alongside Ross McCormack up front.
Powell favours matching up with the opposition’s shape and McDermott is likely to go with a 3-5-2 formation. With Richard Wood’s fitness still in doubt, Powell would have to give young Harry Lennon his debut, or raid the loan market, if he wants to play three central defenders.
Both options seem unlikely so the manager may stick with his hybrid 4-4-2, with Johnnie Jackson playing in a more advanced role, just behind Simon Church. Yann Kermorgan’s troublesome ankle may again prevent the striker being involved.
Dorian Dervite had a good game as Wood’s deputy at Birmingham and Lawrie Wilson, Michael Morrison and Rhoys Wiggins will complete the back line.
Jordan Cousins and Dale Stephens have been exceptional as the central midfield duo in recent weeks, but if Powell chooses to match up with Leeds’ five man midfield unit, Jackson could join them in the middle. Bradley Pritchard and Cameron Stewart will be on the flanks.
Simon Church, probably supported by Jackson, will continue up front.
Charlton may line-up like this:
Hamer; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Pritchard, Cousins, Stephens, Stewart; Jackson, Church.
The referee will be Keith Stroud from Hampshire.
Leeds have sold their entire allocation of tickets and will pack the Jimmy Seed Stand, so there will be a cracking atmosphere at The Valley. Given the current form of both clubs, a draw seems the most likely outcome.