The Addicks will be trying to win their first match at The Valley since August when Middlesbrough pitch up on Saturday.

Old favourite and former skipper, Nicky Bailey, will make his first appearance at his old home since the Swindon play-off semi-final.

Boro are the form side in the division, winning their last five away games in all competitions and they are currently in third place in the table.

Chris Powell’s squad are stretched with Abdul Razak being recalled by Manchester City during the week and Cedric Evina reportedly injured. It will be no surprise if Powell dips into the loan market on Friday so predicting the team will require a good deal of luck.

If Evina is out, Powell could switch Chris Solly to the left with Lawrie Wilson dropping back to right-back and Danny Green being restored to the right-wing.

Solly and Wilson have developed a useful understanding on the right and Powell may be keen for that to continue. If so, Johnnie Jackson could be asked to drop back into defence with Danny Hollands taking his place in midfield. Dale Stephens’ troublesome hamstring may again sideline him.

Another decision the manager has to make is whether to stick with the 4-5-1 shape he has used recently or revert to a more attack minded 4-4-2. Given the strength and form of the opposition, Powell may decide to stick with 4-5-1.

Notwithstanding injuries and new arrivals, Charlton could line-up like this:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Jackson; Wilson, Dervite, Hollands, Pritchard, Kerkar; Hulse.

Subs: Button, Taylor, Green, Cook, Harriott, Smith, Wright-Phillips.

The referee will be Graham Scott of Oxfordshire.

Since that win against Leicester, the Addicks have drawn two and lost three of their fixtures at The Valley. Middlesbrough – and Cardiff on Tuesday – are as difficult opponents as Charlton could have right now. Their search for a second home win may go on a little longer.