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Charlton Ath v Oxford Utd Preview
Charlton Ath v Oxford Utd Preview

Oxford United will be full of confidence after a stunning 4-1 win at promotion favourites, Portsmouth, on Saturday.The Valley

The U’s jointly top the embryonic League Two table with newcomers, Newport County.

Chris Wilder will probably field a more-or-less full strength team, whereas Chris Powell will make changes. Addicks fans crave a good cup run and will expect to progress at the expense of their lower league visitors.

Some of the team looked decidedly out of touch at Bournemouth so Powell may be tempted to field a stronger team than he originally had in mind. One thing the manager may be pondering is whether to start with any of the club’s youngsters.

Powell sometimes fields his number one keeper in cup ties but this is an ideal opportunity to give Nick Pope his first start.

The second string back line of Wilson, Cort, Wood and Evina could start the game but the manager has an enforced change to make in midfield.

Bradley Pritchard serves the first match of his three game ban and will be unavailable. Pritchard also misses the games with Middlesbrough and Barnsley.

Danny Green is a natural wide player and is the likely replacement for Pritchard. Green will add balance to the midfield and could be joined by Dale Stephens and Danny Hollands, two other stalwarts from the League One title winning team. Jordan Cousins will also be pressing for a start in the centre of midfield.

Jordan Cook could complete the central quartet, unless Powell decides to play him further forward. Johnnie Jackson will be given longer to recover from his calf strain and will not be involved.

Yann Kermorgant will be carefully nursed and is likely to miss out this time, though Powell may want his talismanic striker on the bench. Simon Church is still short of match sharpness and is a likely starter. Joe Pigott may be given the opportunity to make his first team debut. Powell may opt for some experienced cover on the bench in case things do not go to plan.

Charlton could look like this:

Pope; Wilson, Cort, Wood, Evina; Green, Stephens, Hollands, Cook; Church, Pigott.

Subs: Hamer, Fox, Morrison, Gower, Harriott, Kermorgant, Sordell.

The referee will be Andy Davies from Hampshire.

Charlton will be disappointed if they do not go into the hat for the second round draw. They will have to keep an eye on Dave Kitson but should have too much in their locker for Oxford.


 
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