Charlton welcome Preston to The Valley this weekend looking to open up a gap at the top of League One.

Preston’s display in the Carling Cup game at The Valley was what would have been expected of a Phil Brown side, they were big, physical, battled for everything and, on the night, were simply too much for the Addicks to cope with.

The Lancastrian’s form has fallen away recently and Brown may be forced to raid the loan market today to bolster his squad.

Regular keeper, Iain Turner, is crocked and will be replaced by Lambeth born Andreas Arestudou unless Brown brings in a loanee.

The Lillywhites have been without regular strike duo Neil Mellor and Iain Hume recently and their absence has coincided with Preston’s recent dip in form. The pair are nearing a return but tomorrow may be a little too soon for them, though a place on the bench for one of them is a possibilty. Local youngster, Jamie Proctor, is another striker on the injured list which will limit Brown’s options still further. He is likely to bring a loan striker in today.

One option that Brown may consider is fielding a five man midfield in an attempt to stifle Charlton’s creativity.

Chris Powell is likely to use the same 16 players who have served him so well in the last three games, with Dale Stephens again left in the cold.

Powell may field this team:

Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green, Hughes, Hollands, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Subs: Sullivan, Cort, Wagstaff, Euell, Hayes.

The referee will be Phil Gibbs from the West Midlands.

The Addicks may have to be patient and work hard to create an opening but, in their current form, they will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak.