Charlton travel to Doncaster on Saturday for a genuine six pointer. Rovers are five points behind the Addicks with a game in hand.
Doncaster made the long trip to Shrewsbury in the week, and returned empty handed following a 2-0 defeat.
That should give Charlton the edge in terms of fitness, but the south Londoners have a virus sweeping through the camp.
It sidelined Josh Poarker last week, and Darren Pratley and Taruqe Fosu have been suffering this week. Johnnie Jackson, as well as analyst Brett Shaw, have also been laid low.
Lee Bowyer will have Krystian Bielik available again following his suspension.
Bowyer revealed to the South London Press on Thursday that the club were close to agreeing a new deal with Anfernee Dijksteel, and he also gave an update on the contract situation with Joe Aribo:
“We’re close with Anfernee. Again, I think he is going to be a big part of the club in the future.
“I think he’s a very good player. He’s close (to signing). I met with him and his agents last week and they seem keen to sign.
“In terms of Joe Aribo, we’re working hard on that as well behind the scenes. We’re hopeful on Joe, but Anfernee is probably the next one (to sign a new deal),” said the boss.
Jason Pearce and Igor Vetokele played for the Under-23s on Monday, and Bowyer faces a dilemma with Pearce.
The central defender is his leader, and would normally slip straight back into the team, but such has been the form of Naby Sarr, it is difficult to drop the Frenchman.
Sarr could be used as a shield in midfield, but Bowyer may decide to leave his back line intact.
Bowyer confirmed that Lyle Taylor – seen leaving Kingsmeadow wearing a protective boot last week – will be fit for Saturday:
“Lyle Taylor rolled his ankle, but he’s fine. He trained on Tuesday and will train today and tomorrow, so he’s fine.
“He had a boot on last Saturday, but that was precautionary.”
The boss may revert to his favoured diamond shape midfield, and if there are ni further virus victims, Bowyer’s side could look something like this:
Phillips; Solly, Bauer, Sarr, Purrington; Bielik, Cullen, Aribo, Williams; Taylor, Vetokele.
Subs: Maxwell, Dijksteel, Pearce, Lapslie, Marshall, Reeves, Parker.
The referee will be Ben Toner from Lancashire.
Bowyer, and the large number of travelling fans, will be confident his team can win back-to-back away games.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic