The weather has caused havoc for groundsmen all over the country, with the state of the Valley pitch attracting much criticism recently.

Things will not be any easier on Saturday either, the pitch at the KC Stadium will be also be heavy.

The condition of the surface made it difficult for the Tigers to play their football against Derby in the week, with the ball often sticking and not reaching its intended destination.

The 2-1 victory over the Rams saw Hull rise to second place behind runaway leaders, Cardiff. Blackburn visit the KC on Tuesday, so Steve Bruce will be looking for his team to stretch their lead over Leicester.

Bruce was able to spend money in January to boost the Tigers chances of a return to the Premier League.

Chris Powell now has a fully fit squad at his disposal and will be looking to eradicate the recent spate of late goals that his team have conceded.

Had the Addicks been able to maintain the leads they held until the latter stages of their last three matches, they would be ensconced in the play-off places.

Powell was upbeat and bullish in his Thursday press conference and dropped a broad hint that he will start with both Yann Kermorganr and Ricardo Fuller up front. Charlton have generally fared better better when they have adopted a more adventurous approach, so that may influence the manager’s thinking.

Powell is hopeful that Danny Haynes will be sufficiently fit to play some part in the game but it is unlikely that he will start. If the pitch is sticky, Haynes may only be risked if the Addicks are chasing the game late on. Similarly, Rhoys Wiggins has only just returned to full fitness and may not be risked if the surface is difficult.

Powell may field this team:

Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Evina; Wilson, Stephens, Wagstaff, Jackson; Kermorgant, Fuller.

Subs: Button, Wiggins, Dervite, Green, Pritchard, Haynes, Wright-Phillips.

The referee will be Scott Mathieson from Cheshire.

This will be a tough game for Charlton and Powell would be delighted to come away with a point.