Charlton head to the Potteries searching for their first away win in nearly six months with The Addicks knowing that they probably need another 15-18 points to guarantee their safety.

A win or two on the road would ease the pressure on them at The Valley.
Lee Bowyer has fit again players, as well as new arrivals, to add to his options, but he will be without twisted ankle victim, Deji Oshilaja .

The game will come too early for Macauley Bonne, but the striker should be in contention for the trip to Forest on Tuesday evening. With more players available, Bowyer may revert to a back four. Adam Matthews has established himself has the first choice right-back, and if he does switch to a four man defence, Ben Purrigton may edge out Alfie Doughty on the left.

Bowyer now has plenty of choice in midfield, and is likely to continue with Lyle Taylor and Andre Green up front.

Here are the manager’s pre-match thoughts:

“No game is bigger than the one before or the one after it. They’re all big games and no one will give you points in this division.

“It’s hard because, again, we’re going to a team like Stoke who are littered with Premier League players, so we’ll have to work hard for it. 

“If we do that, compete, do what we’re good at and move the ball quickly, then we will always have a chance,” said Bowyer.

Charlton could line-up like this:

Phillips; Matthews, Lockyer, Sarr, Purrington; Pratley, Cullen, Davis, Williams; Green, Taylor.

Subs: Amos, Pearce, Doughty, Field,Forster-Caskey, McGeady, Hemed.

The Addicks desperately need to start winning on the road again. This game would be an ideal place to start.