Huddersfield enter the FA Cup searching to end a slump that has seen them go 10 league games with out a wn.
The distraction of the cup could prove beneficial, with nothing to lose, so to speak.
Town aren’t without injury concerns ahead of the game, but with both Championship clubs set to rotate their squads this match could be one for entertainment.
Last time out these two sides conjured a 1-1 draw, with Adam Clayton netting a late penalty for the 10 men of Huddersfield, after Keith Southern had been dismissed early in the first half.
Ironically Southern could miss this match as well, struggling with an ankle knock, although he will be given up to the last minute to prove his fitness.
Both clubs will want to progress to the next round, with dreams of a plum tie against one of the country’s big guns.
Vital Quotes: Simon Grayson
Speaking with htafc.com, simon previewed the game ahead.
“It is just another game of football that we need to win,”
“Whether it is a league or a cup match we want to win and hopefully a victory could give us that added confidence that we need going in to the Birmingham game. I want to win the game, but more importantly I want to see a performance from the players. I want to see that zest and energy that they had at the start of the season.”
“We had to have a meeting to address a number of things and discuss our current situation. The result against Leicester was probably something that was coming, but even so it was very disappointment and we needed to have a chat to try and put things right.
“I needed an opportunity to get my thoughts across and it also gave the players a chance to get their opinions over. We had a meeting because we want to get better and we don`t want a repeat of the Leicester result. The players haven`t become bad footballers over night; they have just lost a certain edge. The words we had count for nothing if the players don`t start producing over the next couple of weeks.”
He continued: “The score line and the performance against Leicester suggested that we had hit rock bottom, but you have to remember how good Leicester were on the day. They could have done that against team, it shows what can happen when you don`t perform to the best of your ability. It was disheartening to watch from the touchline because it was my team that I had put together.
“It is my job and my coaches` jobs to get the best out of our current players and get them back to playing how they were at the start of the season. We need to instill the belief and confidence back in to the players.”
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Leon Cort & Lawrie Wilson set to miss out through injury.
Loanees Dan Seabourne, Rob Hulse and Emmanuel Frimpong have all left the club.
Player to watch: Ricardo Fuller
The former Stoke City striker is a dangerman for Charlton
Huddersfield Town Team News:
James Vaughan & Jermaine Beckford are eligible to play.
Adam Hammill has been denied permission to play by Wolves.
Danny Ward & Calum Woods both expected to not be fit for the game.
Alex Smithies, Joel Lynch, Keith Southern all face late fitness tests
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
The Striker is expected to return up-front and he could fire the goals to win this one
Match Facts & Stats
Last time out:
Charlton 1-1 Huddersfield
Adam Clayton’s late penalty claimed a point for the 10 men of Huddersfield Town, after Southern had been dismissed in the first half.
? It’s 91 years since the Terriers won the cup for the only time in their history, and 75 years since they appeared in the most recent of their five finals.
Match Prediction:
Charlton 2-3 Huddersfield
Next Fixtures:
12 Jan Birmingham City (H) 15:00
19 Jan Watford (A) 15:00
26 Jan Crystal Palace (H) 15:00
