Preview: Oxford United v Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic will once again head out on their travels this weekend as they aim to back up Tuesday’s win at Wigan Athletic with another much needed three points against Oxford United.
Lee Bowyer’s side head into tomorrow’s game at the Kassam Stadium five points off the play-off places. The problem facing the Addicks is that Doncaster who sit in sixth have played three games less. Although, they have just seen their manager Darren Moore leave the club to take over at Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Away form has not been a problem with the Addicks winning nine of their 17 away games in League One this season, which accumulates to 31 points, compare that to points earned at The Valley which is just 17.
The match see’s Lee Bowyer come up against his former boss and Charlton chief Karl Robinson and the current Addicks boss is looking forward to the reunion.
Speaking to Charlton’s official website Bowyer said “Oxford have a good side, you can’t get away from that. I said at the start of the season they would be in and around the play-offs. Last season they got to the final.
“Since Karl left here, he’s built a good squad. It takes time to build a side and he’s put a good side together. They have players that move the ball well and that can hurt you, but if we do the basics right, we are a good side. We showed that on Tuesday and on a lot of occasions this season. I’m expecting a good game, it will be a good match. I don’t think there will be much in it.”
“There’s still loads to play for, there are a lot of games to play and a lot of points to play for. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season. That’s where you get judged,” added the Charlton boss.
Bowyer calmed fears over Chucks Aneke who was forced off at Wigan and gave updates on Jake Forster-Caskey and Alex Gibley ahead of the clash with the U’s
Chuks is fine. He has a bight of tightness, but he’s OK. Jake Forster-Caskey is also fine. Nothing to worry about for this weekend. Alex Gilbey will hopefully be back training next week. Ryan Inniss will be training with the group next week. His last scan was all clear, he’s been outside for a while and he’ll be back training with us as possible.”
Oxford will be without Elliott Lee, the Luton Town loanee was forced off against Peterborough in midweek with a knee injury, both Sam Winnall and Sam Long also look set to miss the game with both requiring scans on recently picked up injuries.
Charlton won the earlier meeting this season at The Valley 2-0, thanks to goals from Connor Washington and Andrew Shinnie.