Tuesday Night sees the first in a Tough Valley Double Header this week as Charlton's injury CRISIS continues

Chris Powell's badly depleted squad took a battering at Burnley on Saturday losing 3-0, and will be keen to avoid a thumping by Forest tomorrow night at the Valley isn't a great way to follow. Add to that an away trip to Blackburn and Wigan at the Valley later in the month there seems to be little respite for the Addicks.

With Solly, Jackson, Kermogant and Cort all having issues, and Ricardo Fuller no longer at Sparrows Lane after departing for the Northwest - the Addicks are arguably missing a swathe of last years top performers . Homesick Stephens is still around, while Danny Green went back out on loan. This years incomers are yet to fully make their mark, and the Addicks squad seems a little thin in comparison to last year, and maybe lacking some proven quality.

For Forest the name Andy Reid always comes to mind. The playmaker was popular in these parts, particularly in certain eateries, and he's has bagged 4 already this term from 9 league starts. Also up there on the goal front is Darius Henderson with  3 league goals, and Matt Derbyshire with 1 and 3 in the cup. If I am reading the stats from transfermarket.co.uk correctly Forest have spent a whopping £6.2 million net over the summer, releasing a number of players, they seem mysteriously unaffected by Financial Fair Play. The same site tells you how much CAFC have spent in transfer fees: erm zero.. on 3 signings and two loans, with 15 heading for exit door, and still the cloud of no contracts beyond the end of this season for many of the first 11 and CP himself hovers. Of course spending money doesn't always get results, but it paints a picture with the well thought of Forest Manager Billy Davies spending a similar amount the previous year (circa £5m) they should be there or there abouts come June.

To make matters worse the visit of one of the big spenders early midweek, is then followed by well run Blackpool on Saturday who scooped up the aforementioned Jamaican striker - 6 league starts and 2 league goals so far.

With all his best players fit Powell would seem to have a chance of making the Valley a fortress this year, but without and so far no new loan signings to plug the current gaps, it would seem to be a tall order.

If it weren't for the poor run such a match might prompt an all and uncharacteristic 442 in a 'bonus game' scenario. But with one eye on Saturday perhaps a more winnable match, a need to steady the ship and the increasing pressure of recent days and weeks, the popular Manager would seem to be in an unenviable position and will need every ounce of support from the Fans.

We think Powell may risk Kermogant, and hope to have more options on Saturday. Alternatively a 451 with 2 wingers might bring solidity and pace, perhaps with Evina coming in also, and save something for Saturday.

BR

Don't forget Charlton fan, "You can be Heroes" - Fans can help fill the Valley, click for details