Christmas is just a few days away and with Charlton looking for their first three points following a four game winless streak

The Addicks will be hoping that the eleven men of Bolton will gift them three points this festive season.

Last season’s corresponding fixture was also played in mid-December. Chris Powell’s team did well to hold out at 0-0 until substitute David N’Gog scored a quickfire double to sink the Addicks in the final fifteen minutes of play. The faithful fans from SE7 will be praying that they can come away with a reverse scoreline a year on from that disappointment.

Bolton’s recent climb up the table means the Wanderers haven’t seen a draw in their last seven league games, whilst Charlton’s slump in form means defeat could see them slip into the bottom three for the first time since August.

Bolton can call on a number of players who have experienced competitive football at the highest level. The likes of Jay Spearing, Chris Eagles, David N’Gog and captain Zat Knight all know what it takes to reach the top of the English game. Yet more attacking threat is posed by Jermaine Beckford and Chung-Yong Lee whilst every Addick should be well acquainted with Marvin Sordell by now. The u21 international is the books at the Reebok and is therefore not available for selection against his parent club on Saturday.

Bringing us on to the Charlton team, the reappearance of Chris Solly is likely to be a major defensive boost for the whole squad. Lawrie Wilson could consider himself unlucky to lose his place at right back but the marauding full back could feature at right midfield, a spot which no player has managed to yet hold down with any success. If Solly does not start, expect Wilson at right back and Bradley Pritchard to fill the gap at right midfield. In the back line, don’t be surprised if Richard Wood comes back in in place of Dorian Dervite. Wood was instrumental in the Addicks’ run of clean sheets last month before he suffered an injury.

I expect Chris Powell will revert to 4-4-2 this weekend, with Church coming in to replace Pritchard if the aforementioned changes on the right side of the Addicks’ line-up come to fruition.

It’s hard to see past a routine home win unfortunately, as much as I’d like the Addicks to turn the corner. I’ll predict a 1-0 away win more out of hope than expectation. It would really make all Charlton fans’ Christmas dinners that much sweeter served with an extra three points under the belt.

CM