FACup 3rd Round (replay): Powell 2nd crack @ Cup, Kassam beckons – but new stars ineligble!

Chris Powell will get a second crack at a cup run when the Addicks taking on Oxford in the FA cup this time at their own ground the (ACV) Kassam Stadium

This fixture may now be in danger of becoming a saga after two postponements and now a replay after a sprightly Oxford went two up at the Valley, only to see Charlton level in the second half.

Powell will not still have new signings available as this is a replay, and regulations also prevented this last time around as the match was a postponement - new signings must be registered in time for the original fixture.

The worst news is Powell has no first team keeper available due to the somewhat bizarre rules on FA Cup replay eligibility, with Hamer and Alnwick both missing Saturdays Boro tie. This resulted in new (but ineligible) keeper Thuram making a perhaps hasty appearance the Riverside which saw the Addicks went down to a solitary goal away to the in form Teesiders - with a 1 up front starting formation failing to bring a result. Despite being a 'debut to forget' with the ball squeezing into the corner just past his outstretched leap, the  under 21 capped French international made a number of decent saves. It is hoped Alnwick will recover or Charlton will be down to bare bones.

One Charlton player definitely absent is Wiggins after he saw red at the Riverside after a late challenge. Charlton also saw a goal disallowed with Church judged to have fouled Given as he met a cross. Ajdarević (also ineligible tonight) made a late appearance on 77 minutes replacing Cousins, while Church came on replacing Cook on 66minutes making it 442. Although Stephens returned from illness still no sign of Chris Solly.

Questions remain in general over Green and  Cook. Perhaps the former to start against Oxford, and maybe the latter given another chance to impress. Cousins may get a break, with Pritchard, Hughes or Gower ready to come in. Up front again Powell has few options as Smith is cup tied, Piggot may get an outing with Church given another chance to find his shooting boots, and perhaps Kermogant benched in case an equaliser/winner is needed.

Two more working weeks of the transfer window remain, and then of course there is the loan window. This however does not mean things are easy for Charlton fans who are keen to see new ownership bring some new proven resources into Chris Powell's squad.

So in summary Powell's selection looks quite restricted, but in the absence of a league match this Saturday he may well put out a strong side. A good morale boosting win is just what he, his side, the fans, and the club need so let's hope he can pull it off against an Oxford side with a poorish home form.

BR