Valley Pitch Passes today's inspection.

Charlton may finally get to play their 3rd round match tomorrow against Oxford at the Valley, the victor playing Huddersfield away on the 25th January.

The Addicks also had to cancel a home fixture against bottom placed Barnsley on Saturday after the referee called a pitch inspection on the day of the match, and then called the match off disappointing many travelling fans who had set out. Another inspection will take place tomorrow as early as possible.

The match is also subject to stand closures with only the Lower West and North stands open to home fans.

To make matters worse Charlton seem caught in a weird groundhog effect with Oxford and Huddersfield, possibly making the game even less appealing. After the League Cup win over the U's at the Valley early in the season by a Charlton team that included a number of fringe players, many fans will be expecting a win through to the stadium formerly known as the McAlpine, now the John Smith's stadium.

Charlton currently lie in 20th place in the Championship with a game in hand on some (but sadly not all) of the clubs around the bottom of the table.

Oxford United, the first club to have its supporters achieve Asset of Community Value (ACV) status for their ground the Kassam - which is owned separately from the Football Club; are currently 7th in League 2 but one point off top with a game in hand over leaders Scunthorpe.

Charlton Team

Powell's team selection will need to take into account fitness levels he will want to maintain, players who need a rest - hopefully not too many after a break - and those he will not want to risk.

He will possibly want to run the rule over new signings so far if they are eligible - loanees being midfielder Kosovo born Swedish player Astrit Ajdarevic , and keeper Yohann Thuram (so far unconfirmed)  from now sister club Standard Liege. The influx of players although quite prompt initially has so far been a little underwhelming for some fans, but perhaps its still a bit early in the window. Elsewhere Sordell is out with a hamstring, Wilson had some hamstring niggles, Wiggins has recently become a Father, and Solly may not be risked, while Stephens was 'ill' for Saturdays fixture.

With Stewart's loan finishing, and him joining Leeds on a loan to perm 3 year deal, and possibly Smith and Green either cup tied or about to depart on loan, the Addicks squad will be looking a bit thin.  So we should possibly expect the likes of Harriot, Cook, Piggot and others to be in the squad if not the first 11.

The departure of Stewart must however be a blow, and a bit of a puzzle with the new ownership considering his contribution particularly in pace up the wing, Leeds were offering a permanent deal however. So far the Charlton squad seems to be a little short, and now lacking pace.

The opposition team

New signings this season were former Palace defender David Hunt from Crawley, and midfielder Daniel Rose from Fleetwood, previously of Manchester United. Up front their main goal threat is James Constable on 8, Smalley is on 7 and the aforementioned Rose on 5.

Prediction: Addicks scrape through, Jackson leading the charge