Walsall arrive at The Valley this Saturday with Charlton supporters desperate for some sort of resolution of the current impasse. The initial elation following Duchatelet's announcement of take over talks has faded as it has become apparent that change might take months. Richard Murray's admission that no new players will be signed on permanent contracts has prompted dismay and anger as most fans believe that Ezri Konsa will soon be following Ricky Holmes out of the door. Apart from anything else the idea of weakening a squad which is clinging to sixth place seems such a bizarre commercial decision.

Karl Robinson has made it clear that all he can do is concentrate on trying to win games. He has made no secret of his admiration for Charlton supporters who he describes as having behaved "impeccably" this week and he has praised the attitude of players like Solly and Forster-Caskey who have been prepared (albeit maybe foolishly) to play through injury. All in all this has begun to build a bit of a siege mentality which is likely to be of benefit as the depleted squad takes to the field.

Walsall are a classic mid table side who should provide more of a challenge than Oldham or Bury. They have won three games away from home this season (at Doncaster, Oxford and Wimbledon) and they were the team to end Scunthorpe's six match winning run last month. However, their last three away games have ended in defeats at Plymouth, Northampton and a last minute draw at Rochdale. Their top goal scorer is the remarkable former Dulwich Hamlet player Erhun Oztumer who has scored 11 of the team's total of 31. At left back they are likely to field Liam Kinsella who has just signed a contract extension. His father will be so pleased that he seems to be getting established in his new role.

Despite six points from the last two games Charlton will have to up their game and in particular their goal scoring. The news that Tariqe Fosu has been back in training this week and is likely to play is a massive plus. The possible loan signing of Sullay Kaikai from Crystal Palace seems to make good sense as his attributes seem to be similar to those of Holmes. He is a winger who hits a good dead ball and, when on loan to Shrewsbury in 2016, he scored 12 goals in 26 games. Chris Solly is available so there is no doubt that it will be a stronger Charlton side than played the last two games and we should see a fully occupied substitutes bench again.

The bigger picture is the most important thing at the moment but a third consecutive win on the pitch wouldn't do any harm. We are confident it will be achieved even though we failed to stop Walsall snatching a late equaliser in the reverse fixture last September. It was painful enough to see our gallant under 18s surrender a lead at the last on Tuesday in the FA Youth Cup so it would be really nice not to be hanging on to a one goal lead at the end this time.