Whatever you think about Leyton Orient, you can't deny that they have had an extraordinary season.

They lost their first four games (including 0-1 at The Valley) and were bottom at the end of August. They began to gather some points but, by the end of November they were still in the relegation zone, having won four, drawn three and lost nine.

However, December and January saw a complete turnaround with nine wins and two draws (and a goal difference of 24-4) and their stunning 6-2 win at Exeter on January 28th propelled them into the play-off spots. They were finally beaten 0-1 at home by Stockport but they won their next three games -  including going up to Wrexham and coming back with three points.  Even though they have lost their last two games, there is little disgrace in narrow defeats at Bolton (1-2) and Birmingham (0-2) where they played for over 80 minutes with ten men. In addition, their fine December run included a 2-0 win at The Valley in the EFL Trophy when they were dominant throughout.

Charlton fans might ask themselves how a club which began the season with a squad including 39 year old Darren Pratley plus summer recruits Sean Clare and Diallang Jaiyesimi could have produced such a successful run.

A clue might be found when we compare the Orient starting eleven at The Valley in August with the team which kicked off at St Andrews last Tuesday. Only two from August began the game at Birmingham - it was virtually a different team altogether.  In contrast, eight of Charlton's August starting eleven kicked off against Exeter.

Another clue might be the fact that almost half the current side are loan players. Five started the Birmingham game - keeper Josh Keeley (Tottenham), defender Jack Currie (Oxford), midfielder Dilan Markanday (Blackburn), striker Jamie Donley (Tottenham) plus top goal scorer Charlie Kelman (QPR). Currie won't be playing on Saturday as he will be suspended after his red card at Birmingham - a card which manager Richie Wellens predictably thought was unjustified.

Orient also strengthened their squad in January with the signing of Azeem Abdulai from Swansea, Randell Williams from Bolton and our own Rarmani Edmunds-Green.

It is beginning to look as if there are now seven clubs with a good chance of making the five places available behind champions-elect Birmingham, although Reading and Barnsley might also claim they are still in contention. Orient and Charlton are certainly two of the clubs who will be watching the fortunes of Huddersfield and Stockport this Saturday while looking over their shoulders at Bolton (five wins out of the last six) who travel to Wrexham on Saturday with a 12.30 kick off.

Orient's home record against top six opponents is not impressive. Birmingham and Huddersfield have won at Brisbane Road this season as well as Stockport, so there is no reason why Charlton shouldn't feel confident, particularly after their dismissive performance against Exeter.

Nathan Jones is under no illusions:

"The good thing about playing against people that are direct oppositions to you is that if you turn up and win the game they are big wins," he added. "If we want to impact our own future then we have to play the best sides and Orient are one of the best form sides in the league. They are really well-coached and they have got an excellent environment with good footballers."

Photo by Rhea Spencer-Newell