Lee Bowyer’s men welcome Accrington Stanley to The Valley this Saturday knowing they’ll need a win to be guaranteed to stay in the play-off places.

Having won promotion to the division last season, Stanley have struggled to string a run of results together in the manner they charged to the League Two title but have performed amicably and don’t look out of their depth at all.

Currently sat in 14th, Stanley themselves know that if they win their game(s) in hand it would bring league survival to almost within touching distance.

Performing as well as they have done whilst only bringing in four loanees, all of which are under 21, is quite a feat.

In the reverse fixture the side’s played out a 1-1 draw as Karlan Grant’s first half goal was cancelled out by Jordan Clark late on in a game Stanley’s manager John Coleman says they were ‘unfortunate’ not to win.

Charlton’s ‘Head to Head’ with Accrington Stanley:

PL:3 W:1 D:2 L:0

Accrington Stanley (League) form guide:

PL: 26 W:9 D:8 L:9

Last six results: WLLWLD

Recent Result

John Coleman’s side have been inconsistent this season and come into the game on the back of a dogged goalless draw against Bristol Rovers in a display he called ‘outstanding.’

Coleman said:

"I thought we were absolutely outstanding second half.

“It’s fantastic to keep a clean sheet, it’s just a pity we couldn’t put one in the other end to seal what would’ve been a memorable day.

"If we play like that between now and the end of the season, then we won’t have any problems. I thought every player was outstanding.

READ:Charlton duo back for Stanley clash

Star Man

 

During their promotion last season the key man was without doubt their goal getter Billy Kee.

Hammering 25 league goals he propelled Stanley to the title almost singlehandedly and won the EFL League Two Player of the Year award in the process.

This season he’s not been as prolific but a recent turn of form, scoring two in three, he is capable of going on a run that would be typical of a man who’s battled bigger demons than Naby Sarr or Patrick Bauer!

Openly discussing his fight with anxiety and depression Kee is a player well respected on and off the field.

Despite not being blessed with great height or bundles of pace, he’s deceptively strong and the Addicks back line will know they’ve been in a game. A ruthless strike at hand, Bowyer’s men will need to be on guard to shut Kee down.

READ:Charlton boss on latest arrivals at The Valley

The Manager

 

John Coleman on Charlton:

“They are a handful, they have good strikers and it’s up to us to come up with a plan to beat them.

“I am really looking forward to it. It’s a nice stadium, the pitch will be lovely and we should be able to get our passing game going.”

“I watched Charlton’s last two games and they were two totally different styles, against Shrewsbury and Sunderland,” said Coleman.

On the Unwanted Stat:

Stanley are the third highest chance creates in the division and their lowly position of 14th reflect on their wastefulness in front of net.

“It’s frustrating but the big thing is we are creating chances and we have to keep going, keep believing and keep working hard on finishing in training.

“Hopefully we will take more of our chances in the second half of the season.

“The table is really tight and we want to get enough points to secure League One football next season, that’s our priority.

“We need to try and get as many wins on the board as possible as soon as possible.

“Every time, we go to try and win games, we never go for a draw and we will be going to The Valley to try and win.”