Express & Star

Charlton v West Brom: Inside track on the Addicks

West Brom face Charlton for the second time in a week, this time in the Championship - find out all about the Addicks here.

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Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer

We spoke with Huw Thomas Cross, sports journalist and Charlton Athletic writer, to get a better look at Lee Bowyer's side.

See what he had to say here...

How would you say the season's been going at Charlton so far?

Frustrating. They started off like a steam train and took many by surprise, even the fans.

You expect one or two injuries throughout the season but to have nearly a dozen first team players out at the same time is unheard of and it’s really affected results

Josh Davison Charlton Athletic and Ahmed Hegazi of West Bromwich Albion (AMA)

Those who’ve come in, many of which from the youth ranks, have performed well as Lee Bowyer will testify, but it leaves the question of what could’ve been this season had they managed to keep even half of those injured off the treatment table.

What sort of style of play have we seen from the Addicks under Lee Bowyer?

Having played in the Premiership Bowyer is all about possession football.

He puts a side out that always wants to play, get on the ball and create chances. Despite the poor run of results they’ve been in every game and always looked like scoring.

In the ten-game win-less streak you could see confidence was starting to wane which leads to less passing football being played and more hopeful balls being knocked over the top.

With confirmation of the takeover and the return of some key players however, there's a more positive vibe around The Valley and I’d expect a return to ‘brand Bowyer,’ although it may take a few weeks as players return to full fitness.

Injuries seem to have played a major part of the Addicks campaign, who's out and how big of an impact has it made?

They’ve played a huge part.

Survival was always going to be tough even with a full squad, so to lose key players for almost half the season was a real blow.

There does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel however.

Lyle Taylor is 50/50 to be fit for Saturday after a hamstring strain a fortnight ago, not that we’ve seen the best of him since his return from knee ligament damage sustained earlier in the season.

Lee Bowyer the manager / head coach of Charlton Athletic. (AMA)

In his absence Macauley Bonne led the line, and led it well. He’s now injured though so unless Bowyer can bring a forward in before the weekend I’d expect 20-year-old Josh Davidson or unfit Tomer Hemed to be called upon.

Playmaker Jonny Williams played 20 minutes on the weekend so I’d expect him to feature off the bench.

Midfield is where they’ve been found wanting with Sam Field, Jake Forster-Caskey and Beram Kayal all still out.

The biggest miss has been Josh Cullen, he’s the heartbeat of the side, linking defence and attack. He’s back in training but it’ll be a few weeks until we see him.

What sort of formation can we expect this weekend?

It really does depend who’s available.

Bowyer has played almost every formation this season, and not by choice.

I’d expect him to go with a 4-5-1 formation, with Connor Gallagher floating in the midfield.

But again, it all depends on who’s available, it really is that difficult to call at the minute.

Obviously, this is a repeat of last weekend's FA Cup clash, do you think either side can take that encounter under consideration ahead of this one?

Absolutely nothing.

I think Bowyer even said as much post-match on Sunday.

Charlie Austin of West Bromwich Albion heads between Toby Stevenson Charlton Athletic and Adedeji Oshilaja of Charlton Athletic. (AMA)

He re-called three youth team players from their loans so they could take part in the tie and give his ‘starting XI’ a break.

Who are the form players to look out for at Charlton for the Baggies?

Some players are playing well but I wouldn’t say they are on-form.

Darren Pratley has been immense in the middle considering he’s played nearly every game.

Tom Lockyer at the back has been a revelation as has Dillon Phillips in goal, who has made up for his Wembley gaff a hundred times over this season. He’s been outstanding.

Going forward there’s a lot of pressure on Connor Gallagher after his goal scoring exploits earlier on in the season, he does look the real deal but he’s in desperate need of support.

What have you made of Albion from afar? Do you think they have what it takes to secure promotion to the Premier League?

I think when Slaven Bilic was announced you automatically expected promotion. They’ve been very astute in their signings. Romaine Sawyers lit up Brentford so to get him was a real coup. He’s ready for Premiership, as is the rest of the squad.

Your match prediction?

Charlton concede but Charlton score.

I’d take a point. 2-2.

You can follow Huw on Twitter here...