Middlesbrough v Charlton | Sat 18th Jan 2014 | Match Preview, Teams, Predictions, News & Views

It’s not often that the Addicks look forward to playing away at the Valley but after the past few weeks, the Valley Floyd Road pitch can finally take a short break this weekend with Charlton facing a tricky away trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The turf in SE7 hasn’t been up to scratch in the past few months and has seen drastic action to try and improve it with the addition of the Izale McLeod ‘dome’ as well as hopefully some draining systems and under-soil heating at the end of the season.

In the last meeting between these teams in August, ‘Boro defeated the Addicks 1-0 at the Valley through a Lukas Jutkiewicz winner.

The Opposition

Since the last time the two sides faced each other, Middlesbrough have had a new manager in Aitor Karanka who replaced Tony Mowbray in November. Since Karanka’s arrival, ‘Boro’s results have gradually got better and they are currently unbeaten in six league matches.

Karanka who played 93 times for Real Madrid during his playing career has certainly made a good impact with ‘Boro playing some real attacking football, demonstrated in the fact that they have scored ten goals in their last five matches.

In their last fixture, Karanka’s side defeated Blackpool 2-0 at Bloomfield Road thanks to two strikes from substitute Mustapha Carayol. ‘Boro had several players within the first eleven that day who have real quality such as Shay Given, Grant Leadbitter, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Albert Adomah. Charlton will need to be on top of their game to cope with ‘Boro’s impressive range of talent.

Player to Watch

The player to watch is weekend is Middlesbrough winger Albert Adomah. The Ghanian-international has been excellent since his arrival from Bristol City in August. The 26-year-old has already scored nine goals this season and will be looking to add to that tally this weekend. Adomah’s real strength is his pace and trickery and Charlton’s full-backs will have to be wary of his ability to cause problems.

Here is a YouTube video showcasing his ability whilst at Bristol City:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDeBs4tD_pA

The Line –Up

The midweek draw against Oxford in the Capital One Cup will give Powell plenty to think about.

Chris Solly should be able to return to the first-team at right-back pushing Lawrie Wilson into right midfield. Although after a decent cameo against Oxford, Danny Green will be a contender for the right-wing spot too.

On the left-side of midfield, Jordan Cook will be looking to keep his spot, while Callum Harriott and Johnnie Jackson will also be fighting for their place within the first eleven.

Dale Stephens should be able to return to the team despite recent speculation over his future and is likely to partner Jordan Cousins in the centre of midfield. Recent loan-signing Astrit Ajdarevic may make a substitute appearance.

Ben Alnwick is likely to get the number one spot although new loanee Yohann Thuram-Ulien and Ben Hamer will also be pushing to be in goal.

Upfront, Yann Kermorgant will most likely be partnered with Simon Church although Michael Smith and Joe Pigott will also be pressing for starting spots.



Prediction

1-1 draw.