Reports in a certain newspaper have Paul Jewell`s job on the line if Derby do not win at The Valley tomorrow evening and things have certainly been tough of late for his team. If the run continues it looks as though they could get sucked into things at the wrong end of the table after Christmas. Charlton sit rock bottom and have already seen the back of manager Alan Pardew this season and things haven`t improved since Phil Parkinson took temporary charge, it certainly sounds a great encounter for the Sky Sports cameras!
Derby go into the match without the suspended Roy Carroll and also long-term absentees Dean Leacock and Paul Green although Martin Albrechtsen is in the squad following a return from injury. The Ram`s gave one win in eight in the league and have put in some tired looking performances of late and they have struggled away from home having not scored in the league since the 1-1 draw with Coventry City at the end of October. Luke Varney returns to the club he left only two weeks ago looking to score the goals to give his new side three points for the first time since joining on loan with the view to a permanent deal.
Charlton are without on loan Derby defender Jay McEveley who is out with e a shoulder injury. They go into this encounter without a win in twelve games since a 2-1 victory against Ipswich Town on 4th October. Manager Phil Parkinson has changed his striking options in an attempt to change his side`s fortunes letting Varney leave for Pride Park and bringing in another former Ram in the shape of Deon Burton. Parkinson has the job on a temporary basis until after the Christmas period and he`ll be looking for a result here to boost his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis.
Vital Quotes:
‘The manager has acted strongly and decisively to deal with the situation.
‘It is in everyone’s best interest for Roy to have a two-week ‘cooling off’ period before returning to work.’
Adam Pearson talking to Radio Derby about the Roy Carroll situation
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Jay McEveley is sidelined with a shoulder injury and Kelly Youga or Grant Basey look set to replace him at the back, Linvoy Primus and Martyn Waghorn may also return to the squad.
Player to watch: Deon Burton
Joined on loan from Sheffield Wednesday to replace Luke Varney and got off the mark against Coventry City last time out against from the penalty spot, another up against his former club and will be looking to keep his run of going.
Derby County Team News:
Darren Powell could back in the squad after shaking off a groin although cover is available in the shape of on loan West Ham defender James Tomkins. Paul Green, broken fingers, and Steve Davies, fractured eye socket, remain long-term absentees alongside Dean Leacock.
Player to watch: Luke Varney
Back at The Valley and looking to prove a point to Phil Parkinson who let him leave for Pride Park. Has been a bright spark since his arrival with his willingness to take players on and got off the mark at home to Crystal Palace last weekend and will be desperate to score against his former side.
Match Facts & Stats
Last five results
Charlton Athletic
Sheffield United (H) 2-5 Primus, Bouazza
Queens Park Rangers (A) 1-2 Racon
Southampton (H) 0-0
Blackpool (A) 0-2
Coventry City (H) 1-2 Burton
Derby County
Preston North End (H) 2-2 Hulse, Stewart
Burnley (A) 0-3
Stoke City (A) 1-0 Ellington
Crystal Palace (H) 1-3 Varney
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) 0-3
Match Prediction:
It`s going be a tense affair at The Valley with two of the divisions off form sides vying for vital points as Derby look to push themselves back up the league and Charlton want to move away from the bottom of the table. It`ll be a game of low quality but The Ram`s will take it 1-0.
Next Fixtures:
20th Dec v Watford (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park