Charlton V Birmingham at The Valley - Match Preview




Wiggins and Haynes strengthen Addicks

Rhoys Wiggins and Danny Haynes could return to the Charlton starting line-up for the visit of Birmingham.

Left-back Wiggins has been sidelined by fractured metatarsals since September and striker Haynes spent a month out with a hamstring injury, but both came on as second-half substitutes in the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Boss Chris Powell has no new injury worries but could make changes after seeing his side throw away the lead to lose their last two matches.

Dale Stephens could return in midfield while Yann Kermorgant is pushing to start in attack after dropping to the bench at Selhurst Park.

Midfielder Andy Hughes is still on the comeback trail after a long-term Achilles problem and is not yet fit.

Birmingham are not expected to have any new injury or suspension problems as they chase a third successive victory.

Jack Butland was the only departure from St Andrew's on transfer deadline day, despite a feared fire sale, but the promising goalkeeper was duly loaned back by new employers Stoke until the end of the season.

He took his place between the sticks for the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend as Blues recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Manager Lee Clark made one change from the side who beat Burnley seven days previous, new signing Wes Thomas starting in attack.

And with no new concerns he could well opt to go again with the same XI as City look to make it three wins in a row, a feat they have not achieved since last April.

Jonathan Spector is fit again and will strive to make the bench but the likes of Darren Ambrose, David Murphy, Stephen Carr and Will Packwood remain sidelined.

Source: PA

Source: PA