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Can Charlton mark 100 years at The Valley with a victory?

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Charlton host Birmingham City today in our first Championship game since the international break, with it being a special occasion for The Addicks as we celebrate 100 years of The Valley.

Lee Bowyer’s men will be looking to cap off the festivities with a win and continue their unbeaten start to the campaign, which sees them sitting in second behind Swansea City.

Birmingham currently sit in ninth place after a mixed start to 2019/20. Pep Clotet’s side are coming off the back of a 2-1 win against Stoke City, but have lost their last two games away from home 3-0; against Nottingham Forest and Swansea City, so they’ll be looking to improve that record at The Valley, a place where Charlton have remained unbeaten in the league since October 2018.

Team News

Deji Oshilaja could be returning to the team today, having returned to training from his knock that he sustained against Brentford.

Beram Kayal got some minutes under his belt for Israel last season, but it is unknown whether he is fit enough for Lee Bowyer today. New signing Adam Matthews will not feature today, despite playing a full 90 minute under 23’s game earlier this week.

The major concern is Lyle Taylor. The striker returned from Montserrat with a knock and was placed in a knee brace. Despite rumours speculating that he would be out for eight to 10 weeks, the manager has said that it’s only a precaution and that he hopes to have him playing for the Addicks today.

For the Blues, it will probably be too soon for winger Jacques Maghoma, who looks to be returning to full training next week after struggling with a calf injury.

Jefferson Montero will also be missing after limping off half an hour into their game against Stoke.

Tyler’s Take

I can’t wait to get down to The Valley today!

The atmosphere will be electric this afternoon, with thousands of Addicks fans celebrating the 100th birthday of our historic and special football ground. This is such a special occasion and we’ll be looking to take the three points and continue our impressive start this season.

Birmingham have some good players like Alvaro Gimenez, Dan Crowley, Ivan Sunjic, Fran Villalba, all of which can prove a threat today, but Charlton will be beaming with confidence and in front of a massive crowd, they’ll be more up to the challenge.

With the uncertainty around Lyle Taylor and his injury, it wouldn’t surprise me if Bowyer is to bench him or even leave him out of the squad entirely. This will be the chance for Chuks Aneke or Tomer Hemed to step up and take their chance if Lyle is to miss out.

Birmingham will present a test for us, but I think the reds will march on and grab another three points.

Score Prediction: Charlton Athletic 2-0 Birmingham City

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