Hot And Scunny

Relegated Charlton take on newly promoted Scunthorpe United at The Valley on Saturday. Both teams will be looking for a decent start to Championship life as The Addicks look to bounce back at the first attempt, while Scunthorpe will be looking to avoid making their Championship stay a short one.

Vital Quotes:

Charlton boss Alan Pardew has warned his players to be up for a battle against a Scunthorpe side who will be looking to prove their worth.

Charlton Athletic Team News:

Charlton look set to stay with a similar side that lost to Sporting Braga last weekend. Weaver, Moutaouakil, McCarthy, Semedo and Sinclair all look set to make their competitive home debuts.

Pardew is spoilt for choice striker wise having 7 to chose from for tomorrow`s clash. Iwelumo and Todorov look set to start with Marcus Bent on the bench.

New signing Mcleod should make the final 16 but will not start. Another new addition Zheng Zhi looks doubtful due to jet-lag.

Player to watch: Look out for:

Jose Semendo.

According to reports from the Charlton camp he could be the next Claude Makelele.

Scunthorpe United Team News:

Scunthorpe will have a new look strike force for this opening clash after losing last season’s top scorer Billy Sharp to Sheffield United during pre-season.

Two from Paul Hayes, Jonathan Forte and Martin Paterson are expected to get the nod.

The Iron are expected to play a near unchanged side to that which gained promotion last season.

Kelly Youga on loan from Charlton will not be able to play against The Addicks.

Player to watch: Away Star:

Joe Murphy.

Best Keeper in League One last season. Kept more clean sheets than any other ‘keeper in that division last term.

Match Facts & Stats

Both sides are playing in a different division to that they competed in last term. Charlton were in the Premiership and Scunthorpe, League One.

Match Prediction:

Both teams will battle hard for opening day points. Charlton’s experience should shine through and give The Addicks that little edge over Scunthorpe.

Charlton Ath 3-1 Scunthorpe Utd

Next Fixtures:

Swindon Town – Away 14/8/07 7:45pm