The Addicks kick off a tough festive period with a trip to Ashton Gate to face fellow Championship strugglers Bristol City on Boxing Day.

 Charlton Live’s LEWIS CATT previews tomorrow’s clash with Bristol City.

A bumper crowd is expected at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day for what could be the biggest game of the season so far for both clubs. A win for the Addicks would see us leapfrog the hosts in the table. A win for City however would see us cut adrift in the bottom three. Charlton’s form away from home this season is poor with the Addicks searching for just their second win on the road this campaign, with the only three points coming at St Andrews vs. Birmingham City. Charlton have suffered away whitewashes at the likes of Middlesbrough and of course Burnley last weekend. The main concern for Charlton is our increasing defensive woes, with the worst goal difference in the league, the Addicks will need to improve on this. When you’re in the dogfight that we are, goal difference can be just as important as points come May. This is 100% the biggest game of the season so far for The Addicks and Karel Fraeye will need to instill some confidence into his thin squad to ensure we don’t let our heads drop if we do concede the first goal, and that we can hold on to our leads when we take them.

Team News

Charlton:

The Addicks defensive woes will not be helped by the fact that Patrick Bauer is a major doubt after leaving the field at Burnley. The BFG is arguably our most convincing and experienced defender… even though he is only 23 himself! Ricardo Vaz Te who has brought something fresh to the side is also a major doubt and he will be a big miss in this important clash should he miss out. Charlton should be boosted by the returns of Ademola Lookman and Johann Berg Gudmundsson who both missed the clash at Turf Moor after picking up knocks against Bolton. Tareiq Holmes-Dennis was dropped to the bench in place of Morgan Fox but could return at LB for this game. Diarra may have to drop into central defence with Harry Lennon or Naby Sarr should Patrick Bauer miss the game. Jackson and Cousins should continue in central midfield. Gudmundsson and Lookman could play on either side with Makienok, Reza and Ahearne Grant completing Fraeyes attacking options.

Igor Vetokele and Cristian Ceballos are edging closer to fitness but Ahmed Kashi is out for the season.

Predicted XI

Henderson, Solly, Diarra, Lennon, Holmes-Dennis, Gudmundsson, Jackson, Cousins, Reza, Lookman, Makienok.

Bristol City:

The Robins will more than likely be without striker Kieran Agard for this fixture as the forward is struggling with a calf injury he received in training. The striker had to miss out the robins 1-1 draw with QPR. Top scorer Jonathan Kodjia and Aaron Wilbraham should start up front. The robins played with a 5-3-2 against QPR last weekend. Luke Freeman, Marlon Pack and Korey Smith make up the 3-man midfield with Elliot Bennett and Derrick Williams playing as wing backs.

Prediction:

This is simply a must win for the Addicks. Anything less than three points and it is a serious dent in our hopes of survival.

Bristol City 1-2 Charlton

COME ON YOU ADDICKS

You can follow Lewis on Twitter – @LewisCatt9