Charlton rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Boxing Day and now turn their focus to Wolverhampton Wanderers just 48 hours later.

 Charlton Live’s LEWIS CATT previews tomorrow’s clash.

Harry Lennon scored a 93rd minute equaliser to salvage a point against fellow relegation strugglers Bristol City. The academy graduates’ first goal for the Addicks cancelled out Nathan Bakers opener for the hosts, and saw the Addicks rescue a point after the hosts wasted opportunities to extend their lead.

Although Charlton created the opening chance of the contest the hosts controlled the game throughout with chances coming thick and fast from Jonathan Kodjia and Joe Bryan early on. Wilbraham was blocked by a brave Diarra after Henderson spilled a Luke Freeman free kick.

Hendo did make up for it when he made a fantastic save to is left to claw away a Freeman header. The Robins were well on top and eventually got themselves in front in first half stoppage time after Nathan Baker met another deadly Freeman cross. It was no more then the hosts deserved and the Addicks were behind at the break.

The second period got underway and yet another onslaught of chances from The Robins and Charlton can count themselves lucky after Lennon dragged back Kodjia in the box only for Marlon Pack to strike the bar with the resulting spot kick.

This gave the Addicks a small boost with Lennon latching on to a Makienok assist to force a strong save from Frank Fielding.

Stoppage time came and Harry Lennon rescued a point after curling an effort into the bottom left to ensure the below par Addicks didn’t leave Ashton Gate empty handed. All in all a very disappointing performance from the Addicks and they will need to build on this point to try and claim all three points when we host Wolves on Monday at The Valley. 

Team News:

Charlton:

Charlton lost Alou Diarra in the first half against Bristol City after the Frenchman picked up a knock to his ankle and a thigh strain. The Addicks defence is also hampered by the absence of Patrick Bauer who also may miss he clash with Wolves after sitting out the City game.

This could see Naby Sarr come in at centre back alongside Lennon, leaving no central defensive options on the bench. Charlton also lost Jordan Cousins at half time on Boxing Day. The youngster hadn’t trained all week and put himself forward to play after suffering an illness.

The depleted squad depth is shown when one of the clubs youngsters has to play through illness when he should have been resting and recovering. El Hadji Ba came on to replace Cousins and had a positive impact on the game.

Vaz Te managed a healthy period against City on Boxing Day and should be okay to play a full 90 again now. He could be joined up top with Reza, Lookman, Makienok or Ahearne-Grant.

Gudmundsson missed the Bristol game on Boxing Day but could be fit for the bench, Vetokele and Ceballos are still a way off.

Predicted XI:

Henderson, Solly, Sarr, Lennon, Holmes-Dennis, Reza, Jackson, Ba, Lookman, Makienok, Vaz Te.

 

Wolves:

Kenny Jackett’s men were just shy of the play offs last season but this year they have been way off that pace and sit 17th in the league, but a comfortable 7 points clear of the drop zone.

After losing Bakary Sako to Palace in the summer along with the injury to Nouha Dicko early on in the campaign, all pressure for goals has landed at the feet of Benik Afobe and summer signing Adam Le Fondre.

Addicks target James Henry won Wolves all three points against Reading on Boxing Day and Jackett’s men will be full of confidence coming into the clash with The Addicks.

Wolves main injury concern is midfielder Jack Price who missed the clash with Reading through illness. Should he be unavailable wolves will continue with a five man midfield in Kevin McDonald, Connor Coady, James Henry, Jordan Graham and Dave Edwards.

Benik Afobe should start as sole striker and former Addicks loanee Carl Ikeme should start in goal. Martinez, Hause and Dicko all miss the trip through injury and new addition Michal Zyro is not eligible to play until January.

Prediction

Optimism is all we have at the moment so I’m saying the Addicks will end 2015 with all three points. Charlton 2-1 Wolves

 You can follow Lewis on Twitter  -@LewisCatt9

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