We three goals of Orient are

Different interpretations are, as always, possible about Orient's 0-3 defeat at home to MK Dons.  The lazy media interpretation has been that it demonstrates what a formidable team the Dons are, once again showing their credentials as serious promotion challengers after the blip at home to Preston.   All I can say is that the two Sheffield teams worry me more, although Dons should get into the play offs.

What happened in the game was that Orient started the more brightly but both Jamie Cureton and Kevin Missbie missed chances to score.    On the whole the first half was evenly balanced, although O's manager Russell Slade thought that they were the better side.   Nevertheless, they were a goal down by the interval.

However, in the second half the home side crumbled and ex Addick Charlie MacDonald sealed the win for the visitors.  Slade admitted that his side switched off which does not say a lot for their levels of concentration.

My view of Orient is that they are unlikely to be in relegation danger, but unlikely to mount a serious challenge for a play off place.   In other words, they are a solid enough League 1 side with a manager who has had a moderately successful career at seven different clubs.

Four Four Two saw them ending up fourth at the beginning of the season which seems a bit generous.  The Times put them at a more realistic 10th.   Currently they are 17th with a less than sparkling home record: won three, drawn three, lost six.

As well as Kevin Lisbie, those Addicks attending will have the chance to make the acquaintance again of former loan player David Mooney who recalls more desperate times at The Valley.    There should be a good turn out of the Addickted despite the late New Year's Eve kick off and the attendance should be above the 4,162 recorded on Boxing Day.

It is worth noting that we have won are last two away matches at Orient in League 1.   The odds offered by Coral certainly favour Charlton: Leyton Orient 3/1, Draw 12/5, Charlton 10/11.

The O's will no doubt be seeking to make amends for their Boxing Day performance.   It is not always easy to play a team coming off such a comprehensive home defeat.  Do we have enough quality to beat them?   Yes, but a draw is always a possibility at a derby.