Why the Walsall game is important

Midweek away games in less than salubrious settings are often crucial in determining the outcome of a season which is why today's match alongside the M6 at Walsall is important.

The Saddlers are currently two places behind Charlton in the table. Their record at home is mixed (and less good than that of Charlton): won three; drawn two; lost three, scored nine goals and let in twelve.

In the form table they are fifth from bottom, just behind Charlton who are seventh from bottom.

Walsall went down 1-3 at home to Burton Albion, their third defeat in four matches, so they will be looking for a comeback. Boss Dean Keates, who played 260 games for the Saddlers, said on Saturday, 'The good thing is we have got a game on Saturday. We can hopefully get a reaction.'

The shell shocked supremo added, 'We killed ourselves. We have had an input in every single goal we conceded. I am disappointed, I am frustrated.'

Last season they finished 19th and Four Four Two forecast a relegation slot this season. The fan interviewed forecast 12th.

Odds (Coral): Home, 2/1; Draw, 23/10; Charlton 11/8.

Tom Nield from West Yorkshire will referee Charlton for the first time. He has refereed just six matches in League One and has attracted controversy for poor decision-making.

Bielik gets Bowyer to trust him again

Krystian Bielik talks about the shock of being taken off at half time at Rochdale and the determined performance he put in against Doncaster. He makes it clear that he is much more comfortable as a centre back than being used as a defensive midfielder: Getting Lee Bowyer to trust me again

Bielik comments how good it is to have 'Marshy' (Mark Marshall) back again. I thought that he made a good contribution when he came on as a substitute on Saturday. He made some good forward runs.

'Unsung Joe is real gem for Addicks'

That is the headline on a feature on Joe Aribo in the Football League Paper today. He also selected as 'man of the match' against Doncaster.

Sam Parker (former Swindon striker and BBC London pundit) writes, 'Charlton's front two have rightly received a lot of plaudits in the opening months of the season … But it wasn't the deadly strike duo that I was talking about when I made my way home [after the Barnsley game]. Midfielder Joe Aribo continues to excite me every time I see him play.'

'I'd be astonished if he's not being monitored by football clubs higher up the ladder.' [Well, if they weren't before now, this article will draw Aribo to their attention. He could well be number one item in the shop window for Roland's January fire sale. He has eight months left on his contract.]

Aribo came to Charlton in 2016 from Staines Town through a connection with Jason Euell. Parker continues, 'Aribo is an elegant midfielder with great balance and an ability to take people on. He's got a lovely left foot and is very reliable in possession, often manoeuvring himself out of very congested areas.' [I saw examples of this skill yesterday]. His greatest asset is his ability to travel with the ball and drive the team up the pitch. Against the Tykes, he played on the left of a midfield diamond and was impressive throughout.'

'He fits into the current system perfectly, giving them balance slightly to the left [which we need] and has the capacity to contribute both going forward and defensively. With his flair and quick feet he could be a threat further up the pitch as a number ten.' [Worth considering with Taylor unavailable].'

Johnnie Jackson recently told Parker that Aribo 'can go right to the top.' This probably means he is another talent whose progress we will watch from afar.

Win was comfortable but not convincing

A 2-0 win over Doncaster at The Valley this afternoon saw Charlton go to eighth in League One, three points off the play off places. However, despite the clean sheet, it was not that convincing a win. We couldn't get a third goal, despite some chances, and we were dispossessed too easily. As the second half wore on, with Taylor replaced by an unimpressive Vetokele, we were increasingly forced back to defend in depth, giving some anxious moments against rather ordinary opponents. However, both the first half goals were excellent.

Both teams started the game quickly, and Charlton goalkeeper Jed Steer blocked Herbie Kane from close range after three minutes. Niall Mason, who returned from a one-match ban for Doncaster, shot wide after 10 minutes before the Addicks went ahead eight minutes later. Tom Anderson headed onto his own crossbar from a home corner and Aribo was quick to pounce on the loose ball from six yards out.

Charlton nearly doubled the lead in the 26th minute when Ahearne-Grant flicked a low cross by Aribo just wide but he did better seven minutes later when his header was too strong for goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

A free-kick from Jamie Ward hit the post on the stroke of half time. Aribo nearly doubled his own tally for the afternoon just after the hour-mark but he swiped his shot from outside the box off target.

A jobsworth confiscated my bottle of water when I entered the ground, the first time this has happened.

Supremo Lee Bowyer thought that the Addicks were 'outstanding', noting that what was important was the clean sheet and three points: Good reaction to Rochdale defeat

However, Lyle Taylor will not be fit enough to play at either Walsall or Mansfield: Some time on the sidelines

Jordan gives it large to Duchatelet

Former Crystal Palace supremo Simon Jordan has ripped into Roland Duchatelet's TalkSport interview, describing it as 'complete and utter tosh': Scathing response

I suppose one has to take allies where one could find them. It also takes an Onanist to spot an Onanist.

Injury blows

Lyle Taylor is a doubt for Saturday with a stomach muscle injury. Lewis Page is going to be out for a month longer than expected, meaning that the left back problem will be with us for longer: Page injury setback

Doncaster want three points on Saturday

Leeds: The Yorkshire Post this morning carries an interview with Doncaster Rovers defender Joe Wright who scored the consolation goal against Coventry City last Saturday. He reckons they can build on their second half performance against Sky Blues at Charlton on Saturday.

He commented, 'we really have to take the game to Charlton.' In the second half at the Ricoh, 'We pressed more as a team and the tempo was a lot faster.'

Rovers have had a forgettable October. They picked up just four points from a possible 24 during the month. That was in sharp contrast to an impressive September which saw them remain unbeaten, dropping just two points along the way.