Charlton Athletic welcome Queen’s Park Rangers to The Valley in a key game for both sides. London pride is only the line as QPR make the journey to South London needing to respond to their defeat last weekend.
Charlton head into this London derby looking to build on that terrific win against Hull City.
Lee Bowyer will want to see the same commitment and performance levels from his team.
Mark Warburton knows his side must take the bragging rights to maintain their hopes of gatecrashing the play-offs.
Charlton Athletic Meet QPR in a Crucial London Derby
Addicks Hunt Consecutive League Wins
Charlton welcome London rivals QPR to the Valley looking for consecutive league wins for the first time since August. Lee Bowyer’s side are fresh off a vital win against relegation rivals Hull.
Bowyer would have been delighted with his team’s commitment and desire to win last weekend’s game. The Addicks boss will, however, demand more of the same and the further added spice of a derby should motivate his team.
Charlton know victory will put them another step closer to safety and could be boosted by the return of Andre Green. The Aston Villa loanee is expected to be available after sitting out the Hull City game with a minor injury.
Bowyer will assess Lewis Page and Jake Forster-Caskey ahead of the match. However, he remains without Lyle Taylor, David Davis and Chris Solly.
QPR Look to Bounce Back
Rangers head into this important London derby on the back of a hugely disappointing defeat to Barnsley. The R’s struggled to find a way back into the match and ultimately saw their play-off hopes take a hit.
Defeat also saw their six-match unbeaten run come to an end. They head into this game seven points adrift of Preston North End with eight games to go.
Mark Warburton will want to see more from his attackers as they target a win to put themselves back into playoff contention. Warburton is boosted by the return of Geoff Cameron – the American is available after serving his suspension.
Warburton is also boosted by the news Jack Clarke and Luke Amos will see out the season with QPR. Both are likely to be involved at the Valley this weekend.
Previous Meeting
The game at the Kiyan Prince Foundation finished all square. It was an excellent encounter with Charlton twice fighting back to snatch a point. Naby Sarr scored a 95th-minute equaliser after Marc Pugh thought he had won the match for the R’s.
Prediction
This should be a good game between two sides needing the points. Charlton need the points to maintain their Championship place. QPR are pushing hard for the play-offs and need to win to get their charge back on track.
There is further incentive for both after the draw in December. The bragging rights are on offer and both sides will fancy their chances of securing the win.
Charlton Athletic 1-1 QPR
Main Photo
