Charlton Athletic face a daunting trip to league leaders Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this Saturday in the Championship.
The Addicks, who sit 19th in the <a href="/standings">league table</a> with 14 points from 12 games, are 11 points behind their hosts and have lost their last two matches. Their recent run has seen them take just two points from the last 12 available, a sequence that includes draws with Burnley and Bristol City but also the current losing streak. Their overall record this season is three wins and five draws from those 12 matches, leaving them with a goal difference of minus seven after scoring 11 and conceding 18.
Recent form and results
Their latest defeat was a 3-1 home loss to Norwich City last Saturday. Charlie Kelman gave Charlton an early lead, but the visitors scored three times, including an own goal, to secure the points. That result followed a 2-0 loss at Watford. The team has struggled defensively, conceding 18 goals so far this season. Their recent form over the last five games shows no wins, two draws and three losses, a sequence that began with a 3-1 defeat at Cardiff and a goalless draw with Portsmouth. The recent 2-2 draw at Burnley and 1-1 home draw with Bristol City provided the only points in this poor run.
Middlesbrough, in contrast, are in formidable form. They thrashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1 away last time out and have won three of their last four league games. Their only recent slip was a 2-2 home draw with Cardiff City.
Charlton's top scorer this season is Campbell, who has four goals in 12 appearances.
Team news
The side that started against Norwich is likely to form the basis of the team for this weekend. Okonkwo was in goal behind a back four of Ramsay, Jones, Billy Koumetio and Edwards. The midfield featured Coventry and Joe Rankin-Costello, with Campbell, Carey and Ahearne-Grant supporting striker Charlie Kelman.
Charlton will need to be far more resilient against a Middlesbrough side that has scored freely. The task is clear: stop the rot and try to get something from a ground where the hosts are flying. The <a href="/fixtures">next fixture</a> at the Riverside kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, 31 October.
