Few could have expected Charlton to make the kind of impact they have this season. However, with just nine Premiership games remaining, they - like us - are very much in with a shout of European football next time round.

Prior to our meeting at the Valley on Saturday afternoon, Charlton lie just two points and two positions behind us, having played the same number of games. Clearly, then, this is going to be very much a 'six pointer'.

Although we beat the Addicks comfortably at Elland Road 3-1 in October, they are a completely different proposition on their own turf - with Sunderland the only victors there this season.

Clearly, given his team selection for the Lazio game on Wednesday night, DOL recognises the extreme importance of Saturday's clash with Charlton at the Valley. We can expect wholesale changes from the team that started the Champions league clash.

Nigel Martyn will come in for Paul Robinson, Ferdinand will return to the centre of defence whilst Batty and Dacour will bolster our midfield. The Manager will then face the difficult choice of playing either Robbie Keane or Smithy up fron alongside Viduka. Not a bad 'problem' to have, though.

Unfortunately, the Chief has still not shaken off the knee injury he picked up in Madrid whilst Mills, who has impressed greatly over recent matches, is suspended for the match against his old club. That should leave Matteo to partner Rio at the centre of defence.

For Charlton, Matthias Svensson is available after suspension but Dean Kiely is out with a groin strain. Kinsella is only 50-50 whilst long term absentee Andy Hunt has an outside chance of being on the bench, having missed the whole of Charlton's successful campaign so far.

Goals from Mark Viduka and Alan Smith gave us an excellent win - against a team who had previously only been beaten once in the Premiership. We now find ourselves 5th in the Premiership table.

A more detailed report will follow later.