Preview: Charlton Athletic vs. Reading - prediction, team news, lineups

Charlton Athletic play host to Reading on Saturday afternoon holding just a one-point advantage above the Championship relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Reading make the trip to The Valley realistically requiring just one more win to ensure that they remain in the second tier for another season.

Match preview

For 75 minutes of their last two contests, Lee Bowyer would have been delighted with the application of his side as they fended off each of Millwall and Brentford.

However, conceding three goals during the closing stages of those two contests ultimately left the Addicks with zero points, putting them on the brink of dropping into the bottom three.

For a team who has recorded seven points from five matches since the resumption and shipped just three goals, it is a harsh scenario, but the reality is that Charlton have not scored enough goals since Lyle Taylor made himself unavailable for selection.

Although Macauley Bonne netted his first goal of 2020 at Griffin Park on Tuesday night, that strike cannot be in isolation during the run-in, especially with in-form Wigan Athletic and Leeds United still to come.

From Reading's perspective, they will feel that the pressure is now off to a certain extent, having recorded four points from their last two matches.

While the 5-0 triumph at Luton Town made the headlines, the midweek point at home to Huddersfield Town has ensured that another of the teams below them failed to make up any ground.

With four fixtures left, the Royals hold an eight-point advantage over the relegation zone, which will likely mean that their current points haul will prove enough to avoid dropping down to League One.

Nevertheless, Mark Bowen will stress to his players that they are playing for their futures ahead of a potential period of change for many of the clubs at the second tier.

Charlton Athletic Championship form: LWWDLL

Reading Championship form: WDLLWD

Team News

Bowen is expected to keep alterations down to a minimum after witnessing Reading keep two clean sheets in succession.

However, Matt Miazga is available again after the centre-back completed his three-match ban.

While a change of formation is a possibility, Bowyer will give consideration to retaining the defensive-minded formation which was used against Brentford.

Should he opt for a switch in strategy, Aiden McGeady is likely to be preferred to one of the central midfielders, with Jonathan Williams switching to the flank.

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup: Phillips; Lockyer, Pearce, Sarr; Matthews, Cullen, Field, Forster-Caskey, Doughty; Williams; Bonne

Reading possible starting lineup: Cabral; Osho, Morrison, McIntyre, Blackett; Pele, Swift, Rinomhota; Meite, Obita, Puscas

We say: Charlton Athletic 1-1 Reading

Given their recent setbacks, Charlton are under pressure to bounce back in what is effectively their most important game of the season. Although we expect them to make most of the running, Reading have enough quality in the final third to claim at least a share of the spoils.