League One Preview, Game 26

Tomorrow night should see 17,000 expectant fans at the Valley to urge their heroes on to a ninth home win that would see us draw level with Norwich in second place and within three points of runaway leaders Leeds. I hope the gate tomorrow sees the start of a fortnightly increase as the Addicks cement their promotion credentials and the exciting battle for the Championship builds. With the smallest away following of the season expected from the north-east enclave of Hartlepool, we will need a thousand extra Addicks if the 17,000 average is to be maintained.

Preparations for this game couldn't really be better. Fraser Richardson made his return to the side at the end of the Wycombe match and can expect to start. It would be good to see Youga making the bench and it will be game three of Sam Sodje's four match ban. We are due goals from our forwards and Hartlepool may well arrive in low spirits after their 5-0 home hammering at the weekend. There will be an argument that we might feel the backlash from that performance but I am firmly of the view that we will win convincingly - an early goal could see Pool heads drop.

The games being played tomorrow and Wednesday are catch-up matches so could make significant alterations to the league table. All eyes at the top will be on us...

Charlton Athletic v Hartlepool

I am confident we will this game but we should exercise some caution around the next three home games. Expectations are that we will romp all three and we should be prepared for a set-back. We are not so much better than the majority in this league that our games are formalities. We are having to work to get results in most games and are always likely to concede a goal. Hartlepool, Orient or Tranmere may well come with a nothing-to-lose attitude and might just make things very difficult for us. It won't be a time for wailing and gnashing of teeth if it happens. Looking back at the '80-81 season, we are a couple of points adrift of where we were at this stage but lost and drew in the next three games. An opportunity then to go one better, but we will need to concentrate and our fans must get behind the side come what may.

Prediction; 3-0

Huddersfield Town v Bristol Rovers

Huddersfield are ten points adrift of us but their home form is mustard and they have dropped only six points there all season in three drawn games. Bristol Rovers are all or nothing on the road this season and this is likely to be another nothing.

Prediction; 2-0

Leyton Orient v Yeovil Town

This is a golden opportunity for the O's to clamber out of the basement places. Yeovil rely upon their home form to keep themselves out of trouble and Orient must capitalise on that tomorrow evening. They lack firepower but should have enough here for the points.

Prediction; 1-0

Stockport County v Swindon Town

Swindon can be a little bit unpredictable away from home but this is a match they should win with something to spare. County are in chaos and heading for League Two.

Prediction; 0-2

Oldham Athletic v Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere have been my long-term favourites to join the League One exodus and only their home form can possibly save them. Oldham are uncomfortably close at the bottom and will see this as the perfect game to gain some breathing space on Wednesday.

Prediction; 2-0

Come on Charl-ton, come on Charl-ton!