Charlton Athletic play host to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon having suffered back-to-back defeats in the Championship, results which have left the Addicks in eighth position in the Championship standings.

Leeds begin the weekend in top spot on goal difference, although Marcelo Bielsa's side have only won one of their last three outings at the second tier.

Match preview

There is little doubt that Charlton were the surprise package of the first month of the campaign, with Lee Bowyer's team racking up 14 points from their opening half-a-dozen outings.

However, two successive setbacks - to Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic respectively - will have reminded Boywer that there are no easy games, regardless of form or perceived stature.

Nevertheless, Boywer may feel that the double disappointment in the immediate aftermath of an international break has come at the right time, with it proving to his players that they cannot afford to lose focus if they wish to stay away from a relegation battle this season.

The London outfit will only be looking ahead rather than over their shoulders at this stage, although that may be different come the start of November if they do not rediscover their earlier touch in front of goal, with seven matches coming on the bounce against opponents who are vying for promotion to the Premier League.

Bowyer welcomes Leeds to The Valley at a time when his former club are going through an inconsistent patch of their own, after previously suggesting that they could set the pace heading into the winter months.

Bielsa has witnessed his team concede late goals in their last two home outings against Swansea City and Derby County, while also struggling to break down their opponents at the other end.

However, they have had less trouble on their travels, netting a total of 10 goals in wins over Bristol City, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Barnsley.

While most supporters of the Yorkshire giants would have expected the majority of their points to come at Elland Road, their results since the beginning of August indicate that the weight of expectancy is being felt when performing at their home ground.

That is something which will need to subside if Leeds are to achieve their end goal come the start of May, and it currently places extra emphasis on picking up maximum points in games such as the one at the weekend.

Charlton Athletic form: DDWWLL

Leeds United form: WWDLWD

Team News

Having had to remain patient on the Leeds substitutes' bench, Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah could be provided with a start ahead of Patrick Bamford.

Barry Douglas may also be restored to the starting lineup at left back, with Ezgjan Alioski missing out for the visitors, while Helder Costa is set to get the nod over Jack Harrison

Charlton will again be without top goalscorer Lyle Taylor, who is not expected back until November due to a knee injury.

That should lead to Tomer Hemed keeping his spot in attack, although right-back Chris Solly and midfielder Sam Field are both in contention to earn a recall.

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup: Phillips; Solly, Lockyer, Sarr, Purrington; Cullen, Pratley, Gallagher, Williams; Leko, Hemed

Leeds United possible starting lineup: Casilla; Dallas, White, Cooper, Douglas; Phillips, Shackleton, Klich; Hernandez, Costa, Nketiah

We say: Charlton Athletic 1-3 Leeds United

While Bowyer will expect his players to raise their level for a game of this magnitude, we feel that Leeds will welcome the opportunity to get back to winning ways, especially outside of the bubble of Elland Road which has hindered him in recent weeks.