Charlton Athletic vs Fulham

The down in the dumps Charlton team will play hosts to Fulham at the Valley in the actually boxing day fixture played the next day. This will be Alan Pardew’s first match incharge, and we all know what to expect from a team who has just got a new manager. West Ham did it against Manchester United in Alan Curbishley’s first match so Pardew will be hoping for the same in this match. Lets see if this match third time lucky for Charlton after changing their managers twice this season in the space of 4 months. Chris Coleman’s side will be part of successive London derbys after managing only a goalless draw versus West Ham.

For Charlton the news is not too good with Darren Ambrose doubtful for the match but could pass a late fitness test. Amdy Faye is also not certain to make the starting line-up and could feature on the bench. Dennis Rommedahl is definitely going to miss this derby with a foot injury and Luke Young is nursing an injured knee. Kevin Lisbie has been injured since a couple of weeks and will almost certainly miss out.

Fulham have Collins John, the Dutch under 21 international returning to the starting line-up and also Claus Jensen if he recovers from his hamstring injury. Helguson .Liam Rosenior is the only Fulham player to have played in every single minute of the Fulham’s Premiership campaign this season and could be the key for this match..

I am leaning towards a draw on this one only because of the new manager. A first half draw is a very strong possibility and is at the odds of 2.10. The match to end in a draw is at the odds of 3.2 which are pretty decent odds to place your bet. Fulham have been very poor away from home and that will do them no good ahead of this match. An optimistic bet on Charlton at 2.37 is not too bad for a gamble!