Town will be making the trip into the Capital to face promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic at the Valley.
The journey into south-east London represents the third consecutive match against a promotion-chasing side, after the pleasing and victorious journey to East Anglia against Ipswich and a hard fought, but disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Doncaster Rovers last week.
However, the spirits are high with the exuberance of youth at the Reds as they welcomed Conor Masterson to their ranks from Queens Park Rangers, who could make his debut tomorrow.
The previous fixture between the Town and the Addicks ended in dramatic fashion, with Brett Pitman rising highest in the 90th minute to earn a vital point for the Reds in front of 2,000 Town fans at the County Ground.
It will be the third meeting with Lee Bowyer’s side this season, but will it be third time lucky for the Town?
The Opposition:
Charlton have been regular occupants of one of the automatic promotion or play-off places this season and have been firm opposition.
In recent weeks they have also been one of the great entertainers of League One, including back to back 2-2 draws against Swindon and Plymouth Argyle during the Christmas period, and a stunning 4-4 draw at home to Rochdale just after the New Year.
However, with one win in their last seven games - an impressive 1-0 away victory to Bristol Rovers in spite of going down to ten men in the closing stages – they will also be looking to bounce back and take their frustration out on the Town.
Charlton have a strong blend of flair, strength, aggression and defensive solidity and have many players who can hurt Swindon at both ends of the pitch.
Ben Amos has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the division and Chuks Aneke has found the net against the Town in both meetings this season – they will be the ones to watch.
Town have not beaten Charlton since a home victory in 2016, so there will be a hope for similar heroics on the weekend.
Team news:
Zeki Fryers will be out long-term as mentioned by the Gaffer in the pre-match press conference yesterday. Mathieu Baudry, Tom Broadbent and Jonathan Grounds are also not available. Kieron Freeman is available for selection and Rob Hunt will serve his final game of suspension following his dismissal against MK Dons.
