Southampton v Charlton preview
Saints given attacking boost ahead of relegation six-pointer
By Elliot Ball. Last Updated: April 3, 2009 2:20pm
Euell: Could face former club
Lee Holmes, Jason Euell and David McGoldrick are all expected to be fit for Southampton in Saturday's crunch Championship clash with rock-bottom Charlton.
Winger Holmes has declared himself available, following two months on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury, having played two reserve matches.
Euell suffered a hamstring injury against Blackpool a fortnight ago, but the problem was not serious and he should line up against his former club while fellow striker McGoldrick will shake off the knee knock he picked up in training at the end of last week.
However, midfielder Simon Gillett was this week ruled out for the season with torn knee cartilage.
Right-back Lloyd James is suspended for collecting 10 yellow cards this season but midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin should be fit after a bout of flu.
Ambrose sweat
Charlton will check on the fitness of midfielder Darren Ambrose ahead of the basement battle with Southampton at St Mary's.
Ambrose was forced off at half-time of the goalless draw against Preston a fortnight ago with a thigh injury but could be fit to travel.
Lloyd Sam came on for Ambrose last time out and would be his obvious replacement on the right if the former Newcastle playmaker is unavailable.
Long-term casualties Jonathan Fortune (Achilles), Jose Semedo (ankle) and Andy Gray (pelvis) are the Addicks' only other injury absentees.
Boss Phil Parkinson will stick with his back four of Danny Butterfield, Mark Hudson, Darren Ward and Kelly Youga.
Jonjo Shelvey, Therry Racon and Matthew Spring will contest the central midfield roles while Zheng Zhi is likely to continue in the hole behind lone striker Tresor Kandol.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
Lee Holmes
Jason Euell
David McGoldrick
Darren Ambrose
