Charlton v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 13 February 2016 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp6B2A.tmpCharlton will check on the fitness of striker Igor Vetokele ahead of the visit of Cardiff.

Last season's top scorer, who has struggled with injuries throughout this term, missed last weekend's defeat by Bristol City with a hamstring problem.

Deadline day signings Rod Fanni and Yaya Sanogo were not involved against City and could be added to the squad after a week of training.

Midfielder Alou Diarra (foot) and centre-half Patrick Bauer (groin) are close to returning but will not be involved against the Bluebirds.

Cardiff will check on Craig Noone before finalising their squad for the trip to London.

Noone has missed the last two games with a bruised chest and Cardiff hope to have the winger back as they seek to boost their play-off ambitions by building on a four-game unbeaten run.

Idriss Saadi has also stepped up his recovery after a long-term hamstring problem, but Bluebirds boss Russell Slade is not short of strikers with loan signings Tom Lawrence and Kenneth Zohore having made their debuts against MK Dons last week.

Defender Sean Morrison is nearing a return to full fitness after damaging knee ligaments in December but the Charlton game could come too soon for him.

MATCH FACTS

Charlton have lost just once in their last 10 matches versus Cardiff at the Valley (W4 D5).

Federico Macheda has scored three goals in three appearances against Charlton.

The Addicks are the only side yet to be awarded a penalty this season.

Cardiff have won back-to-back away games for the first time this campaign; they last won three in a row in March 2015.

Charlton's Johann Berg Gudmundsson has provided more assists than any other player this season (9).

Charlton have won just one of their last 13 league matches (D5 L7).