Charlton Athletic vs Bristol City: Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups

Championship football returns after the international break with Charlton Athletic hosting Bristol City on Good Friday. Both teams sit in the bottom half and are separated by three points.

Form and context

Charlton won promotion through the League One playoffs last season. Their main objective has been survival in the second tier.

With seven matches left, Nathan Jones’s side stand nine points above the relegation zone. March form eased earlier concerns for the Addicks.

They followed 1-0 wins over Birmingham City and Middlesbrough with a late equaliser at Oxford United. That run ended with a 1-0 home loss to Norwich City.

Their defence has been a strength. Charlton have conceded 46 goals this season, a better record than most teams in the bottom half.

Bristol City situation

Bristol City sacked Gerhard Struber after a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. The loss was the fourth in five matches for the Robins.

Roy Hodgson, 78, has been appointed on a short-term deal until the campaign ends. He returns to the club 44 years after a previous spell.

Hodgson is a former England and Liverpool manager. He had been out of the game for more than two years before accepting this role.

City sit 16th and are largely clear of immediate relegation danger. However, recent form has dented any hopes of a repeat playoff push.

The two clubs met in August in a goalless draw. That game registered just three shots on target between them.

Team News & Lineups

For a concise Charlton Athletic vs Bristol City: Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups, see Filmogaz.com.

Charlton report no fresh injury worries. Conor Coady and Charlie Kelman push for starts after recent bench appearances.

Lyndon Dykes missed the trip to Oxford but returned for the Norwich fixture. He is expected to lead the line once more.

Goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski lost his place after injury. Will Mannion has impressed and looks likely to keep the shirt.

• Charlton possible XI: Mannion; Ramsay, Coady, Bell; H. Clarke, Carey, Coventry, Docherty, Chambers; Dykes, Kelman.

Bristol City arrive with defensive problems. Centre-backs Rob Atkinson and Rob Dickie are injured and may be absent.

Jason Knight started against West Brom and should retain his spot. Emil Riis is expected to lead the attack for the Robins.

• Bristol City possible XI: Vitek; Eile, Knight, N. Borges; Sykes, Randell, Bird, McCrorie; Horvat, Riis, Twine.

Prediction

Both sides have safety within reach but confidence varies. Expect a tight game with few clear chances.

We forecast a narrow win for Bristol City. The new manager bounce could deliver their first league victory in six matches.