[long_read]

Charlton Athletic are surely in a prime position for a top six spot in League One, with eight points the gap between them and Peterborough in seventh place.

They're ten points adrift of Barnsley in the final automatic promotion spot so, barring a miracle, that boat seems to have sailed. Their task now is to ensure they're in good form over the final ten matches, setting themselves up for a play-off showdown.

 

They're currently trying to find the right blend after losing Karlan Grant to Huddersfield, but a 2-1 win against Portsmouth at the weekend hinted that they're on the right track.

They turned in an assured display against the one-time leaders to close the gap between them to just two points.

Lee Bowyer's first full season in charge has been a roaring success and if he sticks to the XI we think he should play, he can keep up that great run against Burton.

[snack_break title="Dillon Phillips"]

Phillips has made the number on jersey his own after Jed Steer went back to Aston Villa.

He's a safe pair of hands and won't be dropped this week.

[snack_break title="Anfernee Dijksteel"]

The 22-year-old former Netherland Under 20 international was favoured over Chris Solly this weekend and did enough to keep his place.

Is Lee Bowyer already looking to the future?

[snack_break title="Ben Purrington"]

Purrington is on loan from Rotherham and has settled well at left back.

His competent displays have seen him become one of the first choices for Bowyer.

[snack_break title="Naby Sarr"]

The key to a good side is a settled central defensive partnership who understand each other. Sarr is one half of such a partnership.

[snack_break title="Patrick Bauer"]

Bauer is the other half of the bedrock upon which their top six assault has been built.

He's surely going to attract attention in the summer.

[snack_break title="Tariqe Fosu"]

The 23-year-old came on for Jonny Williams at the weekend and if Williams doesn't recover, he's sure to keep his place.

He has 54 Addicks appearances to his name.

[snack_break title="Joe Aribo"]

Aribo bagged against Portsmouth and earned a Man of the Match award for his sensational display.

He's not penned a new deal as yet, but would be a huge addition to the squad for next season.

[snack_break title="Josh Cullen"]

Cullen has missed a portion of the season, but is back and raring to influence the coming weeks.

He's such a talent too, tricky on the ball with a drive and determination to succeed.

[snack_break title="Ben Reeves"]

Reeves replaced the injured Krystian Bielik at the weekend and if the Arsenal man isn't fit, will surely start against Burton.

The Northern Ireland international made his name with MK Dons, but started out at Southampton.

[snack_break title="Lyle Taylor"]

Taylor scored the winner at the weekend and has been an astute capture by Lee Bowyer.

He's looking to find a new partner after Karlan Grant's departure.

[snack_break title="Igor Vetokele"]

The big Angolan has started four matches alongside Taylor and they'll be hoping for the partnership to click quickly.

He's been on the fringes of the first team, but could be thrust into the spotlight over the coming ten matches.

[/long_read]