Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has said that he expects his players to 'fight for every ball' between now and the end of the season as the Addicks continue their battle against relegation this weekend against Middlesbrough.

The SE7 side are currently are in a precarious position in the Championship table, as they sit just one point above the bottom three with ten games to go.

Wigan's recent resurgence has lifted them out of the drop zone, which in turn has made it more of a fight for Charlton.

It is apt to badge this weekend's clash against Middlesbrough at The Valley a 'six-pointer', with only a single point separating the two teams.

Boro sit in 22nd place with 38 points, two positions lower than Charlton, who occupy 20th spot.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the big game, Bowyer reiterated to his players the standards he expects of them.

“My message to the players is the same as always. Saturday is a difficult game against a good side and we have to stay together. We’re a good side, especially at home, and we have good fans that get behind us, so I’m looking forward to getting back to The Valley," the Charlton boss said.

“Yes, it’s a big game and we’re in the run-in now, but I trust my players to go out there and fight for every ball.”

Charlton will be looking to bounce back in the best possible fashion on Saturday after last weekend's disappointing 4-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town.

Bowyer reaffirmed the confidence he has in his squad.

“It’s going to go to the wire and I think there are more teams involved than people realise. Our players know what we have to do and if they do that, we will be fine," he added.

Can you score 13/13 on this Charlton quiz?

The Verdict

Bowyer has challenged his players accordingly, while at the same time giving them the confidence they need to go out and deliver.

Charlton performed well in their previous six-pointer against Luton Town at home, winning 3-1, and the side will be hoping to put in a similar performance this time around against Middlesbrough.

However, the Addicks have a poor recent record against Boro, winning just once against the Teesside outfit in fourteen years.