PREVIEW: CHARLTON ATHLETIC VS CARDIFF CITY

Match Previews
Venue: The Valley
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016, 3pm K.O. 

City head to the Valley on Saturday hoping to pick up three points against a Charlton side struggling at the foot of the table.

THE OPPOSITION



Since our last meeting back in September, there has been much change at Charlton. Manager Guy Luzon was replaced by Karel Fraeye a month after our 2-1 victory, but with the Belgian unable to halt a winter slide down the league table, José Riga was re-appointed Addicks boss in January, after previously managing the club in 2014.

In the January Transfer Window, Charlton made two signings. Former Bluebird Roger Johnson re-joined the London side after a spell with Pune City in India, whilst the Addicks also brought in central-defender Jorge Teixeira from Standard Liège.

Simon Makienok has been the danger-man this term for Charlton, with five League goals to his name. Close behind him are 18-year-old Ademola Lookman, with four, and Iranian attacker Reza Ghoochannejhad, who has three goals.

CLUB CONNECTIONS



A notable link between Athletic and City was the loan signing of Tony Watt back in November. The Scottish forward made ten appearances in the blue shirt, scoring twice during his time in South Wales.

As previously mentioned, a former City man re-joined Charlton in January, after spending time at the Valley last season. Roger Johnson was a pivotal part of the Cardiff team which reached the FA Cup Final back in 2008. The centre-back played 119 times for the Bluebirds, scoring 12 goals before moving to Birmingham City in 2009.

Since leaving Cardiff, the ex-Wycombe defender played for Birmingham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United in the Premier League, before joining the Addicks in February 2015. He left the Valley at the end of the season, but has re-joined the club after a short spell in India.

Earlier this week, we sadly heard of the passing of former .Graham MooreBluebird and Addicks star A minute's applause will be held before Saturday's match at the Valley as a mark of respect.

MEMORABLE MEETING



Cardiff City 6 – 1 Charlton Athletic
Ninian Park, 23rd October 1971

The Bluebirds thumped Charlton 6-1 back in 1971, with City legend Brian Clark scoring twice.

Clark opened the scoring after 14 minutes in this Second Division clash at Ninian Park, with 13,092 in attendance. In the second period, John Parsons doubled Cardiff’s advantage, before Welshman Paul Davies pulled one back for Charlton.

The Bluebirds kicked on after conceding, and scored four unanswered goals to secure a comfortable victory. A penalty from Ian Gibson restored ‘City’s two goal lead, before Clarke netted his second to make sure of the victory.

Another goal from Parsons, followed by an own goal from Paul Went, who would later play for the Bluebirds between 1976-78, earned Cardiff their largest victory over Charlton to date.

DON'T MISS A MOMENT

TICKETS: Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity Phone: 0845 345 1400 

LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from Charlton vs Cardiff 

WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*

SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC

*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones.