Derby lost at the weekend, but managed to hold onto second place, however the race is now as tight as it's ever been in the League One promotion battle, and they'll want to come good again on Tuesday night. The visitors are Charlton, a dangerous opponent as they are getting better, and come here on the back of a good point away from home at the weekend.
Derby Form GuideDerby hold second place, an automatic promotion spot, but the pressure from below is as strong as it's ever been. Third placed Bolton are on the same points, and have a game in hand, Barnsley are fourth, three points behind and also have a game in hand, and Barnsley were the team that beat Derby at the weekend.
The Rams were beaten 2-1 at Barnsley, and showed the two potential issues they have as a team. Firstly, a lack of a true striker, they've got key injuries up front, and have brought in Dwight Gayle, but he was only ready to play a small part, they need him as soon as possible. Secondly, Derby were behind and chasing the game in the second half, but lacked the legs to really pressure Barnsley and get back into it.
Charlton Form GuideI'll hold my hands up, at the start of the season, I had Charlton down as the league winners. 34 games in, they're in 20th, so I got that one wrong! But they've made changes since Nathan Jones took over, and come here on the back of three draws in a row, where they've looked a far better team.
They've been against Lincoln, one of the form teams in the league at the moment, Bolton, currently third and Portsmouth most recently, currently top of the league. So yes, it is no wins, and only three points, but this is a much improved Charlton side, who can avoid defeat against the best in the league.
Match PredictionDerby need three points, but this will be tough. Three draws against good teams, I think Charlton can take a fourth here, the draw is too big to ignore, so that's my tip.
