Barcodes preview

Tomorrow will be the last chance Charlton fans have to see Alan Shearer made judicious use of the elbow to secure victory for the Barcodes at The Valley. It is a vital clash in terms of sorting out positions in the Premiership's mid-table league. It has also acquired a new importance for Darren Bent given that Michael Owen had another operation yesterday and his fitness for Germany is still in doubt. Unfortunately, Bent has apparently been carrying an ankle injury recently.

The E-mail Bulletin talked of players being rested which could mean Spector in for the on form Chris Powell. If Spector is to be played, I would prefer to see him at centre back with the Herminator on the left. Bartlett was hardly inspiring against Boro, but Bothroyd was even worse. Assuming Marcus Bent is still not fit, I would play Euell in an attacking forward position.

In our home games against Newcastle in the Premiership we have drawn four, lost one and won one (each by a 2-0 margin). That might seem to point to a draw, but I don't think there will be another 0-0. The Fink Tank in The Times doesn't really know what to think, giving a 40% chance of a home win and 33% chance of an away win.

Remember that it is a 2 p.m. kick off and that clocks go forward tomorrow.