Elliot keeps his place

Rob Elliot is expected to keep his place in goal in tomorrow's match against Notts County, even though Ben Hamer has now recovered from his minor injury: Elliot

Notts County won a surprise victory away at Carlisle on the opening day of the season and maintained their good form in a league cup tie with rivals Forest in their first competitive meeting since 1994 which they only lost on penalties midweek. They will be hoping to take three points off the Addicks to remain top of the table.

Last season they finished 19th and two years ago they neraly fell into the non-league. The heady days of the Munto Finance affair and Sven Goran Eriksson are now an unhappy memory. Martin Allen is the seventh manager in less than two seasons but has a good track record of improving lower division teams.

The fans are not that optimistic, forecasting mid-table mediocrity. Four Four Two forecasts that they will end the season returning to League Two, but The Times goes for a more realistic 12th.

Player of the Year Neal Bishop is very much the fulcrum of the team. He is combative and tenacious midfielder. Karl Hawley is a good attacking player, but the defence is suspect.

No doubt I will have to eat my words at 5 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, but I am going for a 2-1 win for the Addicks.

Paul May will be covering the match from Meadow Lane.

County strengthen squad

Notts County supremo and all round charm merchant Paul Ince has brought in players on loan from Chelsea and Burnley ahead of tomorrow night's televised clash against Charlton: County . Ince sees the loan moves as reflecting County's determination to become a Championship side.

Perhaps Charlton might venture into the loan market at some point because we badly need a creative midfielder.

On Sunday night Coventry Blaze lost to the Nottingham Panthers at the Skydome and one of the Panthers went by the name of Van Hoof. There are a few Charlton players it would be a suitable nickname for.

I am forecasting a 2-1 win for County.

Magpies face toughest test of the season

Notts County think that their game at The Valley tomorrow will be their toughest test of the season: Magpies

Nevertheless, they are brimming with confidence after their victory over the Massives (aka Yeovil Town) and now think they are on track for promotion.

I am reasonably confident and think that the Addicks will secure a 2-1 victory.

Valley pitch will help us say County

Notts County think that the size of the Valley pitch will help with their passing game when they play Charlton on Saturday: County

While they think it will be a tough game, they are confident of taking the points.

I recall that during the Target 10000 campaign there was a special admission for a pound deal for a game against Notts County. The result was a bumper crowd and the game being delayed by 15 minutes. As I recall it ended in a 1-1 draw.

Rovers beat us to Hoskins

Bristol Rovers have been off competition from Charlton to sign striker Will Hoskins:
Hoskins

It's a shame as I think he would have been useful. Deon Burton has not yet signed terms with Charlton and there are rumours he could he go to Notts County.