Darren Pratley could have a vital role to play for Charlton Athletic when they face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
On the chalkboard
The Addicks travel across London to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium having failed to win in any of their last ten Championship matches.
Lee Bowyer and his side will be desperate to change that, especially when there are only three teams separating their opponents on the day.
Watch Charlton Athletic Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
The manager will be looking for a performance from all of the players that he puts out on the pitch, but he may be looking towards Darren Pratley in particular, as he comes directly up against Eberechi Eze.
Key battle
Eze has been directly involved in over a third of QPR’s 35 league goals this campaign, having scored nine and assisted another four in his 22 starts.
He also carries a threat across the pitch, averaging 1.7 key passes and 3.1 dribbles per game, while still maintaining a pass success rate of 85.6%.
As has already been established on FFC, Jason Pearce will have an important role to play in dealing with Jordan Hugill’s aerial threat, but he showed against Huddersfield Town how much he can struggle in one-on-one situations on the floor.
Considering the influence Eze can have on games from a central position, it is important there is someone who can combat his threat, this is where Pratley must step up.
No clues: Can you name all of these Premier League icons? Test your knowledge below…
The 34-year-old will likely be sitting at the base of the Charlton midfield, which should often see him come into competition with the 21-year-old.
In his 16 starts and three substitute appearances this term, Pratley has averaged 1.4 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game.
He will have to use this defensive nous and the experience gathered throughout his career if he is to ensure Eze doesn’t get his own way in the middle of the park.
In other news, Bowyer has revealed the role that Lyle Taylor could be set to play against QPR.