Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers preview

Charlton will be without central defender Sam Sodje for this evening's clash with Bristol Rovers.

He is serving a suspension following a crude lunge on Yeovil's Ryan Mason during the Addicks' 1-1 draw at Yeovil on Saturday.

That brought a red card and little sympathy from boss Phil Parkinson, who admitted: "He had to go."

The referee showed no hesitation in producing the red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

It is the second time Sodje has been sent off for Charlton, the first coming against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Boxing Day 2007.

Miguel Llera is expected to replace him, partnering Christian Dailly in the heart of the defence. With an injury doubt still hanging over Frazer Richardson, who missed the Glovers clash, Kelly Youga is expected to continue at right-back, with Grant Basey on the left.

Lloyd Sam poses a threat from the right wing with the influential Nicky Bailey, a man Bristol Rovers will have to stifle, in central midfield alongside Portuguese player Jose Sernedo, who started his career at Sporting Lisbon.

Therry Racon started wide on the left at Yeovil, but that position has been a problem for the Addicks in recent weeks and Parkinson could opt for Scott Wagstaff instead.

Sodje's brother Akpo – on loan from Sheffield Wednesday – will be pushing for a start up front after impressing in the second half at Huish Park. He scored their goal and had another disallowed.

But David Mooney – who was sacrificed when the Addicks went to 10 men – and top-scorer Deon Burton hope to continue their front line partnership.

Venue: @The Valley

Kick-off: @7.45pm

Capacity: 27,111

Record attendance: 27,111 v Chelsea (September 17, 2005)

Nickname: The Addicks

Manager: Phil Parkinson

Programme: £3

Top scorer: Deon Burton – 7

Getting there — by road: Leave the M25 at Junction 2 and follow the A2 towards London. When the A2 becomes the A102(M), take the A206 towards Woolwich and you will come to the ground on your right.

By coach: Rovers Supporters Club coaches leave Memorial Stadium and Kingswood 2.15pm, Eastville 2.30pm. Fare £18.

By train: Ring National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950

Last meeting: Rovers 0, Charlton 2, January 21, 1993

Biggest Rovers win: Rovers 4 Charlton 0, September 13, 1924

Heaviest Rovers defeat: Charlton 4 Rovers 0, March 1, 1980

Post prediction? Rovers will do well to take a point – but you have to fancy a home win.

Words of wisdom: "It’s all in my book – Lennie Lawrence gets in a blatant plug for his autobiography when asked about his time at Charlton.

Just a thought: Last time Rovers won at The Valley was back in March 1958. I was three weeks old at the time – I’m now decrepit and bald.

Fancy a flutter? Rovers are 9-2 at Bluesquare while Charlton are 8-11 with bet365. Coral have the draw at 11-4.