Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers team news: Patrick Bauer starts first league game since return from injury

Patrick Bauer is set for his first league start since returning from injury as Charlton prepare to face Bristol Rovers at The Valley.

Nicky Ajose makes his third league start of the season with top-scorer Lyle Taylor missing through suspension.

Lee Bowyer makes a total of six changes from the 5-0 midweek FA Cup win over Mansfield Town.

Jed Steer returns between the sticks, with Bauer set to line up with Anfernee Dijksteel, Jason Pearce and Chris Solly in the back four.

Krystian Bielik will operate at the base of the midfield diamond, with Joe Aribo and George Lapslie in the centre of the park. Jamie Ward will play just off the front two of Ajose and Karlan Grant.

Toby Stevenson makes his first appearance on the bench for a league game.

Charlton: Steer, Dijksteel, Pearce, Bauer, Solly, Bielik, Lapslie, Aribo, Ward, Grant, Ajose. Subs: Phillips, Sarr, Stevenson, Marshall, Fosu, Morgan, Hackett-Fairchild.