Charlton v Middlesbrough team line-ups: Pratley, Purrington and Williams all start at The Valley

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has made three changes for today’s pivotal home game against Middlesbrough – handing starts to Darren Pratley and Ben Purrington.

Veteran midfielder Pratley has been missing with back spasms but comes back in to anchor the midfield as the Addicks look to restore some breathing space over the Championship bottom three.

And Alfie Doughty makes way for Purrington at left-back.

The other switch sees Jonny Williams start with Erhun Oztumer and Aiden McGeady both dropping to the bench.

Charlton are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Huddersfield Town. The South Londoners have kept two clean sheets in their last 25 fixtures in all competitions.

Boro are winless in 12 matches, their poorest run since the 1981-82 campaign.

Charlton: Phillips, Matthews, Oshilaja, Purrington, Pratley, Cullen, Lapslie, Williams, Green, Taylor. Subs: Amos, Doughty, Smith, Bonne, McGeady, Hemed, Davis.

Middlesbrough: Stojanovic, Shotton, Tavernier, Clayton, Gestede, Howson, McNair, Moukoudi, Johnson, Wing, Coulson. Subs: Pears, Assombalonga, Fletcher, Morrison, Nmecha, Saville, Spence.