Charlton Athletic set to be much-changed for EFL Trophy tie against Aston Villa

Johnnie Jackson is set to make wholesale changes to his Charlton Athletic side for tonight’s EFL Trophy tie at home to Aston Villa U21s.

The Addicks caretaker boss confirmed yesterday that Jayden Stockley is set to feature with the striker available again after serving a three-match ban.

The likes of Charlie Kirk, Ben Watson, Albie Morgan and Harry Arter have also had limited game time.

Aston Villa won all three of their trophy matches in the group stage, scoring 11 goals in three fixtures.

Charlton finished second in their group after losing their last fixture at Leyton Orient. Both clubs had already qualified for the next round with the Addicks seeing off Crawley Town and Southampton U21s at The Valley.

“It’s an opportunity for me to use the squad,” Jackson told the South London Press. “We’ve got a big squad and there are only 11 people I can start and three I can bring on in the league games. There are lads that need minutes and lads crying out for it.

“It will be an opportunity for me to see some fellas that haven’t had those minutes. It will be an opportunity for them to show me they should be playing in the league.

“Obviously I’m not going to put anyone at risk that’s been playing regularly because we’ve had a lot of football recently. I need to look after those and manage them carefully.

“This is a chance to see some of the others but, at the same time, put a strong team out. I could make 11 changes and still have a strong team out there.”