Charlton caretaker boss Bowyer ready to make changes for Rochdale

By Richard Cawley

Lee Bowyer says he will make changes to his Charlton side for Saturday’s home game against Rochdale – because he wants to make sure he has a fresh squad to choose from in the play-offs.

Unless the Addicks lose and their is a seven-goal swing in Plymouth Argyle’s favour then the South London club will be at home in the play-offs on Thursday night against Shrewsbury Town.

Caretaker manager Bowyer said: “It has always been in our hands and it is now, even more so.

“A seven-goal swing is a massive difference. If that happens then something has gone seriously wrong, and that’s without us scoring as well.

“The Saturday-Thursday turnaround is isn’t ideal. I would have preferred the other legs [from finishing fifth or fourth] but it is what it is.

“I want to keep that winning feeling but at the same time I would be stupid not to have half an eye on Thursday’s game. There will be changes, I’m not going to deny that. But at the same time, I don’t want to make too many and change things around too much.”

Bowyer decided on his starting line-up for Charlton yesterday and confirmed that Joe Aribo will start.

“Joe has not played the last two but in the previous seven he was outstanding,” said Bowyer. “He hasn’t been playing for any other reason then he had to miss a game through his injury. The lads played well and I kept the same side and then they played well again.

“Joe has done nothing wrong. He will come back into the side on Saturday.”

Bowyer was less glowing on Crystal Palace loanee Sullay Kaikai, who did not even make the bench last weekend.

“He has started a few games and not really set the world on fire for me,” said the Addicks temporary boss. “He might play somewhere different at the weekend, if he is involved.”