Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones's surprising view ahead of Derby County clash

Derby County will be looking to close the gap on league leaders Portsmouth this evening as they face a struggling Charlton Athletic side.

The Rams will host the 20th-placed Addicks with the hope of returning to winning ways after they fell to promotion chasing Barnsley at the weekend.

Charlton meanwhile are at a turning point in their simply dismal season. Manager Nathan Jones joined the club at the start of the month.

The former Luton and Southampton manager has taken a step down into League One as he is looking to turn the fortunes of a talented but underachieving Charlton.

In his pre-match press conference, Jones showed a lot of confidence ahead of the clash with Derby. He said: "We know Derby, for the level, is a very, very difficult game but we’re never going to fear anyone.

"We have a way of playing and we go after teams, that’s the mentality now.”

The two teams met eachother at the start of the month, just days before Jones was appointed. The Rams came away as 1-0 winners with a goal from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing giving Paul Warne's side all three points.

However Jones believes that the Addicks were the better team that day, he added: “There was nothing in the game.

“Charlton were probably the better side in the second half. It’s just that Derby showed the one bit of quality in the game from a slight error that won them the game and that’s the margins.

"We have to show that quality but still be the aggressive team that we are.”

With a win, the Rams could come within four points of Portsmouth as the game tonight is Derby's game in hand over Pompey.

So if they are to give themselves a chance of not just automatic promotion but to win the title, a win will be neccessary.

However, if Jones' confidence is anything to go by, Paul Warne's side will have to be on form to get the win.