"Full of talent, but underwhelming": Derby County vs Charlton Athletic preview

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Derby County vs Charlton Athletic kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 2 February

Derby County's first game of February comes against Charlton Athletic on Saturday as the Rams have the chance to move up to second place if everything goes their way.

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The Rams sit in fourth place, just four points off league leaders Portsmouth. However, despite their strong position, Paul Warne's side have been poor recently.

They have dropped points in two of their last five games, but more to the point, have looked lacklustre in their performances.

Derby face a Charlton side who are full of talent, but underwhelming. The Addicks sit in 18th place, just four points safe from the relegation zone. A suprise to many as they were tipped as a possible playoff contender before the season started.

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Turbulent times

Charlton recently sacked their second manager of the season in Michael Appleton who only lasted five months.

They currently have an interim manager in the form of Curtis Fleming who will likely be leading the Addicks when they host Derby on Saturday.

The poor season at the Valley is a bit of a shock as Charlton have a number of very talented players. None more so than striker Alfie May who they signed from Cheltenham Town in the summer.

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Alfie May has been fantastic for Charlton this seasonAlfie May has been fantastic for Charlton this season
Alfie May has been fantastic for Charlton this season | Getty Images

May has been a bright spark in a dormant side as he has 16 goals; equalling the best tally in League One. The Addicks also have midfielder George Dobson who has been excellent this season too and instrumental in helping dictate games.

However, regardless of their talent, Charlton haven't been good and from a Derby perspective, they may be facing the Addicks at the perfect time without a permanent boss.

Not very old face to return

Derby County signed talented winger Corey Blackett-Taylor from Charlton under two weeks ago and already he is facing his former side.

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Blackett-Taylor was a fantastic asset for Charlton during the first half of the season, making 25 League One appearances, scoring eight goals and recording seven assists.

Corey Blackett-Taylor spent three and a half years at the ValleyCorey Blackett-Taylor spent three and a half years at the Valley
Corey Blackett-Taylor spent three and a half years at the Valley | Getty Images

He will be hoping that he can get one up on his former side and show Paul Warne why he was a worthy signing for the Rams.

The winger has made two Derby appearances so far and has looked impressive without looking spectacular. A trip to the Valley might be what Blackett-Taylor needs to kick on and show what a talent he really is.

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Predictions

Derby County have won three games from their last five, whilst Charlton have lost three from their last five. The two sides are at very different ends of the table and with Derby's impressive away form, you would have to back the Rams this weekend.

Paul Warne's side need to put on a better show than they have in their past few games, however, having not had a Tuesday night game, they should be fresh and ready to go.

The Addicks have no problem scoring goals, but do concede plenty too, which on paper should set up to be a thrilling game.

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It could be a high scorer on both sides of the game and the Rams will have to try and nullify Charlton's attacking threat.

A 3-2 scoreline or something similar could be on the cards.

Derby County vs Charlton Athletic kicks off at the Valley at 3pm on Saturday 3 February.

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