Manchester United v Charlton Athletic

CHARLTON will give debuts to central defender Madjid Bougherra and midfielder Alex Song against Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United on Saturday at Old Trafford.

But hopes that long-term injury casualties Darren Bent, skipper Luke Young and midfielder Andy Reid would be available for the game have been dashed.

On top of that, the Addicks will be without tenacious central defender Hermann Hreidarsson who has been ruled out with a knee problem.

With Talal El Karkouri ruled out by a one-match suspension, Bougherra and Souleymane Diawara will form a new central defensive partnership.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "Hermann’s had a sore knee, which we’ve nursed through for two or three games but we felt that we could not take another chance with it for Saturday.

"It’s not been ideal preparation because Madjid has only trained for a week but we have to get on with it."

Song, signed on loan from Arsenal, will play in a holding role in front of the back four.

Pardew added: "We need to make sure that we retain the ball, which we’ve not been too good at doing, but I believe Alex will help us do that.

"To stand any chance against Manchester United you have to disrupt their rhythm while I hope Alex will create rhythm for us. But’s it’s a tough call because he’s only 19."

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