Charlton v Cardiff

CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew is keeping both supporters and opponents Cardiff City guessing over his preferred formation for Saturday's Championship match at The Valley.

Pardew responded to three consecutive defeats by changing formation from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 which coincided with successive 1-0 away wins against Southampton and Bristol City on Tuesday. It was City's first home defeat since March.

"The system we played against Southampton and Bristol City is one I'm very familiar with as I used it as Reading with success six years ago," said Pardew.

"My feeling at the moment is not to give too much away because it's such an important game for Cardiff and ourselves.

"The problem we had before the two away wins was that we didn't have a platform to score a goal because we looked so shaky. We were not secure so players were reluctant to go thrusting forward.

"It's been an offensive operation because we've felt safe and attacked both Southampton and Bristol City with numbers. We've also created a great deal in those two games so it's been a massive success.

"Whether we go with it on Saturday is a decision that sits at my door."

Pardew must also decide whether to recall Jose Semedo, who has completed a one-match suspension or retain Tuesday's replacement, Therry Racon, who did well on his first Championship start.

He explained: "I played Therry because he can fill the Semedo role, that's why I started with him rather than Darren Ambrose, which the press expected.

"It's not a simple role, it's a complex one which Therry can fill. He took his chance and played really well."