Preston v Charlton

ALAN PARDEW’S hope that Ben Thatcher would be available and fit to resume after the international break at Preston on Saturday has been dashed as the left-back continues to make only slow progress after undergoing surgery for a thigh injury.

Thatcher has made only three senior appearances since he aggravated the injury in the 3-2 home win over Sheffield Wednesday on August 25.

Bad news for Thatcher is good news for 18-year-old Grant Basey, who has played in the last four games and looks set to retain his place.

Chris Powell has recovered from his knee injury at Wolves and is expected to be in the squad.

Pardew is expected to persist with the 4-5-1 formation that has coincided with the side taking maximum points from their last three games and keeping three clean sheets.

Preston v Charlton match report and pictures on this website and in next week's Bexley Extra and Dartford Messenger