We don't have confirmed lineups or formations from the brief, but we can paint a fair picture. Charlton under their current setup are likely to stick to a compact 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, looking to stay narrow and hit on the break. They'll look to make The Valley a fortress, pressing in mid-block and forcing Derby wide. Their recent win over Hull came from that kind of disciplined display — soak up pressure, nick a goal, see it out.

Derby, on the other hand, will probably set up in a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2, aiming to control the midfield. They've got the pedigree — founder members of the Football League, a club that expects to be at the top end of the Championship. After that cup slip, their manager will demand a response. They'll want to dominate possession, work the half-spaces, and get their wide players on the ball. But Charlton won't just roll over. This is a classic Championship dogfight: two sides who know each other's game, neither willing to take risks early.

The key battle will be in the middle of the park. If Derby's double pivot can get on the ball and dictate tempo, they'll edge it. But Charlton's second-ball merchants will make it ugly. Set pieces could be the difference — both teams have height and threat from dead balls. This has the look of a game where one goal might settle it, or where neither side finds the breakthrough.