Charlton v Burnley

GRANT BASEY'S hopes of celebrating his 19th birthday this weekend with a seventh consecutive appearance for Charlton at home to Burnley on Saturday have been dashed by a groin strain.

Basey, who has been a revelation since breaking into the side on October 27, limped off with a groin strain in the 66th minute of Tuesday's shock 3-0 home defeat by Sheffield United.

"Losing Grant upset the balance of the side and his absence was a blow," said manager Alan Pardew.

Chris Powell, who has not played since sustaining a knee injury at Wolverhampton on October 20, is Basey's likely replacement.

Pardew must also decide whether or not to persevere with the 4-5-1 formation that saw the side register four straight wins until Tuesday's upset.

"After losing at home to Queens Park Rangers on October 27, we embarked on a strong run which saw us win four on the bounce without conceding," he said.

"It's important we do the same again. Though Tuesday was a setback, I don't think there is anything wrong with the confidence of the side."