Preview: Charlton v Swansea

By Rob Virtue on August 7, 2008 5:29 PM |

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MARK Hudson will lead Charlton out for the match against Swansea - as long as he shakes off an ankle injury.

The former Crystal Palace defender has been named club captain by Addicks boss Alan Pardew before the big kick-off on Saturday, August 9.

He believes Hudson is 60 per cent likely to play in the match after responding well to treatment for the injury received in last week's match against Athletico Bilbao.

Speaking on Thursday, August 7, Pardew said: "Hudson's going to be a very important player for us and if he's right he will play."

Charlton will also have Chris Dickson, Nicky Weaver and Matt Holland in contention for the match after recovering from knocks.

Last season saw the Addicks kick-off with a scrappy 1-1 draw with newly promoted Scunthorpe United. Although they face another promoted side in Swansea, Pardew believes it will be a very different game.

He said: "With all due respect to Scunthorpe, Swansea are a better side than they were, and I'm hoping we won't be surprised by their quality.

"It's good to see a side go up with a real passing game. It will certainly be a good game for the neutral as both sides will get the ball down and play."

Swansea will be bringing nearly 4,000 traveling fans to The Valley and Pardew said he wants the Charlton support to be loud.

He said: "I hope the fans get behind the players. If they are in great voice it really helps us out."