Charlton came face-to-face with two different facets of the Arsenal side last season. They took advantage of the Gunners in their weakest month and won 4-2 at Highbury. Scores were settled at the Valley when the Gunners trounced the Addicks 3-0, taking just nine minutes to do the damage. The started scoring in the 16th minute and were three up by 25th.

The two sides had differing fortunes in midweek against sides managed by former England managers. Charlton were beaten in a clash with Graham Taylor's Aston Villa - side including a vengeful Mark Kinsella - while Arsenal dispatched Kevin Keegan's Manchester City.

The Gunners had to work hard for their result against Keegan's men and the Addicks boss Alan Curbishley will be pleased that a Manchester-London clash took as much out of the Highbury side as a London derby.

Patrick Vieira will captain Arsenal despite his recent appeal for a rest, with manager Arsene Wenger having told him that he must carry on playing.

The Gunners are nevertheless still without Ray Parlour and Lauren due to injury, while Freddie Ljungberg is still at least a week away from a comeback following his summer hip operation.

There is also a fresh injury worry over French Under-21 international Jeremie Aliadiere, who has a groin problem that could keep him out of action for several months. Paul Konchesky is still suspended.

Charlton are waiting to see if England Under-21 midfielder Scott Parker will be fit to play at The Valley following the ankle injury which has kept him out so far this season.

Parker was hurt in the final pre-season match against FC Porto on August 10 and manager Alan Curbishley described his chances as "touch and go", an assessment which also applies to Gary Rowett, the �3.5million summer signing from Leicester who damaged his hamstring against Bolton.

Deadline day signings Jesper Blomqvist and Robbie Mustoe could be in line for their Charlton debuts.

HEAD TO HEAD NOTES