If Alan Pardew is to mastermind a great escape at Charlton, the new Addicks boss will need to get his reign off to a flying start against Fulham on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 1.

The former West Ham boss replaced Les Reed at The Valley on Christmas Eve and has a monumental task ahead of him with Charlton now eight points shy of safety after winning just three games so far this season.

Pardew has already laid bare Charlton's troubles by claiming the side need to emerge victorious in half of their remaining games to stay afloat in the Premiership, and he will no doubt view the visit of The Cottagers as a do-or-die game.

The new Addicks boss will receive a warm reception at The Valley after fans called for his appointment in the final days of Reed's reign, and his cause has been helped by a lengthy injury list afflicting Fulham.

Chris Coleman is determined to take his side further away from the drop zone with all three points, but the Cottagers boss is expected to field a patched-up side for the trip across London.

Moritz Volz could again be pushed into a midfield role alongside Michael Brown as Papa Bouba Diop (thigh) is still struggling with his fitness, but former Addicks star Claus Jensen may make the bench after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Midfield is still Coleman's most pressing concern with Mark Pembridge, Simon Elliot and Jimmy Bullard all long term victims, but his defence has also been weakened by the absence of Zat Knight for up to two months after the giant stopper broke his jaw.

Ian Pearce is also doubtful and Collins John may get the chance to return to the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem as Heidar Helguson is suspended.

It remains to be seen how far Pardew will stamp his own image on the Charlton team, but he will have to do without Addicks captain Luke Young who is still recovering from a knee injury.

Andy Reid (hamstring) also misses out, but Darren Ambrose (knee) and Jerome Thomas (virus) could earn recalls for the London derby.

Fellow midfielder Amdy Faye needs a late fitness test after limping off in the defeat to Middlesbrough that signalled the end of Reed's reign.

Whilst Charlton marginally avoided the ominous tag of being bottom at Christmas, their Premiership future remains firmly in jeopardy and only a win will do as Pardew hopes to generate some momentum ahead of the New Year.