Charlton manager Alan Pardew must decide whether to change a winning formation for the visit of Ipswich.

The Addicks boss opted to play Powerade Coca-Cola Championship Player of the Month for November Chris Iwelumo alone up front in the midweek 2-0 win at Cardiff but could switch to 4-4-2 against the Tractor Boys, with Izale McLeod and Luke Varney both in contention.

Jerome Thomas could return for the Addicks after missing the last two matches with a dead leg, but the game will definitely come too soon for Ben Thatcher (knee), who is unlikely to return until the new year.

Another player still sidelined is Grant Basey (groin), while Svetoslav Todorov (cruciate), Cory Gibbs (foot) remain long-term absentees.

Despite being third in the table, Charlton have lost their last two games at The Valley, conceding six goals in the process.

Ipswich will be without defender Alex Bruce when they go in search of their first away win of the season.

Bruce was substituted during the second half of the midweek defeat at Bristol City and he will miss out at The Valley.

Following a scan, Town physio Matt Byard told the club's official website: "Alex has a muscle injury to his right abductor.

"He will certainly be out for the Charlton game and probably the match against Leicester as well. You are normally looking at seven to 10 days recovery period for this type of injury."

Fabian Wilnis could be handed his first start in just over a month after he was brought on to replace Bruce at Ashton Gate.