O’Riordan straight in: Blackburn Rovers team news and predicted XI versus Charlton Athletic News: The72 – Football League News

Blackburn Rovers will look to produce a response when they play Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Blackburn Rovers saw more of the ball, but were unable to create scoring opportunities against a solid Wrexham side. Goals from Sam Smith and Blackburn-born Ollie Rathborne secured a further three points for Phil Parkinson’s side.

Moussa Baradji had the best chance of the match when his shot hit the underside of the crossbar. Ishmael has called for reinforcementsand with more and more injured people showing up, the need could now be urgent.

The defeat leaves Blackburn Rovers 20th, just three points clear of the relegation zone. Norwich City fell three points behind QPR to close the gap.

As for Charlton Athletic, former Rovers midfielder Joe Rankin-Costello rescued a point against league leaders Coventry City on New Year’s Day. The Addicks have dropped to 19th place and will be looking for three points to propel themselves out of the relegation zone.

Blackburn Rovers team news

There are more injuries to deal with Valerien Ismael as Ryan Hedges (ankle) and Matty Litherland (hamstring) both limped off against Wrexham.

It is a heavy blow for Hedges, who has recently returned from injury himself, while Litherland has impressed during his run of games in the absence of Ryan Alebiosu.

They join Kirti Montgomery, Hayden Carter, Scott Wharton, Jake Garrett, Adam Forshaw, Augustus Kargbo, Sidnei Tavers, Andri Gudjohnsen and Ryoya Morishita, who will be missing against Charlton.

Nigeria’s progress from the AFCON group stages means Blackburn will be without Ryan Alebiosu for longer. The right back played ninety minutes against Uganda on Tuesday, in which he impressed.

Although there has been no news of signings so far, Ismael will have Connor O’Riordan at his disposal. The 22-year-old defender has returned from a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers and will add height and experience to the Rovers backline.

Connor O’Riordan’s League One stats for Doncaster Rovers

Predicted XI

(3-4-1-2)

Pears; O’Riordan, McLoughlin, Pratt; Miller, Baradji, Tronstad, Pickering; Cantwell; Henriksson, Ohashi

Ismael is short on options, but expects some forced changes to be made.

Aynsley Pears remains in goal on Sunday; However, next week’s FA Cup tie in Hull could be a chance for Balazas Toth to return. Sean McLoughlin remains the core of the back three, with George Pratt and the returning O’Riordan either side of him.

Bringing in O’Riordan will allow Lewis Miller to resume the right-back role he took on after Matty Litherland limped off against Wrexham. On the left flank, it could be another opportunity for Harry Pickering, with the 27-year-old now Ismael’s preferred alternative to Hedges.

Moussa Baradji looked good against Wrexham and will continue in midfield alongside Sondre Tronstad. Recently overlooked Taylor Gardner-Hickman is an option if Ismael chooses to rest one of his midfielders.

The attack of Axel Henriksson and Yuki Ohashi remains on top, with Todd Cantwell behind it. All three were flagging against Wrexham after a tough run of games without rest over Christmas. Ismael is short of options with Makhtar Gueye and Igor Tyjon seemingly heading for the exit door.

The match between Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic starts on Sunday at 3 p.m.