Charlton v Liverpool

CHARLTON'S chances of building on recent improved home form and producing a shock at the expense of European Champions Liverpool tonight at The Valley have been boosted by the absence of Reds' inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard and goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Gerrard is nursing a knee injury while Reina starts a three-match suspension following his dismissal in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea. Deputy Jerzy Dudek will start his first match since the European Cup final.

The Addicks will give a late fitness test to midfielder Matt Holland who missed Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham with a thigh injury. But manager Alan Curbishley rates his chances as no better than 50-50.

Curbishley will be hoping to maintain the transformation in home form which has seen the side take 10 points from a possible 15.

Meanwhile, Kent fan Ben Hayes has been elected to the Charlton board as the supporters' representative. Mr Hayes, who lives in Bromley, succeeds Maidstone's Sue Townsend after winning 22 per cent of the vote.