Crewe Alexandra v Charlton Athletic team news: Charlie Barker keeps place for league opener

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

17-year-old Charlie Barker keeps his place in the Charlton side as Lee Bowyer awards full debuts to Alex Gilbey and Connor Washington for today’s season-opener at Crewe.

Defender Barker is yet to even make an appearance for the u23s at the club but makes his league debut for the club after impressive appearances at Wimbledon and Swindon in the EFL Trophy and League Cup.

Gilbey, signed from Milton Keynes during the summer makes his first Addicks start in the midfield, with Washington returning from international duty to play alongside Macauley Bonne and Alfie Doughty in what is expected to be a front-three.

Manchester United-loanee Dylan Levitt is on the bench with fellow Welsh international Jonny Williams.

Charlton: Amos, Lapslie, Barker, Oshilaja, Purrington, Forster-Caskey, Pratley, Gilbey, Washington, Bonne, Doughty. Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Vennings, Levitt, Oztumer, Morgan, Williams, Aneke.

PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS