The predicted Charlton Athletic XI Nathan Jones will play v Watford FC - "Charlie Kelman has to start" | OneFootball

The Addicks face the Hornets on the opening day of the Championship season this Saturday.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Charlton Athletic will play Championship football for the first time in over five years when they face Watford at The Valley on Saturday.

The Addicks have been busy during the summer transfer window in preparation for their return to the second tier, with several new arrivals having been brought in to strengthen Nathan Jones' side.

The club's owners backed Jones during the transfer window after he signed a new five-year contract amid reported interest from Cardiff City earlier this summer.

A few of Charlton's standout signings include striker Charlie Kelman from Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of £3.5 million, winger Rob Apter from Blackpool for more than £2 million, and midfielder Harvey Knibbs from Reading for around £1.8 million.

It will be interesting to see how Jones fits all his new players into his squad for the Addicks' opening day clash with the Hornets, so with that in mind, we asked our Charlton fan pundit what she would do if she was in the Welshman's position.

Jones has big decisions to make ahead of Watford clash

Football League World's Charlton fan pundit, Emma Harknett, has predicted what the starting lineup will look like for the Addicks' game against Watford this weekend.

"Jones likes to operate in a 3-5-2," Emma said, settling on the formation.

Goalkeeper: Thomas Kaminski

"I think it will be Thomas Kaminski in goal. He is probably our strongest option and I think Will Mannion is carrying an injury," Emma explained.

Kaminski made 38 appearances in the Premier League for Luton two seasons ago, and only missed one Championship game last term, so he will no doubt be hoping he can be ever-present between the sticks for Charlton.

Centre-backs: Kayne Ramsay, Lloyd Jones, Macaulay Gillesphey

"The back three will probably stay the same as last season for me, so it will be Kayne Ramsay at right centre-back, Lloyd Jones in the middle, and Macaulay Gillesphey at left centre-back," Emma continued.

Charlton broke their club record for clean sheets in a season last term, and their back three of Ramsay, Jones and Gillesphey played a big part in achieving that.

Wing-backs: Josh Edwards, Rob Apter

"Josh Edwards at left-wing back," Emma said.

"I would go for Rob Apter at right wing-back. He is probably more of a right-winger than a defender, but he brings such great attacking prowess that I think he has to start in that position, for me. With Kayne Ramsay behind him, I think he will do a good job there."

Charlton lost Thierry Small on a free transfer to Preston North End earlier this summer, so they need someone to now make that position on the right-hand side their own in his absence.

Midfield: Conor Coventry, Greg Docherty, Sonny Carey

"Conor Coventry at holding midfield, and I would really like to see Harvey Knibbs start in the middle, but unfortunately I don't think he has a lot of match fitness, so for a bit of solidity in there, I would go for Greg Docherty - obviously he is still the Charlton skipper, as well, so for a bit of leadership and stability I would go for Docherty," Emma stated.

"I would play Sonny Carey in the 10. I went to Southend away on Saturday, and I know it was only against Southend, but he really, really impressed me. He is a player that I am certainly looking forward to seeing a lot more of this season, and he links up superbly with Rob Apter, so yeah, Carey to start as an attacking midfielder for me."

There is set to be plenty of competition for that number ten position at The Valley, with Carey, Knibbs and Luke Berry all good options in that role.

Strikers: Charlie Kelman, Tanto Olaofe

"Obviously, Matty Godden is out injured at the moment, so for me, Charlie Kelman has to start up top, and I would also go for Tanto Olaofe, just to give us a little bit of strength. It is a little bit harsh to drop Tyreece Campbell, but he still looks a little bit lightweight for me, given what I've seen in pre-season.

"I think Tanto gives us that bit more of an edge - a bit of pace and a bit of strength. He is a good unit.

"So yeah, that would be my starting eleven for Saturday, and we will see if Nathan Jones agrees with me."

Kelman won the Golden Boot in League One during his loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, and his adaptation to life back in the Championship will be key for Charlton as they aim to be competitive in the second tier.

Charlton have strength in depth

The starting lineup that Emma predicted could well be similar to what Nathan Jones puts out on Saturday, which would mean Charlton leave out plenty of quality.

Miles Leaburn, Tyreece Campbell, Matty Godden, Joe Rankin-Costello, Luke Berry, Harvey Knibbs, Reece Burke and Amari'i Bell are some of the other players that will be able to come into the squad and make an impact throughout the rest of the campaign, if they are all overlooked on Saturday.

There is set to be a big attendance at The Valley, despite the game kicking off at 12:30 and being shown on Sky Sports, so whichever players are picked by Jones will be backed by a loud home support that is desperate to see a winning return to the Championship.