Charlton Athletic will have one eye on unclear Hull City situation - It could offer big Nathan Jones boost | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic will hope Hull City's Oli McBurnie doesn't return to action for their crucial clash this weekend.

Charlton Athletic had enjoyed a very impressive return to the Championship under Nathan Jones, although they had gone somewhat under the radar.

However, that all changed in the week, as Nathan Jones’ side put in arguably their best performance in years as they went to Ipswich Town and won 3-0.

When you consider that the two clubs were separated by two divisions just a matter of months ago, and the huge difference in squad value and budgets, it really was a statement of intent.

Charlton Athletic will look to build momentum when they face Hull City this weekend

Jones will know that it was only three points though, and his attention will already be on Hull City, with his side making the trip up north to take on the Tigers this weekend.

Yet, you would understand if there was a lot of optimism and excitement among the supporters about what this season could bring.

The aim for most clubs who win promotion through the League One play-offs is to avoid relegation, and, in truth, that would likely have been the Addicks objective before a ball was kicked this season. For some, it would still represent a successful campaign.

But, Jones is a manager who has regularly defied the odds, as he makes sure his team doesn’t care for the reputation of others they come up against. They relish the role of underdog, and it will be a case of taking each game as it comes, and enjoying the ride.

Oli McBurnie’s fitness could have a big say in the outcome of Hull City vs Charlton Athletic

With Hull up next, the game brings together arguably two of the big overachievers so far this season.

The Tigers had a hectic summer, with Sergej Jakirovic named as their new boss, and he inherited a chaotic situation where they were under a transfer embargo, restricting the club to free agents when it came to adding to the squad.

That didn’t stop Hull doing some excellent business, and the arrival of Oli McBurnie is up there with the best deals done by any club in the Championship this summer.

The former Sheffield United striker has flourished in his new surroundings, scoring six goals and registering three assists in ten appearances. McBurnie has embraced the responsibility of being a key player for the club, and he is playing some of the best football of his career.

Therefore, there was a real sense of intrigue at how Hull would cope without their talisman against Leicester City in the week.

To their credit, Jakirovic’s team stepped up. They were good value for their 2-1 victory, and, like Charlton, it was something of a statement result given who they were up against - and that they did it without their star man.

But, Hull would much rather have McBurnie back out on the pitch than to see if they can pick up another result without the Scotsman, and it has been said that he has a chance of returning to play against Charlton on Saturday.

Whilst Jones will have full belief in his Charlton players, there’s no getting away from the fact he would prefer to face a Hull side without McBurnie.

As well as his clinical finishing, with the 29-year-old outperforming his xG (3.46) so far this season, McBurnie sets the tone for the Tigers with his all-round game.

He ranks as the best striker in the division when it comes to recovering the ball, and his 15 chances created is another stat that no other forward can match. Elsewhere, McBurnie ranks among the best for winning aerial duels and winning fouls.

So, whilst this form may not last, the reality is that McBurnie is a complete striker right now, and his fantastic all-round game is huge for Jakirovic and Hull.

That means all eyes will be on the teamsheet on Saturday afternoon, and if McBurnie isn’t in the XI, it could give Charlton a small psychological boost.

It remains to be seen whether that impacts the result, but Charlton and Jones will take any small edge they can as they look to continue to defy the odds in the Championship.