By Gordon Sharrock HUMBLED Oldham manager Graeme Sharp is tipping Wanderers to stay ahead of pack in the race for the Premiership.

Sharp had no hesitation in backing his Lancashire neighbours after seeing the beleaguered Latics, stranded at the foot of the table, beaten 3-1 by leaders Bolton and 2-0 at second-placed Norwich in the space of five days.

"Bolton are the better team," the Boundary Park boss declared after a traumatic test of the title waters.

"Both have quality and experienced players but, of the teams we have played this season, Wanderers are the pick of the bunch.

"You can't see anyone challenging them!"

But Burnden boss Colin Todd pays no attention to either praise or criticism, insisting: "We just take everything in our stride. You won't hear us making any ridiculous claims. We prefer to keep everything low key."

Wanderers go to Charlton tomorrow holding a two-point lead over Norwich with Crystal Palace, Wolves and Barnsley all trailing a further five points behind.

Recent history and this season's trends may offer welcome encouragement to the struggling Londoners. Bolton teams have won just once in their last six visits to the Valley, where Alan Curbishley's side is unbeaten this season, while Wanderers haven't yet managed more than three successive wins in their barnstorming start.

Charlton find themselves rooted in 23rd position in the table on the strength of their away form - six successive defeats - but they have won three and drawn the other of their four home games.

But after impressive victories over Wolves, Oldham and Tranmere, they know the league leaders will be brimming with confidence when they arrive in the capital.

Todd will name an unchanged line-up but cautions: "Just because a team is down at the bottom doesn't mean we have a divine right to beat them. The only way we will win is by playing to our maximum and playing with the tempo and movement of the ball that has been the feature of our performances recently.

"We want to keep the run going but any side we play now is going to raise their game because we are top of the table."

Charlton, beaten 3-0 at Sheffield United in midweek, will include fit-again Richard Rufus, the 21-year-old £3 million-rated defender who is reported to be a Spurs target.

Wanderers: Branagan, Bergsson, Phillips, Frandsen, Taggart, Fairclough, Johansen, Sellars, Blake, McGinlay, Thompson. Subs Lee, Todd, Taylor.

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