LONDON. Sept 8 (Reuters): A classic David and Goliath clash is in prospect on Wednesday when one of English soccer's least-fashionable but warmly regarded clubs. Charlton, take on the financial giants of the European game, Manchester United.

United, who on Monday confirmed they are in 575 million pounds takeover talks with television company BSKYB, have a substitutes’ bench packed with international stars, a trophy room bulging with silverware and their own television channel.

Charlton, by contrast, are a club that cheated the threat of extinction, survived on a shoestring — thanks to the actions of fans who formed a political party — and boast a famous home stadium, the Valley, where the record attendance was drawn not to watch a soccer match, but the guitar-smashing antics of the Who rock band In 1974.

And that. 36 years after 75.031 fans came to Charlton's 1938 FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

Yet. after being wound up prematurely in 1984. Charlton nave confounded the pundits.

Not only have they survived, revamped and returned to the Valley, after lodging with Crystal Palace, but following promotion are fourth in the Premier league with a team of artisans and a no-stars policy.

"We have great team spirit, as you would expect, and a willingness to work hard and do a professional Job." said Charlton's first team coach Mervyn Day. a former goalkeeper whose down-to-earth attitude has helped them record three 'clean sheets' in succes-

"1 know what you mean about the David and Goliath' thing, but that won't affect us. We have had four lads away on international duty and we hope they are not carrying knocks this week. We need them fit.

"I know you can look at United and see people like Teddy Sheringham. Gary Neville and even Paul Scholes on the bench, but that doesn't worry us. We have our own quality players.

"We will go to Old Trafford and concentrate on our own

performance. Just as I don't expect the Manchester United players to be distracted by all the takeover talk — they are too experienced for that — I don't expect ours to be over-awed either. We know what to do."

Alongside manager Alan Curbishley. a former West Ham and Birmingham midfielder, and Keithpeacock. a former Charlton left-winger, Day has been a coaching success for the promoted newcomers with his organisational skills, but, like everyone at Charlton, he is quick to deflect any praise.

"Our good start without conceding a goal in three games is now down to me," he said, "ft is down to the players. The team has worked hard and well, it is a collective team effort and our defending starts at the front. We make it difficult for everyone."

Two 0-0 draws at Newcastle and Arsenal, where the defending champions showed great frustration at being locked out. sandwiched a 5-0 thrashing of Southampton in Charlton's unexpectedly successful start after being written off as relegation . favourites.