Charlton Athletic's Under-21 side faces Leeds United in a Premier League Cup group stage match this Friday. The fixture, reported by leedsunited.com, kicks off at 7pm at Princes Park in Dartford. It offers a chance for fans to see the next generation of Addicks talent in competitive action.
Scott Gardner's Leeds side arrives after a mixed run of results. They drew 0-0 with Stoke City and lost to Boreham Wood, but secured a thrilling 4-3 win over West Bromwich Albion. Carrick Njinko was the hero in that victory, netting a hat-trick. Luca Thomas also found the net in a subsequent match against Liverpool.
How have Charlton's U21s performed recently?
Charlton Athletic's young team comes into the match on the back of a positive result. They earned a 2-1 victory over Stockport County in their last outing. Ellis McMillan and Ethan Brown were the scorers for the Addicks, demonstrating the attacking threat within the squad. This match continues their Premier League Cup campaign, providing vital experience against category one academy opposition.
Where and when is the match being played?
The game will not be held at The Valley, where the two sides met two years ago. Instead, it takes place at Princes Park, the home of Dartford FC. The address for the ground is Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT. Ticket prices are set at a very accessible £3 for adults and £2 for concessions, making it an affordable night out for supporters.
What is the context for Charlton's senior side?
While the U21s compete, the first team prepares for its own important Championship fixture. Michael Appleton's squad currently sits 3rd in the Championship with 10 points from four games. Their recent form reads DWWW, having scored six goals and conceded three. The next challenge is an away trip to face Stoke City on September 5th. You can track the senior team's progress on our standings and fixtures pages.
The club is managing a significant injury list ahead of that match. Currently sidelined are Collins Sichenje, Josh Edwards, Kayne Ramsay, Matt Godden, Nathaniel Chalobah, and William Mannion. Their absence is a test of the squad's depth, and updates on their fitness can be followed on our injuries page. The development squad's match offers a glimpse at the potential future options for the first team. The U21s kick off against Leeds United at Princes Park at 7pm on Friday.
