Charlton Athletic's unbeaten home record faces a stern test this Saturday when Portsmouth visit The Valley. The Addicks are one of nine Championship sides yet to lose at home this season, but they travel to Cardiff next week on the back of a worrying goal drought.
Defensive strength, attacking woes
While their defensive solidity has been key to a strong start that sees them sixth in the table on 12 points, Charlton have failed to score in their last two league games. The last time they went three league matches without a goal was in March 2023. Their underlying numbers are also concerning, with an expected goals tally of 3.8 the lowest in the division and only three sides having taken fewer shots than their 61.
Pompey's away threat
Portsmouth present a specific challenge, having scored in each of their last 11 away league games. They ended a two-game losing run with a 2-0 win over Cardiff last time out and have lost only two of their past eight league visits to The Valley. The last meeting between these sides, just four days ago, ended in a 0-0 draw.
Charlton lost both league fixtures against Pompey last season, including a 3-1 defeat in this corresponding match. They have not lost three in a row against this opponent since December 1983. The club will be without Collins Sichenje, Kayne Ramsay, Matt Godden and William Mannion for the 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
The original report is at bbc.com
