Charlton Athletic face a tough test against Sheffield United this Saturday as they try to stop a damaging three-game losing run. The Addicks sit 20th in the Championship with 14 points from 13 games, a record of three wins, five draws and five losses that leaves them 14 points behind leaders Middlesbrough. They have lost their last three matches without scoring a goal. Their goal difference now stands at minus 10, having scored 11 and conceded 21 this season.
Their most recent outing was a 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough last Saturday. Sebastian Berhalter and Will Lankshear, who scored twice, did the damage for Boro. That result extended a poor run of form that has seen Charlton pick up just two points from their last five games, a sequence of zero wins, two draws and three losses. This follows a 1-3 home loss to Norwich and a 2-0 defeat at Watford. The team's lack of goals is stark, having failed to score for a total of 270 minutes of football across the three consecutive losses. Their next chance to build momentum comes at home to Bolton on Tuesday 3 November, a match against the team directly above them in the standings.
Team news and lineups
Nathan Jones is expected to stick with the 5-3-2 shape used at the Riverside. That would see Okonkwo in goal behind a back five of Ramsay, Jones, Tyler Bindon, Billy Koumetio and Bell. Conor Coventry, Skipp and Charlie Kelman, who scored in the 1-3 defeat to Norwich, could form the midfield, with Leaburn leading the line. Top scorer Tyreece Campbell, with four goals in 13 appearances this season, will be a key outlet.
Sheffield United, who beat Wrexham 1-0 last time out, are likely to deploy a 4-4-2. Their side features the experience of Ayew and Brereton in attack, supported by Chong and Phillips in midfield. The Blades have won three of their last five, showing the improved form that has them positioned higher in the table. They currently sit 12th in the Championship standings.
Match significance
This fixture represents a major opportunity for Charlton to reset their season in front of their own supporters at The Valley. Ending the losing streak against a confident opponent would provide a huge lift. The club's recent defensive record, having conceded 21 goals already this term, will need immediate improvement. All focus now turns to Saturday's 3pm kick-off in SE7, with the hope that home advantage can spark a much-needed turnaround. A positive result is seen as key before the squad turns its attention to the upcoming fixture against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday 3 November.
