Charlton Athletic's flawless start to the Championship season faces a major test at The Hawthorns this Wednesday. The Addicks sit top of the league with nine points from three games after a 1-0 victory over Preston North End.
Nathan Jones's side secured a narrow but vital three points at home on Saturday. The win, their third consecutive league victory, was built on a solid defensive performance that limited Preston's chances. It keeps them two points clear of second-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at the summit. The team's strong start is detailed on our standings page, showing a perfect record of three wins, five goals scored, and just two conceded.
This midweek presents a different challenge against a West Brom side that won their last home game 3-1 against Burnley. Albion head coach James Morrison acknowledged the threat posed by Charlton's energetic style under their experienced manager. "They've found ways to win every match this season, so it's going to be a tough game," Morrison told the club's media.
The head-to-head history suggests a tight encounter is likely at The Hawthorns. Statistics show five of the last seven league meetings between these two sides have ended in draws. Charlton have only lost one of their last six league visits to West Brom, though they are winless in their last three trips there.
Nathan Jones has managed three previous away league games at West Brom without a win, drawing twice and losing once. His current Charlton side are aiming to win their first two away games of a league season for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign in League One. West Brom are unbeaten in eight home league games, winning their first of this season convincingly.
The West Bromwich Albion boss highlighted the specific threat posed by Charlton's organization and momentum. Speaking to his club's official channels, Morrison pointed to the experience of Addicks manager Nathan Jones. "He has a way he likes to play and his squads are full of energy," Morrison said.
He also noted the return of former Baggies forward Karlan Grant, hoping the player receives a good reception from the home support. Morrison's own side added midfielder Toby Collyer permanently from Manchester United, a player he believes "can grow into a Premier League player."
The West Brom versus Charlton match is one of five key EFL fixtures to watch in this midweek round. The contrast between West Ham United's slow start and Wolves' adaptation to the Championship is another standout story. Charlton's own strong beginning has clearly put them on the national radar as a team to watch.
Their next assignment after the West Brom trip is an away match against Stoke City on September 5th. Fans can track the full schedule on our fixtures page. Stoke currently sit 24th in the table, offering a different kind of test for the league leaders.
In unrelated transfer news, Portsmouth's pursuit of former Charlton loanee Luke Chambers has hit a setback. Liverpool have decided to keep the 22-year-old left-back at Anfield for the first half of the season. Chambers spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic during the 2024-25 campaign.
Liverpool want Chambers as defensive cover, dealing a blow to Pompey's late-window plans. Portsmouth are also looking at Sheffield United's Rhys Norrington-Davies to solve their left-back issues. Charlton's current squad, unaffected by this external speculation, can be viewed on our squad page.
The team travels to face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, September 5th.
