Charlton take on Reading at the Madejski Stadium today and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship to six games. After a warrior’s display against Brentford last week which saw Conor Gallagher grab his third goal of the season and our defenders throwing their bodies on the line, Lee Bowyer will be hoping to continue that streak against the in-form Reading.
The Royals had a disastrous campaign last season which saw them finishing 20th. However, they seemed to be getting it right at the moment under Jose Gomes as they are unbeaten in their last three games. They started terribly with two defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, but they’re now showing signs of improvement after a fantastic win against Cardiff City, a draw against West Bromwich Albion and a victory last weekend against Huddersfield Town, so they’ll be looking to continue that form this weekend
Team News
Deji Oshilaja will be missing for the Addicks after coming off with a knock in last weekend’s game against Brentford.
Chuks Aneke is match fit and available for selection as is Chris Solly, who has recovered from concussion which he sustained in our away trip against Barnsley.
Lewis Page is only other injury on Charlton’s hands as he is near completion of his rehabilitation. There could possibly be an appearance for summer signing Beram Kayal today, as he got 75 minutes in a behind closed doors match earlier this week and the Israeli will be eager to get his first taste as a Charlton player.
For Reading, Yakou Meite looks set to be fit after recovering from a foot injury. He netted a brace in their Carabao Cup match against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night and will be looking to add to that tally today.
Tyler Blackett looks set to miss out for the Royals after picking up a hamstring injury in pre-season, however we could see Jordan Obita in action after making his long-awaited return on Tuesday having been out with a knee injury since 2017.
Tyler’s Take
Both teams are in good form heading into today’s game and it will be tough to call.
The Addicks are one of four clubs to not lose a game so far this season and we’ll be looking to continue that streak at the top of the table, whereas the Royals have picked up seven points from a possible nine in fantastic results against some teams that were tipped for promotion at the start of the season, so both teams find themselves in good heart at this early stage in the season.
As for the starting 11, I don’t think that changes are necessary for Bowyer to make. Of course Chris Solly will return to the side to replace the injured Oshilaja, but other than that I don’t expect Lee to change anything.
The one concern I have is our lack of attacking presence that we showed last week. We had three shots against Brentford, one of which was on target and that was the goal that won us the game. Taylor and Leko were non-existent against the Bees and I’m hoping that that isn’t the case today, but they’ll find it challenging going up against the likes of Matt Miazga, Liam Moore and former Addick Michael Morrison.
Reading have some threatening players like Meite, Lucas Joao, Ovie Ejaria and George Puscas. However, if the Charlton defenders play like they did against Brentford, Jose Gomes’ men will find it very difficult to break us down.
I don’t think our bubble will burst just yet, but I think the points will be shared today at the Madejski.
Score Prediction: Reading 1-1 Charlton Athletic