MATCH PREVIEW | Stevenage v Charlton

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Charlton begin life under Head Coach Michael Appleton on Saturday with a trip to table-toppers Stevenage (KO 3pm BST).

The Addicks head to the Lamex Stadium on the back of a 2-1 triumph against Fleetwood Town at The Valley a fortnight ago.

Fans outside of the UK and Ireland can watch every kick of this weekend's action live on CharltonTV, while those inside the UK and Ireland can enjoy live audio commentary from the Lamex Stadium. Click here to purchase your match/audio pass.

TEAM NEWS

Appleton confirmed Ashley Maynard-Brewer (Australia), James Abankwah (Ireland U21s) and Terell Thomas (Saint Lucia) have all returned from international duty unscathed.

Panutche Camará (foot), Scott Fraser (calf) and Chuks Aneke (calf) will be assessed, though Conor McGrandles (knee) is unavailable.

The hosts are expected to be without Kane Smith, Terence Vancooten, Harry Anderson and Aaron Pressley, though Luther James-Wildin and former Addick Jake Forster-Caskey, who recently served a three-match suspension, could both return.

THE OPPOSITION

Steve Evans' side currently sit top of the League One table for the first time in the club’s history, having claimed 14 points from their opening seven games.  

The Boro, back in the third tier for the first time since 2013/14 following their promotion from League Two last term, drew 2-2 at home to Carlisle United in their last outing.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Charlton and Stevenage have faced off on five previous occasions with the Addicks winning three, the Boro one and the remaining fixture resulting in a draw.  

The last meeting between the two sides came at the Lamex Stadium in November 2022 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Luke Norris' spot-kick gave the hosts a first-half lead but Aneke's equaliser three minutes from time forced a penalty shootout, which the Addicks won 5-4 to set up a fourth-round tie with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion at The Valley.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Peter Wright will be the man in the middle on Saturday. The official last refereed a Charlton fixture in November 2021 - a 2-0 win against Plymouth Argyle at The Valley.

Wright will be assisted by Steven Plane and Ryan Williams, while Charles Breakspear is the Fourth Official.

COLOURS

The Addicks will be sporting their black away kit in Hertfordshire.

OTHER INFO

Tickets for Saturday’s game are now sold out.   

Supporters outside of the UK and Ireland can watch every kick of this weekend's action live on CharltonTV. Click here to get your match pass.

Meanwhile, fans inside the UK and Ireland can enjoy live audio commentary from the Lamex Stadium. Click here to purchase your audio pass.

(Contributor: Gregg Baxter)

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