PLAY-OFF MATCH PREVIEW | Charlton v Shrewsbury Town (7.45pm)

Charlton are potentially just two matches from Wembley and they will begin their quest to reach the national stadium by hosting Shrewsbury Town in the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Thursday night (7.45pm).

Lee Bowyer’s Addicks beat the Shrews away from home as recently as last month and that should fill them with confidence ahead of tonight’s clash.

The historic omens may also be in Charlton’s favour. They, of course, enjoyed play-off success 20 seasons ago and this year’s semi-finals fall on the same dates as the ones they contested against Ipswich Town in 1998. 

Shrewsbury finished the season in third in Sky Bet League One and a big crowd is expected at The Valley. Anyone purchasing their tickets on the night is advised to arrive in plenty of time to help reduce queuing times. 

For full information on where fans can buy tickets from tonight, please click here.

Charlton could have Tariqe Fosu involved, with the winger having recovered from a hamstring strain. The match comes too soon for Lewis Page, who is still recovering from a gashed knee, while Billy Clarke and Chris Solly are also still sidelined. 

For Shrewsbury, Abu Ogogo is out with a knee injury.

Charlton and Shrewsbury have faced each other 21 times in the past, with the Addicks winning on six occasions. There have also been seven draws between the clubs. 

The last time the teams met came in April. Jason Pearce and Josh Magennis scored as the Addicks earned a 2-0 victory in Shropshire. 

Fans can watch the highlights from that match on Valley Pass.

Simon Hooper will take charge of Thursday night’s play-off semi-final first leg at The Valley. 

So far this season, he has overseen 41 matches – the majority of which came in the Championship – where he brandished 127 yellow cards and six reds. 

Hooper last officiated the Addicks for last season’s 5-1 thrashing of Bristol Rovers at Memorial Stadium.

Hooper will be supported by Akil Howson and Nick Hopton and fourth official Andy Davies.

Supporters can follow all the build-up to the game on Charlton's official Instagram account, official Twitter account, Facebook page and official Snapchat account.

Live commentary of the clash will be available on Valley Pass exclusively for subscribers. Please click here for more information on how you can subscribe to Valley Pass and how you can purchase a 48-hour matchday pass, which is priced at just £4.

Tickets for the match are on sale to ALL Charlton supporters and can be purchased in person from The Valley right up until kick-off. They will also be on sale by phone up until 5pm. 

Supporters will be able to select the stand and block that they wish to sit in. Ticket prices start at:

Adults: £20

Adult disabled: £17

Over 65s: £15

U21s: £15

Over 65s disabled: £12

U21s disabled: £12

Students: £10

U18s: £10

U11s: £5

Supporters are advised to arrive in plenty of time on Thursday night. Please click here to read some important information for those buying their tickets from The Valley.  

The North Stand’s free entry supporters’ bar will be open as usual, with its doors opening from 5pm. 

All Charlton fans with match tickets are welcome to visit the Fans’ Bar and supporters can purchase food and drinks in there

You can find out more about the bar by clicking here

Charlton’s indoor Family Activity Zone will be open as normal between 6pm and 7.15pm, giving youngsters the chance to warm up for the game by playing FIFA, pool and table tennis.

Supporters are reminded that they can connect to The Valley’s FREE stadium wifi during the game. Named ‘FREE FAN WI-FI’, supporters can use their smart phones and/or tablets to connect to it during the match and, once linked up, we’d encourage everyone to post their pictures on social media using the hashtag #cafc. 

Fans are also advised to arrive at The Valley in good time, and to plan their journeys in advance, in order to avoid long queues when buying tickets and entering the ground. Searches will be taking place at the turnstiles due to heightened security in the capital at this time.

Charlton supporters who are buying their play-off tickets from The Valley on Thursday night are being asked to arrive in plenty of time to help reduce their and their fellow Addicks’ queuing time in the lead up to kick-off (7.45pm).

Please click here to read some important information on where Addicks fans can purchase tickets from on Thursday night.

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