MATCH PREVIEW | Charlton v Accrington Stanley

Charlton go in search of a first win in four as they return to home soil to take on Accrington Stanley under the lights at The Valley on Friday night (7.45pm).

The Addicks have lost just one of their last five outings, but have picked up just six points from a possible 15 in the same period and will be looking to kick-start their quest for promotion once again as they sit in sixth position, nine points off top spot, but with a game in hand on leaders Lincoln City.

Stanley, meanwhile, have had a number of postponements which sees them having played three games less than Charlton, but they lay two points behind in eighth place.

Andrew Shinnie will remain sidelined with his thigh injury, while Ryan Inniss, Alfie Doughty and Akin Famewo continue their rehabilitation from their longer-term injuries.

Ben Watson will also miss out with a hamstring injury, while Darren Pratley will serve the first match of his three-game suspension.

New arrival Liam Millar may be involved, while Ronnie Schwartz still has some fitness to catch up on and will be unlikely to be available from the start.

Charlton Boss Lee Bowyer: “There’s a good atmosphere around the place. The players are happy, we’re sixth and in amongst it. We need to not panic, do the right things and we’ll get it right.” 

Accrington boss John Coleman: ““If we are going to be successful this year, we have to perform against teams who are in and around or above us and Charlton are no exception.

"They are a good side, I watched them on Saturday, and we know their strengths and weaknesses and I am sure they know ours.

Charlton and Accrington Stanley have met on only four previous occasions, twice in the FA Cup and twice in the league. The first meeting ended in a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup in 1924 with the Addicks winning a replay at The Valley 1-0.

The first league meeting ended in a 1-1 away draw in August 2018 and Charlton won the reverse fixture in dramatic fashion thanks to Karlan Grant's 94th-minute penalty after Lyle Taylor and Stanley goalkeeper John Maxted had been sent off following a scuffle late on.

John Busby will take charge of Friday evening's game. He has refereed 16 games, so far, this season, dishing out 38 yellow cards and four reds.

Busby last officiated a Charlton fixture during the 3-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at The Valley in September.

He will be assisted by Anthony Da Costa and Gregory Read with Craig Hicks as the fourth official.

The match will be played behind closed doors and supporters are reminded to maintain social distancing guidelines and to stay away from the stadium when the match is taking place.

The January edition of Valley Review is now available to purchase online. The magazine covers all four of the Addicks' home fixtures in January, features an interview with Jonny Williams and . Click here to purchase.



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



Charlton’s live matchday streaming service has received a major overhaul with the introduction of Valley Pass Live, a new multi-camera show. Friday's show will be hosted by Sky Sports presenter Mark McAdam and he will be joined by Addicks legend Carl Leaburn for the broadcast which begins at 7.15pm.

As the game is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, only season-ticket holders are able to watch via Valley Pass Live using CAFC Cash. Some supporters who live abroad in select countries are also able to watch via Valley Pass Live by purchasing a pass for £10. Click here for full information on streaming Charlton v Accrington Stanley and whether you are eligible to do so.

Meanwhile, live audio commentary of the game will be available to Valley Pass subscribers in all countries as usual.

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