Charlton Athletic Match Preview

The 2026/27 season may only be less than a fortnight in but West Ham United have already experienced coming from behind, as well as letting a two-goal advantage slip late on. With that in mind, goals and a clean sheet would do this afternoon when Charlton Athletic make the trip to the East End, as league football returns to Stratford.

The squad would have been disappointed with the last thirteen minutes at Turf Moor six days ago but, at least they picked up a point to get up and running. What they now need to do is make sure they claim three points here.

The visitors not only go into today’s game with winning momentum behind them after they came from a goal down to achieve a 2-1 home victory over Derby County a week ago but, they will also be the fresher of the two teams having had one extra day’s preparation.

Just like the Hammers, Nathan Jones’ side also have a Carabao Cup second-round tie to look forward to next week when they come up against Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, whilst Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have to travel down to the South Coast to face an all Sky Bet Championship match-up with Southampton at St Mary’s in a tie from the southern section of the draw.

The home side usually have a good record when it comes to London derbies though having said that, they didn’t win many last term. The ever-loyal fan base will certainly be hoping that record gets back on track in front of what will be another sell-out crowd.

The two sides last met In a Carabao Cup second-round tie here back in September 2020 where the hosts won 3-0. The majority inside the stadium will be in buoyant mood if they were to see a repeat of that result.

Joël Veltman is likely to once again be involved in the matchday squad but, Manor Solomon, Arne Engels and Joël Piroe are all in contention for starts.

Solomon is set to make his home debut and will be looking to build on his first goal for the club against the Clarets. If the two newest recruits are selected, then Engels and Piroe will be making their first appearances for the club after a few training sessions with their new teammates.

Pablo Felipe had to be substituted at half-time in Lancashire after sustaining a calf injury and although he will be assessed prior to the game, Espírito Santo doesn’t think that the Brazilian will play any part.

In other news, the Irons confirmed their latest signing on Friday morning, as attacking midfielder Divine Mukasa returned on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Today’s game may have come too soon for him but, it is expected that he will be handed opportunities as the season goes on.

One player that the Hammers’ Head-Coach will be without today is defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as he has decided to prolong his stay in the Premier League and join Aston Villa on an initial season-long loan. However, the deal does include an obligation to buy at the end of the current campaign provided certain conditions are met.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Andrew Kitchen.