Stoke City v Charlton Athletic: play-off pace meets early survival fight | OneFootball

Stoke City host Charlton Athletic in the Championship on Saturday, 5 September 2026 in Stoke-on-Trent, with the visitors looking to extend a fast start and the hosts seeking to pull away from early relegation trouble.

Last season's head to head offered no draws and home comforts. Stoke City won 3-0 in November, while Charlton Athletic edged the return 1-0 in February. The game could again be tight if early season trends hold.

Form tells the story. Stoke City lost three league games before beating Norwich 1-0, while Charlton Athletic opened with three wins and a draw. Tyreece Campbell leads the visitors with three league goals (per the latest rankings), and Ethan Galbraith is Stoke's leading scorer with two.

Team news may shape selections. Stoke City list Ben Gibson and Aaron Cresswell among several absentees, with Svante Ingelsson and Junior Tchamadeu also out. Charlton Athletic are without Matt Godden, Nathaniel Chalobah, William Mannion, Kayne Ramsay, Billy Koumetio and Collins Sichenje.

Tactically, Stoke City have scored four and conceded nine, with a 40% share of the ball and two goals from outside the box, so shots from range could be a route. Charlton Athletic have been efficient in front of goal, converting with a shot accuracy of 57.14% and all six goals from inside the box. Their 82 aerial duels won hint at strength attacking deliveries and set pieces.

In the table, Stoke City are 22nd on three points. A win would lift them towards safety. Charlton Athletic sit third on 10 points and victory would consolidate their top end position and promotion play-off push.