West Ham United v Charlton Athletic: possession edge meets aerial strength in early-season test | OneFootball

West Ham United host Charlton Athletic in the Championship at the London Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with the hosts looking to build on an opening draw and the visitors aiming to back up their win to stay in the early play-off picture.

West Ham United won the only recent meeting between these sides 3-0 in the EFL Cup. Charlton Athletic sit sixth after starting with a 2-1 victory, while the home side are 10th following a 2-2 draw.

The Hammers posted 54% possession and 87.01% passing accuracy in their opener but produced only five shots, suggesting control without volume. Charlton had 45% of the ball and eight shots with 50% shooting accuracy, showing a more direct approach. Manor Solomon and Max Kilman are on the league scorers list with one goal each, Jarrod Bowen has an assist. For Charlton, Tyreece Campbell and Lloyd Jones scored, with Karlan Ahearne-Grant creating one.

The Irons are without Tomás Soucek, Pablo De Jesus and Keiber Lamadrid through injury, trimming midfield and forward options. Charlton Athletic list defenders Josh Edwards and Kayne Ramsay, plus forward Charlie Kelman, as injured.

Wide delivery could be a route for the hosts after 14 open-play crosses at 28.57% accuracy and a headed goal last time out, though Charlton's 71 duels won, 33 in the air, and 37 clearances point to strength in aerial battles. Campbell's pace and Ahearne-Grant's supply could test transitions against a side that conceded from the spot in matchday one.

A win would take the Hammers to four points and could lift them towards the play-off places. Charlton Athletic, already in sixth on three points, could consolidate their top six standing with another positive result.