Charlton Athletic vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

It’s been a couple of weeks since Sheffield United tasted Championship action, but the Blades travel to Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

Charlton enter this weekend after being hammered 5-1 at home to Chelsea in the FA Cup. Their league form has been far from convincing either; the Addicks have picked up just one win since early November.

The Blades suffered a huge shock in the FA Cup when Mansfield Town left Bramall Lane with a 4-3 victory last Sunday. However, they have a chance to claim a third consecutive win in the league this weekend and push closer to the play-offs.

Team News

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: Nathan Jones, Manager of Charlton Athletic, reacts after the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Charlton Athletic and Chelsea at The Valley on January 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Charlton may be without Amari’i Bell and Tyreece Campbell down the left flank on Saturday night as the duo were both forced off with injuries in the FA Cup loss to Chelsea. But the squad has been bolstered by the additions of Lyndon Dykes and Harry Clarke, both of which boast Championship pedigree, something that the Charlton squad is lacking.

The Blades reintroduced Tom Davies back to the side last Sunday with the midfielder making a short substitute appearance. Ben Mee was also handed his first start in several weeks. Sydie Peck could be set to make the matchday squad on Saturday afternoon after being afforded extra time to recover.

Charlton Athletic’s Impact Player For This Game

Sonny Carey has been a standout performer this season for Charlton. He has five goals and an assist from midfield in 25 appearances, and the 24-year-old is understandably catching the eye of Championship clubs during his first season for his new club.

Carey has excelled in shot-creating actions, averaging almost four per game, ranking him in the 85th percentile. He has also been very good in dribbling metrics. Carey ranks in the 88th percentile for progressive carries, 82nd percentile for successful take-ons, and 82nd percentile for carries into the penalty area.

If Carey does pick the ball up in central areas then the screen in front of the United defence must be prepared to halt him before he gains any real momentum. Failing to close him down quickly could lead to a goal, even from long range, which he has scored twice from already this term.

With Carey’s dribbling threat, Charlton do boast a genuine threat in transition along with the pacey and skillful Tyreece Campbell over on the left side. Given how easy Mansfield found it against United, particularly Rhys Oates, Charlton should fancy their chances against what is still an unconvincing Blades defence.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Callum O’Hare of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Watford at Bramall Lane on October 18, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Callum O’Hare dipped in and out of the starting eleven in the festive period, and I think there’s a clear difference in the team’s ability to press and turn the ball over high up the pitch when he features. What O’Hare lacks in sheer pace he more than makes up for that in his non-stop running. Plus, he provides flexibility to the team by being able to play down the left, down the right, or through the middle.

O’Hare’s goal contributions have been outstanding this season; scoring seven goals and serving up five assists. And for all of his excellent chance creation and ball carrying metrics, it’s his defensive stats that stand out. He ranks in the 82nd percentile for tackles and interceptions and he ranks in the 85th percentile in passes blocked. To add, he averages over five ball recoveries per game (93rd percentile). Again, these numbers further highlight just how impactful O’Hare is off the ball.

My Prediction

Looking at the form book and the stats, this one should be a Sheffield United victory; Charlton Athletic are the second-worst team in the league at creating non-penalty expected goals, and they rank 16th in non-penalty expected goals allowed defensively. Meanwhile, the Blades rank third and eighth in these categories respectively.

In terms of style of play, Nathan Jones’ side rank third in direct speed of attacks and they rank 23rd in passes per sequence, further emphasising that their style of play is to get the ball forward as quickly as possible. While Mansfield did their damage in this type of style, United will likely recall Femi Seriki, Japhet Tanganga and Sam McCallum to the starting eleven which should help combat a direct attacking approach from Charlton.

I’m going for a 2-0 Sheffield United victory to mark three league wins in a row for the Blades.

Stats taken from FBref and Opta.