Charlton Athletic Football Club kicks off the new year at The Valley on Saturday, hosting Reading with the game set to commence at 3pm GMT. The Addicks, having seen their New Year's Day trip to Crawley Town postponed due to inclement weather, will aim for their fourth consecutive victory this weekend.
Speaking after last weekend's impressive 2-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers, Charlton's manager Nathan Jones addressed player fitness, stating: "It was too early for Chuks [Aneke]. Chuks has trained sporadically and trained fully yesterday [Saturday]." This indicates Aneke's potential return to the squad, providing the team with valuable options as they push for another three points.
Meanwhile, Reading finds itself fifth on the Sky Bet League One table and riding high with three consecutive wins under the management of Noel Hunt. The Royals head to The Valley following their 3-1 triumph against Cambridge United on New Year's Day, and will be eager to continue their successful run.
Historically, Charlton and Reading have faced each other on 47 occasions, with Charlton claiming 16 victories, Reading 20, and 11 matches ending in draws. The last encounter earlier this season saw the Royals secure a 2-0 win, making this upcoming match even more significant for the Addicks as they look to level the score.
For matchday logistics, Scott Oldham has been appointed as the referee for the fixture, supported by assistants Conall Bartlett and Andrew Aylott, with Ruebyn Ricardo acting as the Fourth Official. Fans are reminded to adjust their plans as certain roads around The Valley will be closed starting from 2:15 pm until shortly after kick-off.
The Fan Zone will open at noon for supporters eager to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere, alongside Bartram's and the Meantime Fans’ Bar offering early-bird deals on drinks. Those unable to attend the game can follow the action live on CharltonTV, which is available for international audiences. Inside the UK and Ireland, fans can tune in for live audio commentary provided by Terry Smith, Greg Stubley, and Steve Brown.
For those interested, tickets for the game and Valley Gold Jackpot tickets—the proceeds of which support the club's academy—can be purchased online. The Jackpot initiative aims to aid the development of future football stars, supporting grassroots involvement within the club.
On the youth front, Charlton's U21s are also returning to action this Saturday after a fortnight break, as they face Leeds United in the Premier League Cup at 12pm GMT. Under manager Chris Lock, the young Addicks are coming off a solid 3-1 home victory against Swansea City, where Ibrahim Fullah netted two goals, and Kaheim Dixon started the scoring for the team. Presently, they occupy the second position on the Professional Development League 2 - South table, with the potential to reach the top with a victory over Leeds, who currently sit third after experiencing defeat against Stockport County.
Fans can keep track of the U21 match through live updates via @CharltonAcademy on X, with detailed match reports available post-match on the club's official website. Supporters are encouraged to back the academy's initiatives by participating in the Valley Gold scheme, which not only supports young talent but also offers chances to win cash prizes.
Whether cheering on the first team or following the youth fixtures, it is clear the spirit of the Charlton Athletic community is gearing up for what's shaping to be an exciting weekend of football at The Valley.