MATCH PREVIEW | Shrewsbury Town v Charlton

 

Charlton are back on the road again on Saturday as we face Shrewsbury Town at Montgomery Waters Meadow (3pm).

The Addicks will be hoping to build from their draw against Sunderland last time out and will look to keep in the hunt of the top two spots when they face the Shrews. 

Shrewsbury may have the thought of their FA cup game at the Bet365 against Stoke on their minds when they face Charlton, with Sam Ricketts’ side forcing a replay against the Championship outfit. The Shrews have struggled to match their form of last season and sit only four points above the danger zone in 16th place.

Team news

Saturday’s game could see debuts being handed to new signings Chris Maxwell and Ben Purrington, while Jonny Williams’ bright cameo from the bench last weekend could prompt a full debut for the midfielder. 

Charlton have no new injuries to report and Lee Bowyer will have the option of George Lapslie back while Ben Reeves also made a return to training this week. Joe Aribo remains sidelined and Josh Cullen is not quite ready for match selection. Skipper, Jason Pearce remains out of contention with his ankle injury. 

Shrewsbury suffered a blow when it was confirmed Striker Lenell John Lewis has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Ricketts will also be without Joel Coleman who made 20 appearances for the Shrews In goal this season as the ‘keeper returns to his parent club, Huddersfield town. 

The match could mark the return of Dave Edwards who re-signed for his boyhood club and is looking for a place in the starting lineup against the Addicks.

Pre-match talk

Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer:

“Slowly but surely our squad is getting stronger and stronger. I just looked at it going through stuff with (Johnnie Jackson) and we’re starting to put some pieces in that puzzle that have been empty for a while.”

Shewsbury's Josh Laurent:

“The last game was really tight, they have some good players and have a really good team. I think we were a little bit unlucky last time. We made a couple of little mistakes and they punished us for it. It’s going to be a good game. Our home form is good and we need to win.”

Head to head

Charlton have beaten Shrewsbury Town seven times in 24 competitive meetings between the two sides whereas Shrewsbury boast 10 wins against the Addicks.

Despite the figures Charlton ran out victors in the last meeting in August thanks to a dramatic winner from Karlan Grant. 

Match officials

Anthony Backhouse will be the man in the middle on Saturday afternoon.

He has taken charge of 25 games so far this season, dishing out 70 yellow cards and four red.

Now in his second season as an EFL referee, it will be the first time he has officiated a game involving the Addicks.

Tickets

Tickets will be available from the ground on the day priced as follows:

Adult: £20

U23: £16

Over 65 and Student: £15

U18: £8

Live coverage

Supporters can follow all the build-up to the game on Charlton's official Instagram account, official Twitter account, Facebook page and official Snapchat account.

Live commentary of the clash will be available on Valley Pass exclusively for subscribers. Please click here for more information on how you can subscribe to Valley Pass and how you can purchase a 48-hour matchday pass, which is priced at just £4.

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