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Match Previews

Preview: Charlton Athletic

10 September 2021

Match Previews

Preview: Charlton Athletic

10 September 2021

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It's a visit to one of the League One big boys for Cheltenham Town on Saturday with a trip to take on Charlton Athletic in the capital (kick-off: 3pm).

Six games into the new season the Robins have taken six points so far from their first campaign back in the third tier since 2009.

Like Cheltenham, Charlton have recorded just one win so far having played one game less.

They will be eyeing up the weekend's game as an opportunity to get more points on the board as they look to launch an assault on getting back into the Championship having been in the third tier for a second consecutive season.

For Michael Duff's Cheltenham it's a brilliant chance to go away from home and take points off a much fancied side, much like the home victory over Ipswich Town in August, and they'll be backed by good numbers from Gloucestershire in the stands at The Valley.

Team news

Charlie Raglan is expected to miss out as the defender nurses a recent knee injury.

Front man Kyle Vassell (pictured) will have his fitness assessed ahead of making the trip.

Deadline day signing Christian Norton misses out with the Stoke City loanee expected to begin training with the club at the start of next week.

Media talk

Michael Duff says motivation won't be a problem as his team visit one of League One's biggest sides on Saturday.

"They got up and running last week. It's a tough game but we know where we are," he said.

"We'll go there and give it a go and see what happens after 95 minutes.

"The players won't need motivating. It's a big ground and these are the things you want.

"Motivation isn't a problem and we've had an okay start. We are the underdogs but we will go and enjoy the challenge."

Watch Duff's press conference previewing the fixture exclusively on iFollow.

Goalkeeper Scott Flinders has also been looking ahead to the trip, praising the team spirit in the squad as being the best in the division.

Opposition

The Addicks were without a game last weekend because of international call ups. That alone is perhaps reflective of the quality Cheltenham will take on this weekend.

The London side boast full internationals in the shape of Chris Gunter - the first player to play over a hundred times for Wales - Northern Ireland's Conor Washington, the Republic of Ireland's Harry Arter and Senegal's Pape Souaré among others.

Their recruitment over the course of the summer saw them bring in Sam Lavelle, while target man Jayden Stokley signed permanently from Preston North End following a loan spell and Charlie Kirk has been recruited for an undisclosed fee from Crewe Alexandra.

With the likes of the experienced Jason Pearce, former Sunderland man George Dobson and Luton Town loan forward Elliot Lee, there's little surprise that they are being tipped for promotion to the Championship this season.

The manager: Nigel Adkins

Boasting a high level of experience managing some of the Football League's biggest clubs, Nigel Adkins has also had a spell leading a team in the Premier League after achieving back-to-back promotions with Southampton a decade ago.

He's also spent time in charge at Scunthorpe United, Reading, Sheffield United and Hull City before taking over as Charlton boss in March on a two-and-a-half year contract.

Previously after a playing career that saw him represent the likes of Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic, he managed Welsh top flight side Bangor City before moving into a career in physiotherapy ahead of his first full-time job in management with Scunny.

Tickets & travel

Tickets are now only available to purchase on the day at The Valley. Prices are as follows:

Adult £26
Over 65/18-21 £21
Student £17
Under 18 £14
Under 11 £8

The Travel Club coaches making the trip will be leaving from the Jonny-Rocks Stadium at 10am.

Any tickets that haven't been collected from the Cheltenham ticket office will be available to pick up on matchday at Charlton.

Coverage

Social media: Follow @CTFCofficial on Twitter for team news and updates, CTFC on Facebook for score updates and @CTFCofficial on Instagram.

Website: Read the match report post-match and see reaction to the result from inside the camp.

Radio: Tune in to live commentary on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and on iFollow.

Highlights: Watch extended highlights on iFollow, on YouTube, Sky Sports and Quest.


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