Fulham vs Charlton Athletic preview, predictions & possible XIs
Charlton Athletic make the short trip across London this weekend to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Lee Bowyer, or Sir Lee Bowyer as he is known in certain parts of South London, has led Charlton into the Championship on a tiny budget, without the mod cons afforded to many of his rivals and with a squad he has moulded in his image.
The Addicks have made a great start but will be hoping a trip to last season’s Premier League relegation fodder will not see them slip to a fourth defeat in five following an impressive start.
Fulham are coming into this with back-to-back wins under their belts following a run of four games without one. They have looked really impressive as you would expect but occasionally lack a ruthless edge which is surprising given the talent at their disposal.
Bowyer and Scott Parker were both excellent midfielders in their day and this game will be played with style, panache and poise, making it an easy-on-the-eye affair football fans will love.
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news ahead of Fulham vs Charlton.
When is Fulham vs Charlton and where can I watch live?
Competition: Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage
Date: Saturday, 05 October 2019
Kick-off: 12:30 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football.
Last five meetings: Fulham vs Charlton
20 February 2016: Fulham 3-0 Charlton (Championship)
04 October 2015: Charlton 2-2 Fulham (Championship)
07 April 2015: Charlton 1-1 Fulham (Championship)
24 October 2014: Fulham 3-0 Charlton (Championship)
07 January 2012: Fulham 4-0 Charlton (FA Cup)
Aggregate Score: Fulham (WDDWW) 13-3 Charlton (LDDLL)
Ones to watch
Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic
When you can call upon a striker like Aleksandar Mitrovic in the Championship, you are always going to have a chance at success.
The Serbian has been a talisman for the Cottagers since signing from Newcastle United and has already netted seven times in the second tier this season, while also impressing with three strikes while on international duty back in September.
He would be a key player for any side at this level and Fulham know he will be the difference between success and failure this season.
Key stat: Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored seven goals in the Championship this season, no player has netted more.
Charlton: Conor Gallagher
On loan from Chelsea, Conor Gallagher has been a revelation this season at the Valley. Addicks fans believe the 19-year-old is already capable of playing in the Premier League and they have a point.
Chelsea clearly see him as a bright prospect, tying him down to a new three-year contract in August before allowing him to head out on loan to Charlton.
Key stat: Conor Gallagher has been directly involved in four league goals for Charlton this season (3 goals, 1 assist), only Lyle Taylor has been involved in more (5 goals, 1 assist).
Team news
Fulham
Scott Parker is in the fortunate position of having no new injury concerns and will be more than likely to stick with the side that thrashed Reading in mid-week.
Predicted XI: Bettinelli; Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan; Arter, Johansen; Knockaert, Cairney, Reid; Mitrovic
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Charlton
Lee Bowyer will be without some key players as they head into this all London clash. Star man Lyle Taylor is out as is Tomer Hemed leaving the Addicks short in attack.
They could also be without Chuks Aneke and Ben Purrington who picked up injuries against Swansea. Beram Kayal and Lewis Page will also miss out.
Predicted XI: Phillips; Matthews, Lockyer, Pearce, Purrington; Cullen, Field; Gallagher, Oztumer, Leko; Bonne
Squawka prediction
Only a point separates these two sides heading into this game but Charlton are facing a tough selection choice given the number of injuries they have sustained of late. Missing the likes of Lyle Taylor and Tomer Hemed, Lee Bowyer will be desperately hoping to get Chuks Aneke fit and back in the line-up.
With this in mind, it is hard to back anyone but Fulham in this one and with Aleksandar Mitrovic bang in form, it could be a difficult afternoon for
Scoreline prediction: Fulham 2-0 Charlton
