Charlton vs Derby Predictions

• Charlton have won seven of their last 11 opening-round Championship matches
• The Addicks played well in a 3-1 win over Cheltenham last weekend
• Derby struggled in pre-season and were beaten at home by Lincoln City on Saturday

Rams unready after Saudi rejection

After similar summers dominated by takeover talk, Charlton Athletic and Derby County clash in the opening round of Championship fixtures on Saturday at The Valley. Derby’s dismay at their wealthy Saudi suitor abandoning his plans could have a detrimental effect on the start to the campaign.

The Rams have been waiting for a cash injection to fully attack the last weeks of the transfer window, and now it looks like they will have to scrimp and save. John Eustace’s side look short of a few players if they want to mount a strong promotion push – illustrated in their 2-1 home defeat to Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup last weekend.

The newly promoted Imps won more comfortably than the score suggests with the Rams struggling to create anything meaningful in front of goal. Eustace fielded a strong side too with last season’s top scorer Carlton Morris up top and returning star Sammie Szmodics on the right.

Chalobah changes Charlton’s midfield outlook

Meanwhile, Charlton were enjoying a 3-1 cup win at Cheltenham with new signing Nathaniel Chalobah running the midfield. That had been an area of concern for Nathan Jones, but the addition of the ex-Watford and Chelsea man should help.

The Addicks lost six of their last eight home games last term but The Valley should be rocking for this and Derby, who lost six of their last eight away league games, may come up short.

The Londoners’ record on the Championship’s opening weekend in recent years is second to none and they are backable to win at the price with a 2-1 scoreline attractive in correct score markets