Charlton vs Stoke City Predictions

Charlton pulled off a surprise win at Blackburn in their opening game, but will they make it six points from six in their return to the second tier? They meet a Stoke side who were beaten on Saturday despite high hopes of a Premier League return. Nathan Jones has made progress at the bet365 Stadium and made some smart additions to their squad, but they came up short once again when they were beaten 2-1 by QPR. The question now is was that one shock result, or is pressure about to grow on Jones?

Charlton have made their way up to the second tier against all odds, with their run late last season inspiring them to playoff success. Lee Bowyer can clearly do great work on a limited budget after their opening day success, but sustaining that is going to be a challenge for the Addicks. They will be looking to follow up the recent great record of promoted sides in the Championship, but in order to do that they’ll need to be consistently picking up points at home this term.

The visitors had top-six ambitions, but confidence around the club was wobbly. There was already a feeling that Jones could be in the firing line despite seemingly doing everything right over the summer. Their uninspired end to last season was followed by promises of progress this term, with improvements in attack something which the Potters desperately need. However, they were seen off by QPR at home, which suggests that there are weaknesses for opposition sides to exploit.

Stoke certainly had vulnerabilities on the road last term, as they won just three times in 23 matches after coming down from the Premier League. That terrible record left them in the bottom half of the division, while Jones won only one trip after taking charge of the club in January. His men drew five times on the road since he took charge, with draws dominating their away trips last season.

Stoke drew 13 of 23 away matches last term, while they finished level in 22 of their 26 games. They had a particularly consistent record against the bottom teams, drawing away to all of the bottom seven. We expect Charlton to be in there this term, while the hosts should be concerned about their return at the Valley. They have the confidence carried over from their strong late-season form, but at home last term they won only five of 11 meetings with top half teams. We have issues with their ability to see out games here, so we’re backing Charlton to share a point with Stoke this weekend.