Recap
Charlton have gathered momentum at a crucial juncture, most recently capitalizing on home advantage with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Stoke. They are unbeaten in their last three league rounds (2-1-0), notably keeping clean sheets in each of those matches and now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone. With a demanding five-game stretch looming – featuring four sides harboring promotion ambitions, this fixture carries added significance. The only absences are Knibbs (23/3) and Edwards (7/0).
Portsmouth, by contrast, enter this contest in visible turmoil. Two consecutive defeats and just one victory across their last six rounds have dragged them to within a single point of the drop zone. Their away form is particularly concerning, ranking as the second worst in the league (2-5-7). To compound matters, head coach Mousinho must navigate an extraordinary absence list, with 14 players unavailable – Dozzell (29/1), Segecic (25/6 top scorer), Chaplin (24/1), Kosznovszky (15/0), Knight (14/0), Murphy (14/0), Matthews (11/0), Bianchini (10/0), Shaughnessy (9/1), Blair (7/0), Waddingham (4/0), Anderson (2/0), Alese (1/0) and Umeh (1/0).
Given Charlton’s defensive solidity, improved form, and the visitors’ extensive absences, this represents an ideal opportunity for the hosts to extend their positive run and create a more comfortable cushion above the relegation battle.