This Week's Opposition: Charlton Athletic

A closer look at Portsmouth's next challenge in the Championship.

The Blues suffered another home defeat last time out to Bristol City, which now pushes John Mousinho’s side down to 22nd.

Next up is a trip to the capital to take on Charlton Athletic.

MANAGER

Nathan Jones is in the dugout for The Addicks.

Jones began his managerial career in January 2016 with then League Two side Luton. In his time with the Hatters he guided the club to the Play-Offs in his first full season, and secured automatic promotion to League One the following campaign.

He managed Stoke City before returning to Kenilworth Road and successfully securing Championship safety. He continued his success and led the Town into Play-Off spots and was named the 2021/22 Championship Manager of the Season.

After leaving his mark on Luton, he was appointed Manager of then-Premier League outfit Southampton, before signing a long-term contract with Charlton in February 2024. He made his return after 12 years following a spell as the Addicks’ U21s lead coach.

ONE TO WATCH

Centre-back Lloyd Jones is one to look out for.

Going through the youth systems at both hometown club Plymouth and then Liverpool, Jones was named in a Premier League squad for Liverpool’s trip to Fulham in May 2013.

Whilst at Liverpool, Jones had loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Accrington Stanley, Blackpool and Swindon Town before making a permanent move to Luton.

The 30-year-old had further loan spells at Plymouth and Northampton Town, which led him to Sixfields permanently, later becoming Captain in the latter part of the 2020/21 campaign.

Jones spent 2 years at Cambridge United where he won all 4 of the club’s 2022/23 Player of the Season accolades. The number 5 joined The Addicks ahead of the 2023/24 season.

He signed a new 2-and-a-half year contract with Charlton in January.

TOP SCORER

Sonny Carey is the club’s leading scorer.

Carey came through the ranks at the Norwich City academy and started out his career playing for non-league side King’s Lynn Town - This successful spell earned him a permanent move to Blackpool in June 2021.

In his time at Bloomfield Road, the midfielder featured 113 times over 4 years, scoring 11 goals in his final season.

Carrey joined Charlton this summer and so far this campaign he has netted 5 goals and has 1 assist.

CURRENT FORM

Nathan Jones’ side have been struggling with form as of late, having lost 4 of their last 5 matches, however are still above the relegation zone and occupying 17th place.

The last time Portsmouth were victorious at The Valley was back in 2021 with a 1-3 scoreline. In the 6 meetings since that victory, they have drawn 3 and lost 3.

Can the Blues beat their bogey side and pick up crucial points to get them out of the danger zone?

Find out by catching all of the unmissable action when Pompey Live returns on Express FM this Saturday (December 6th) morning from 11:30am - Jake Smith, Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson will be reporting LIVE from The Valley.

Kick-off: 12:30pm!