FA Cup: Charlton vs Chelsea preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The Addicks are hoping to claim a massive win against the struggling Premier League side, while the Blues will be desperate to avoid an upset as they begin their journey in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Charlton Athletic come into this fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw away at Blackburn Rovers last weekend. Nathan Jones has his side sitting in the middle of the table, but their recent form has been inconsistent, recording only one win in their last five league outings. 

The Addicks previously drew 1-1 with Coventry City on New Year's Day and while they have struggled for clean sheets, their ability to find the net at home makes them a dangerous underdog in this knockout tie.

Chelsea, meanwhile, saw their difficult run continue with a 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Wednesday evening. Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane oversaw a match where Marc Cucurella was sent off, leaving the Blues with ten men for a large portion of the game. 

This result followed a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad, meaning Chelsea have not won in their last four matches across all competitions. 

With new head coach Liam Rosenior set to take charge officially after this fixture, the players will be eager to prove their worth and secure safe passage into the fourth round.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY

Chelsea have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning ten of the last seventeen meetings between the two clubs. The Valley has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues, having won four of the last five encounters.

The most common result in recent history between these sides is a 1-0 victory. Their last competitive meeting took place several years ago, with Chelsea showing dominance.

Charlton Athletic are facing several setbacks ahead of the match, particularly in defence and attack. Kayne Ramsay and Reece Burke are both sidelined through injury, limiting Thomas Jones’ options at the back. 

In attack, Matt Godden remains unavailable as he continues his recovery, while winger Onel Hernández is also ruled out. 

As a result, the Addicks may be forced to adopt a more compact and cautious approach, relying on squad rotation and set-piece situations to create chances.

Chelsea also arrive with notable absences across the squad. In midfield, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos are both unavailable due to injury, while young midfielder Dario Essugo is also sidelined, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with fewer options for rotation in the centre of the pitch. 

Defensively, Levi Colwill’s absence further stretches Chelsea’s backline, meaning experienced figures are expected to shoulder responsibility as the Blues look to control possession and dictate the tempo despite their injury concerns.

Charlton Athletic (4-2-3-1): Kaminski – Burke, Jones, Bell, Bree – Coventry, Berry – Rankin-Costello, Campbell, Leaburn – Kelman

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Gittens, Garnacho; Delap

After reviewing our predictions, be sure to visit the Livescore Bet website to bet on your favourite games with enticing odds.

With Chelsea struggling for defensive stability and Charlton missing several key defenders of their own, this FA Cup tie should produce goals. 

While Chelsea are the clear favourites due to their superior quality, their recent form suggests they are vulnerable to an upset if they do not start strongly.