English FA CUP

2026-01-10 - Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
Football: English FA Cup Third Round
Saturday 10th January 2025 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV

Charlton Athletic

A five year stay in the third tier of English Football was ended last season when Charlton Athletic earned Promotion through the Play Offs, but Nathan Jones knows his sole task in this campaign is consolidating back in the Championship. A prolonged poor run of form means Charlton Athletic are looking over their shoulders in that Division, but this weekend they can use the Cup as a distraction and perhaps even a momentum starter.

The Addicks have not reached the FA Cup Fourth Round since 2014 in a campaign that ended in the Quarter Final, but The Valley will be filled in anticipation of an upset over a London rival. They did reach the FA Cup Third Round after winning two ties last season before Charlton Athletic were beaten 2-1 at Deepdale.

Charlton Athletic have won 1 of the last 11 games played ahead of this Third Round Cup tie, although they have earned consecutive draws in the Championship to slow the slide towards the bottom three. Holding leaders Coventry City to a draw in the last home game means Charlton Athletic have picked up four points from the last couple of fixtures played in front of the home fans.

There are a number of days of rest coming up for the squad so Nathan Jones can select a strong team for this Cup tie knowing Replays are now scrapped.

Chelsea

A month ago Enzo Maresca was being praised for the form Chelsea had been producing, but the Italian is out and Liam Rosenior is the next man to step into the dugout for the club. Fans cannot be too happy with the direction Chelsea have been taking under the current ownership model, but Rosenior has looked very confident ahead of the first match in charge of this club.

Inexperience could be an issue, although you would not think that is the case following the first Press Conference on Friday. Trips to Wembley Stadium for FA Cup and League Cup Finals have remained pretty regular for Chelsea and they have big Cup ties coming up this week before Liam Rosenior takes charge in the Premier League for the first time.

Chelsea were beaten at West London rivals Fulham on Wednesday evening and have not won any of the last 5 games, although 3 of those have ended in draws. The away form has been even more concerning and Chelsea have won 1 of the last 7 fixtures played on their travels in all competitions, although that was a League Cup Quarter Final win at Cardiff City last month.

Marc Cucurella is suspended after being sent off at Craven Cottage. The new manager is expected to make some changes just to freshen up the starting eleven, but Chelsea have plenty of depth to call upon.

Head to Head

These two London clubs have not faced off since the 2006/07 season when playing in the Premiership.

In that campaign, Chelsea won both games, including a 0-1 win here.

Charlton Athletic have lost on each of the last 3 occasions when hosting The Blues.

Prediction

You have to expect changes in the Chelsea starting lineup as they begin yet another new era, but Liam Rosenior will be well aware of the importance of making a strong start.

Some are questioning his experience and expertise to lead a club like Chelsea and losing to Charlton Athletic would place him under immediate pressure before a League Cup Semi Final tie against Arsenal.

Changes have to be made after a busy period for most Premier League clubs, but the Chelsea depth has shown up in the League Cup run with away wins at lower League clubs like Lincoln City and Cardiff City. Both are playing a step below Charlton Athletic, but The Addicks were in League One less than twelve months ago and the talent difference should shine through.

The current generation of managers in the Championship will also choose to make big changes to freshen things up and give squad members an opportunity.

Of course Nathan Jones would love to lead an upset, but Charlton Athletic's main concern is moving away from the bottom three in the Championship rather than a prolonged Cup run.

Supporters are not going to like that, but it is the reality of the situation and you have to believe Chelsea's squad depth ultimately makes the difference between these London clubs.