Here is a taster from Richard Cawley's in depth review of Charlton's pre-season gbames - which can tell you everything and nothing. I would summarise it as a work in progress with some gaps to be filled, notably a robust midfielder..
Cawley says: 'What does leap out from the 2026 matches is the lack of
goals. Charlton scored 13 in 2025 and 12 in 2024 (although admittedly half of
those were in a 6-1 demolition of Dartford). This time around they have netted
just five times and blanked against their two League One opponents.
Charlton’s lack of firepower and end product dragged them
into the relegation picture in the closing months of the 2025-26 season. They
were the third lowest scorers in the Championship, placed 23rd for xG (expected
goals) and 21st for shots on target.
It is an area that Nathan Jones has talked more than once
about improving and the formation change, from 5-3-2 to 4-2-3-1 in pre-season,
seems to have been made to try and ensure the Addicks ask more troubling
questions of the opposition in the final third.
The arrivals of Karlan Grant and Millenic Alli suggests that
the set-up change is not merely a trial, although it would not be a surprise to
see a more defensive structure for some of the fixtures, West Ham United away
being a prime example.
It feels hugely important that Charlton get their midfield
set-up right too. This website has talked plenty previously about that area
needing to add more creativity, composure, athleticism and possess the ability
to maintain more control in matches.'
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