Charlton Athletic vs Sutton: Preview

Charlton Athletic vs Sutton
EFL Trophy
Tuesday
21st November 2023
The Valley

The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the EFL Trophy fixture between Charlton Athletic and Sutton.

Charlton Athletic vs Sutton: Preview

Charlton Athletic form analysis

Charlton’s recent run of games has showcased attacking endeavors but also recurring issues seeing out results. They started with a disappointing 3-1 away loss at Lincoln in the EFL Trophy, going ahead early through May before conceding three times after the break. Problems remained evident next match in a 0-2 home loss to Bolton, passive in defense and lacking ideas going forward. However, Charlton’s attack ignited in their next match, winning a seven goal thriller 3-2 away at Wigan thanks to a May double and Blackett-Taylor goal.

Back came the defensive issues in their next game though, drawing 1-1 at home with minnows Cray Valley PM in the FA Cup after a late own goal cost them victory despite going ahead through Fraser. Most recently they battled impressively to draw 2-2 away at Portsmouth, with May and McGrandles on target either side of conceding twice to claim a point. Overall, Charlton must add steel and game management to their clear attacking threats.

Sutton form analysis

Sutton United’s recent run of games has showcased attacking endeavors and resilient comebacks but also recurring issues seeing out results. They started with a disappointing 3-2 home loss to Morecambe in the EFL Trophy, equalizing twice through Smith and Goodliffe but conceding late after a slow start. This continued next match in a 1-2 away loss at Wrexham in the same competition, responding quickly to going behind before a late winner.

However, Sutton showed powers of recovery next up, coming from behind to beat Bradford 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Coley and Beautyman either side of equalizing. Back came issues managing games in their next match despite edging past Fylde 2-1 in the FA Cup, responding well after going behind but making it difficult for themselves. Most recently they recovered late to draw 1-1 away at Colchester in the EFL Trophy, equalizing in stoppage time through Sowunmi after conceding. Overall, Sutton must learn to better control matches when ahead rather than having to continually come from behind.