Chartlon vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch

FA Cup brings Chelsea into Charlton spotlight

The FA Cup has a way of compressing football’s hierarchies, and Chelsea’s trip across London to Charlton in the third round carries that familiar sense of disruption. On paper, this is a Premier League giant visiting a Championship side struggling near the bottom of the table. In reality, it is a fixture soaked in local history, managerial intrigue and the unpredictable texture that defines this competition.

Chelsea arrive at The Valley at the beginning of another reset. Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first match as head coach following the end of Calum McFarlane’s interim spell, which concluded with defeat at Fulham. Rosenior’s appointment signals yet another recalibration, and the FA Cup offers an immediate test of tone rather than long term vision.

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Charlton context adds edge to London derby

Charlton’s own narrative is shaped by tension and survival. Managed by Nathan Jones, the Addicks sit 19th in the Championship and arrive winless in four matches. Narrow defeats to Norwich City and Portsmouth were followed by draws against Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers, results that hint at resilience without delivering relief.

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There is an added layer in holding Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, a figure who looms large over both clubs. Charlton’s recent form may lack momentum, but cup football has rarely cared for league positions, particularly in a ground that has unsettled visiting favourites before.

Chelsea transition continues under Rosenior

Chelsea’s recent days have been turbulent. McFarlane guided the side through a 1-1 draw at Manchester City following Enzo Maresca’s abrupt New Year’s Day exit, before a 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage where Marc Cucurella was sent off. That dismissal does not carry into the FA Cup, meaning Cucurella is available for selection.

Injury concerns are otherwise familiar. Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo remain sidelined, but Rosenior has sufficient depth to rotate without diluting quality. The challenge lies less in personnel and more in focus, ensuring authority without complacency.

Cup history warns against complacency

The Valley is not a venue that yields easily to reputation. Add the conditions of an evening kick off, the noise of a London derby and the old romance of the FA Cup, and the setting invites uncertainty. Charlton will sense opportunity in Chelsea’s transitional mood, believing intensity and organisation can narrow the gap.

Yet Chelsea possess too much technical superiority to ignore. Even amid structural change, the Premier League side should eventually impose themselves, particularly if early pressure dulls Charlton’s belief.

Prediction: Chelsea to win, 4-0.

Head to head record:Charlton wins 23Chelsea wins 32Draws 16

Kick off: 8pm GMT, Sunday January 11, 2026Venue: The ValleyTV: TNT Sports 1, coverage from 7.30pm GMT