Carabao Cup

Cheltenham Town

08 Aug 2026 17:30

Charlton Athletic

Prediction:

Charlton Athletic to win 1.68

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Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic Predictions, Picks & Odds – 08/08/2026

Carabao Cup · 1st Round

Our prediction

2: Charlton Athletic to win

1.68 on 1xBet · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 07 Aug 2026 at 15:56 · Odds are subject to change

Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic Preview

Cheltenham Town open their competitive calendar at The EV Charger Points Stadium, where Steve Cotterill will hope his League Two side can channel the spirit of their famous 2016 cup upset against this very opponent. Pre-season ended on a disappointing note with a 2-0 loss to MK Dons, though there is optimism around defender George Nurse, who has returned in excellent condition after two serious knee injuries. Cotterill knows a cup run could set the tone for the campaign ahead.

Charlton Athletic arrive under Nathan Jones, who has made clear he is treating this fixture with full seriousness. The Addicks had a mixed pre-season, winning three of six friendlies but managing only five goals across those outings. Rob Apter and Micah Mbick are back in full training, while Collins Sichenje edges closer to match fitness. Jones is still seeking reinforcements in midfield and on the right flank, and the release of Lyndon Dykes leaves questions around striking depth.

The division gap between Championship and League Two football is the primary driver behind our selection of Charlton Athletic to win at 1.68. Nathan Jones has made clear he is treating this fixture with full seriousness, and the return of Rob Apter and Micah Mbick to full training strengthens his options. Cheltenham, meanwhile, closed pre-season with a 2-0 loss to MK Dons, offering little cause for optimism.

Charlton's pre-season was not without blemish; five goals across six friendlies hints at attacking struggles. That said, Cheltenham are unlikely to pose the same defensive resistance as higher-league opposition. The under 2.5 goals line at 2.04 appeals given both sides' modest scoring records in warm-up matches, and Charlton's recent tendency to lose tight away cup ties suggests a low-scoring affair.

A both teams to score: no selection at 2.01 rounds out the recommended bets. Charlton possess the quality to keep a League Two attack at bay, particularly with Collins Sichenje nearing full fitness to bolster the defensive ranks. Cheltenham will set up to frustrate, but a narrow Charlton victory without conceding fits the profile of this fixture. Odds correct at time of publication.

Trends to Know about Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic

• Championship pedigree favours Charlton Athletic heavily
• Cheltenham lost final pre-season friendly
• Charlton won three of six warm-ups

Both sides line up in a 4-3-3 mirror, so the tactical battle should be decided in the midfield press and wide channels rather than structural mismatches. These are speculated XIs from a single source, so treat the shape as a reasonable guide rather than a certainty ahead of this Carabao Cup opener.

Charlton carry the greater attacking threat on paper, with Karlan Grant and Matt Godden offering pace and finishing in the final third. For Cheltenham, George Miller will need to hold his ground up front and bring teammates into play if the hosts are to cause an upset at home.

How to Watch Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic Match?

What time is Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic?

Kickoff at The EV Charger Points Stadium is set for 17:30 local time on 8th August 2026.

Where is Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic being played?

This match takes place at The EV Charger Points Stadium, home ground of Cheltenham Town.

How Can I Watch Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic on TV and Live Stream?

This Carabao Cup first round tie is available to watch via Sky Sports in the UK.