Image source, BBC SportCharlton Athletic have rejected two offers, with the highest at £3.5m, from Brighton for striker Micah Mbick. The 19-year-old has spent the first half of the season on loan at League Two side Colchester United. (The Athletic, subscription required), external
Want more transfer news from the EFL? Check out Tuesday's gossip column here.
Image source, OptaCharlton Athletic will aim to move further clear of the Championship relegation zone when they welcome Derby County on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT kick-off).
The Addicks are five points ahead of Norwich in 22nd and unbeaten in their past three games (W1 D2).
The Rams, who are five points behind the top-six, are hoping to keep their play-off hopes alive and are seeking consecutive wins for the first time since November after the 1-0 victory at Preston last time out.
Charlton and Derby drew their first league meeting this season 1-1 in September, but haven't drawn both league clashes in a campaign since 1982-83.
Derby won their most recent league visit to Charlton 1-0 in League One in February 2024, last winning back-to-back such trips in January 1995.
Derby have drawn each of their past four away league games at newly promoted opposition, including 1-1 stalemates at Wrexham and Birmingham City in 2025-26.
Charlton's Nathan Jones has only lost one of his eight previous managerial league games against Derby (W3 D4), a 2-0 defeat with Luton Town in April 2021.
Derby have only won three of their past 22 Championship away games at London sides (D11 L8), failing to win their previous five (D3 L2) since a 1-0 win at QPR in January 2021.
Paul Sullivan
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesCharlton's January arrivals, Harry Clarke and Lyndon Dykes, made their debuts on a day that brought both encouragement and alarm.
Dykes, who can boast Australian side Surfers Paradise Apollo as one of his previous teams, was sporting the rarely seen No 99 shirt. He is no prolific scorer but offers a valuable foil for the likes of Charlie Kelman, Matt Godden and Miles Leaburn.
With Scotland bound for the World Cup this summer, the striker has every incentive to impress. Also, he will be looking forward to the visit of his old club QPR when they arrive at The Valley under the lights on 6 February.
Clarke meanwhile, who joins on loan from Ipswich Town, brushed aside any concerns of match readiness in this barmy contest.
His defensive nous should toughen a squad that has at times shown its Championship inexperience.
Even so, Charlton still look light at left wing‑back and urgently need reinforcements before the window closes.
This match, though, was all about survival instincts.
Sheffield United dominated the first half, enjoying huge amounts of possession and but for Thomas Kaminski's saves, the Blades might have been out of sight within 30 minutes.
The newly named EFL Championship player of the month, Patrick Bamford, and Andre Brooks were causing plenty of trouble to the Addicks defence.
But within 12 mad minutes, the Blades lost their cutting edge with two dismissals.
For all Chris Wilder's various remonstrations, he should be ultimately angry with his players for their ill-discipline after being in the driving seat.
Following the interval, Nathan Jones' side finally seized the moment. Substitute Dykes combined smartly in the build‑up to an early second-half goal that proved decisive.
The closing stages were defined by tension rather than fluency, with Charlton cautioned not to invite counter-attacks or concede needless set-pieces.
Relief swept The Valley as the final whistle blew — three precious points, however fortuitous.
It wasn't pretty and Jones admitted as much. "I don't care how we get them," he has said before - and that mantra felt apt.
With Harvey Knibbs now facing a lay‑off and James Bree returning to Southampton, Charlton's new signings will be vital in keeping the Addicks clear of danger as the scrap for survival tightens.
Nathan Jones described his side's 1-0 win over Sheffield United as a 'bizarre game'
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones told BBC Radio London after his side's 1-0 win over Sheffield United:
"It was a bizarre game. It doesn't feel like a win and the euphoria that it should, having beaten Sheffield United at home.
"A win is a win. It was a strange atmosphere, they started fantastically well and we needed our goalkeeper to keep us level.
"When they went down to 10 men we had a little bit more control. Nine men obviously more control, and then we made the right substitutions. Tactically we were felt we were good – we scored the goal, we had other opportunities [and] didn't quite get the second. But a win's a win.
On playing against nine men: "You have to control the game. What people have to realise is you can't just go gung-ho and 'bang, bang, bang, bang, bang' because every time they turn the ball over they go at you, and they've got good players to do that."
On Harvey Knibbs' injury: "It's not a good injury. Without speculating, we have to have the results of scans and X-rays and so on. But look, let's see how that is.
On the red cards: "I felt they were justified. I don't want to get into anything. It's not a good challenge, hence the gravity of the injury [to Knibbs] and then the second one, I just think he's a bit out of control and when the head's involved… we felt they were justified."
This is a first league meeting between these two in London for nearly 10 years with Charlton looking for only their second win in their past five matches.
Sheffield United are yet to draw an away league game so far this season.
Charlton have won three of their past five league games against Sheffield United (D1 L1), including a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane this season.
This is Sheffield United's first visit to Charlton in the league since a 1-1 draw in League One in November 2016, while in the Championship it is their first since a 5-2 win in November 2008.
Charlton are one of only two sides, along with Sheffield Wednesday, who have faced more shots than they have had themselves in all three game states in the Championship this season: when drawing (72), losing (8) and winning (30).
Sheffield United have won seven of their past 10 Championship matches (D1 L2). Since the date of the first game in this run (23 November), the Blades have won the most points of any side in the division (22).
Patrick Bamford has scored six goals in 11 appearances in all competitions for Sheffield United. Since his debut for the Blades, the only Championship players with more goals are Norwich's Jovon Makama (9) and Morgan Whitaker of Middlesbrough (7) across all competitions.
Leicester are set to compete with Ipswich and Charlton for Birmingham's Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes, 30. (Daily Mail, external)
Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.
Paul Sullivan
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesMiles Leaburn (centre) scored his third goal of the season for Charlton against Chelsea
A reward for promotion? A bye to the third round of the FA Cup. And the prize? A showcase clash with trophy-laden Chelsea under The Valley lights.
For Charlton fans, it was the kind of glamorous tie that reminds you why the cup still matters.
Yet as the fog rolled in to SE7 on a bitterly cold January night, you had to wonder, has the occasion come at a cost?
The concern was not so much the 5–1 defeat by the Club World Cup Champions, but the sight of Amari'i Bell grimacing again with that recurring hamstring issue. Tyreece Campbell joined the injury list too.
Boss Nathan Jones would never have risked Bell in a routine third round tie against Port Vale but this was too big a night to pass up.
The build-up had been special. Chelsea arrived with a new head coach in Liam Rosenior and The Valley buzzed with an expectant crowd of 26,475 with the pyrotechnics dancing before kick-off.
Going into first-half added time, we were holding our own before Jorrel Hato struck.
After the restart, we attacked the Covered End with gusto but criminally we conceded from a simply worked set piece to go two down from a header by Tosin Adarabioyo, who scored on his last visit to The Valley for Blackburn Rovers in February 2020.
When Miles Leaburn pulled one back, the Charlton fans were in raptures.
It was crucial to consolidate and quell any Chelsea counter-offensive but our defenders did not follow instructions that were delivered circa 30 times in training from Jones, and The Blues all but killed our hopes with a two-goal margin restored.
Chelsea's world-class quality took full advantage.
Once the shackles came off, it became showtime for the visitors, who added two late goals to give the scoreline an unnecessarily cruel edge.
Leaburn's goal, though, should do him the world of good and is reward for his recent performances as well as a confidence booster against elite opposition.
Among the positives, Will Mannion impressed between the posts, perhaps staking a real claim over Thomas Kaminski.
In truth, the focus must now shift to upcoming home matches against Sheffield United and Derby County.
The FA Cup was a spectacle, no question. But Bell's injury could cast a long shadow over the more important fight ahead - staying clear of that relegation dotted line.
Pundits Dion Dublin and Rob Green join host Jason Mohammad to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
It doesn't feel as if Liam Rosenior's appointment has been particularly welcomed by some Chelsea fans.
This is his first game in charge and he could really do with making a fast start to help win some of the doubters over.
There are tougher tests to come - like Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final next week - but I think he will get the result he wants here.
There will be a packed house at The Valley, with Charlton's biggest crowd for an FA Cup tie in 50 years, but the Addicks are not in great form and Chelsea's quality should see them through.
Sutton's prediction: 1-3
With Patrick Bamford set to extend his loan stay at Sheffield United, Ipswich are set to turn their attentions to Birmingham and Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes, 30, who has also attracted the interest of Charlton. (Football Insider, external)
Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.
Paul Sullivan
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesNathan Jones' Charlton have won just one of their last 11 Championship fixtures
After listening to Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael following their loss to Wrexham I sensed this trip to Ewood Park was there for the taking.
Their squad was stretched, confidence low, and the home crowd restless. A perfect opportunity, and yet we let it slip.
I would have accepted a draw before kick off but surrendering a two-goal cushion still stings, especially after the promising result against league leaders Coventry City just three days earlier. This felt like a gift carelessly returned.
On a bleak January Sunday, credit to the 538 Charlton supporters who made the long journey north.
It is no small effort to spend a cold afternoon in a draughty away end before the first Monday back at work. Sadly, the players could not match that same commitment when it mattered most.
Tyreece Campbell was brushed off the ball far too easily in the build up to their first goal. We had numbers back but let Moussa Baradji nod in, and in the 77th minute, more naivety led to the equaliser.
So much for defensive discipline, something Nathan Jones insists is fundamental when key personnel are available.
That is what frustrates most; flashes of quality undone by poor concentration.
Our opener was beautifully worked, and while the penalty decision that doubled the lead was soft, we should never have invited pressure so quickly after.
Now comes a crucial spell. The Chelsea FA Cup tie offers respite, but the focus must shift to back-to-back home games against a revived Sheffield United and a dangerous Derby County side.
Four points from the two, as we managed earlier this season, would steady the ship.
Then, of course, there is the small matter of Millwall.
For now, Jones will welcome a brief break from league action and the chance, perhaps, to bring in fresh faces before Chris Wilder's men visit The Valley.
It is a big month ahead, and Charlton cannot afford many more self-inflicted setbacks.
Nathan Jones expects his player to see out a win if they are 2-0 ahead
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after his side's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers:
"Yeah, really [frustrated]. It wasn't a good game in terms of no team really had any control. But after taking a 2-0 lead we expect to win that game.
"The goal just before half-time probably lifted them and [it was] poor from us. [They] turn the ball over, [we] allow them to get to the byeline, clip the ball in. We don't pick it up – there's only one [Blackburn player] in the box – we have three and he gets a free header and scores. That's frustrating.
"Second goal, that one's really frustrating. We lose Miles [Leaburn], Miles has to come off. We can't make a sub, so we're down to 10 men. We have the ball in the corner, we clip it into the goalkeeper's hands. They go up the other end and score from a cutback.
"And this stuff that we normally defend really well, this is stuff we work on.
"In the end it's like a basketball game, and you're probably happy with a point at the end."
Paul Sullivan
Fan writer
It felt like the morning of a dentist's appointment – that uneasy anticipation before facing pain – as league leaders Coventry City rolled into The Valley.
And when the Sky Blues struck early, it was indeed like that first sharp injection.
But once the sting passed, Charlton went about their business with courage, organisation, and a performance that reminded everyone they belong at this level.
Frank Lampard's side came with swagger, yet they left knowing they'd been in a proper Championship battle.
Charlton, so often fragile after setbacks, showed real character.
Just days after the last-gasp defeat at Portsmouth, and facing a Coventry team with 54 goals already this season, the Addicks could easily have folded. Instead, they fought back.
Joe Rankin‑Costello, only recently brought into the side, continued his impressive run with the crucial equaliser – following up after Charlie Kelman's bursting run had forced a save from Carl Rushworth.
Image source, ShutterstockBoth goalkeepers played starring roles. Thomas Kaminski kept Charlton in it with key stops while, at the other end, Rushworth showed why he is destined to play in the Premier League.
The Addicks' defensive trio of Reece Burke, Lloyd Jones and Amari'i Bell gives the side solidity and a more balanced, confident look.
This was a draw that felt like progress. One more point towards that magic 50 mark, and another small climb up the table – now on 28. The gap to the drop zone may have narrowed slightly, but belief has grown stronger.
Rankin‑Costello's emergence could be the tonic to cure the post‑Christmas hangover that followed those defeats by Norwich City and Portsmouth.
He now returns to face boyhood club Blackburn Rovers, hopeful of another statement performance against opponents still smarting from a home loss to Wrexham.
Nathan Jones and his players deserve real credit.
They didn't panic after the early setback, they matched the league's best side stride for stride, and by full‑time, Coventry knew they'd been in a game.
A point gained, confidence restored – and an inspiring start to 2026.
Nathan Jones reacts to the 1-1 draw with Coventry City on New Year's Day
Charlton manager Nathan Jones says he is "proud" of his players for the character they showed to come from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with Coventry on New Year's Day.
He told BBC Radio London: "It was an excellent football game with both sides going right at the game to try and win it.
"To concede after two minutes and to put in the performance showed we have bags and bags of character.
"After the goal in the first half I thought we were brilliant. I thought we tested them, we were athletic. Second half they had one or two chances but we had so many situations. That was a top level Championship game.
"The level of performance we put in… I'm proud. We have gone from a really tough time with injuries but when we have got our best players available that is the level of performance we can put in.
"I thought we were outstanding first half but people have told me we were better second half so I will have to watch it back."
On whether Charlton should have had a penalty for handball when Coventry defender Joel Latibeaudiere blocked a shot from Charlie Kelman:
"His hand is down by his side but it hits his hand and stops it from going in the bottom corner. I don't know.
"I don't know the rules any more, I've got to be honest. When we have feedback there is always a way around everything."
Image source, OptaRelegation-battling Charlton Athletic welcome Championship leaders Coventry City for a vital clash at both ends of the table on New Year's Day (15:00 GMT kick-off).
The Addicks suffered an agonising late defeat at Portsmouth last time out for their seventh loss in nine games (W1 D1) to leave them just five points clear of the drop zone.
The Sky Blues are eight points clear of Middlesbrough in second and 10 ahead of Ipswich in third, who subjected them to their first league home defeat of the season on Monday night.
But Frank Lampard's side will be keen to get back on track after just two wins from their past six games (D2 L2) - both of which were by a 1-0 scoreline at the CBS Arena, having failed to win any of their previous three away matches (D2 L1).
Charlton Athletic have won only two of their past 11 home league games against Coventry City (D6 L3), last hosting the Sky Blues in October 2018 in League One and losing 2-1.
Coventry City have won each of their past three league meetings with Charlton Athletic, already their longest ever winning streak against the Addicks in the EFL.
Charlton have lost five of their previous six home league games played on New Year's Day (W1), with the exception coming when beating Walsall 2-1 in League One in 2019.
Coventry are unbeaten in their first game of the calendar year in each of the past 12 years (W9 D3), with only Manchester City (W13) on a longer such run in England's top four tiers.
Coventry have won five of their past six away league matches in London (D1), winning both under Frank Lampard (1-0 and 4-0, both against Millwall in 2024-25 and 2025-26).
