Charlton v Reading Match Report & Stats: 0-0 – Stalemate in South London

Competition | EFL League One |
---|---|
Date | Saturday, January 4, 2025 |
Teams | Charlton Athletic v Reading |
Final Score | 0-0 |
Charlton v Reading Match Report
Charlton Athletic and Reading shared the spoils in a hard-fought 0-0 draw at The Valley. The result reflected a closely contested game where both defences held firm, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of goals despite an intense midfield battle.
Charlton came into the game on the back of three consecutive victories, spurred by Nathan Jones' tactical shift that revitalised their attack. Reading, under Noel Hunt, also carried strong form, having won their previous three matches. While both sides showed attacking intent, clinical finishing and creativity in the final third were noticeably absent.
The first half saw limited chances, with Charlton enjoying marginally better possession. Reading grew into the match in the second half, but despite their efforts, neither side could break the deadlock.
Key Moments
- 45’: Reading's Amadou Mbengue picked up a yellow card in a sign of their robust approach to dealing with Charlton's attacks.
- 71’: Reading's Kelvin Abrefa was substituted for Ahmed Ashqar as Noel Hunt sought to add fresh legs.
- 81’: Charlton introduced Chuks Aneke in place of Miles Leaburn to increase their physical presence up front.
Stats at a Glance
Metric | Charlton | Reading |
---|---|---|
Expected Goals (xG) | 1.19 | 0.92 |
Ball Possession (%) | 54 | 46 |
Goal Attempts | 17 | 9 |
Shots on Goal | 6 | 1 |
Big Chances | 1 | 2 |
Corner Kicks | 7 | 5 |
Tackles Won (%) | 50 | 69 |
Lineups
Charlton Athletic (5-3-2)
- Goalkeeper: Maynard-Brewer
- Defenders: Small, Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards
- Midfielders: Berry, Coventry, Docherty (C)
- Forwards: Leaburn, Campbell
- Substitutes: Aneke, Godden
Reading (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Pereira
- Defenders: Mbengue, Dean, Bindon, Kanu
- Midfielders: Knibbs, Wing (C), Savage
- Forwards: Abrefa, Smith, Garcia
- Substitutes: Ahmed, Wareham
Evaluation of Pre-Match Tips
Prediction: Double Chance – Draw/Reading
✅ Correct
The match ended in a draw, validating the cautious approach of betting on Reading to avoid defeat, given their strong League One standing.
Analysis
- Charlton’s resurgence under Nathan Jones was evident in their organised defence, though their inability to convert chances hurt their cause. The hosts were firm favorites on top UK betting sites.
- Reading, while clinical in recent games, struggled to create meaningful opportunities, reinforcing the logic behind the prediction.
Both sides remain in solid form, but this encounter highlighted areas for improvement, especially in attack.
League One Betting Offers
The EFL League One season is in full swing, so check out the list below to explore free bets and special promotions available for new players.
Content on this site will contain reference to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you view ads or click on links to those products or services.
Dusan Jovanovic
Over the past ten years, Dusan has specialised in analysing and handicapping various sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball, NBA, NHL, and numerous European football leagues.