Horse Racing expert Will Smith provides a 2-star ** 16/1 EW ante-post selection for Newmarket's famous Cesarewitch Handicap on Saturday 11th October.
Date of Tips: 02/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:28 02/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Preston North End FC
v Charlton Athletic FC
Deepdale
Championship Matchday 9
04-10-2025 14:00
Preston NE Form
Charlton Form
Date: 04/10/25
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Deepdale Stadium, Preston
Championship football is rolling into Deepdale this Saturday as Preston North End welcome Charlton Athletic. Preston have been steady but not spectacular so far, with plenty of draws keeping them just about in the mix. Charlton, on the other hand, are building some momentum but still searching for that standout away win.
So, who’s getting the edge in Lancashire this weekend? Let’s break it down.
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom has a rare luxury right now – no injuries at all. He’ll be happy with that. Expect him to stick with the 3-5-2 setup, where Michael Smith leads the line after scoring last time out, and Thierry Small looks lively down the left after grabbing a goal against Hull.
Charlton also have a full-strength squad available for Nathan Jones. That means James Bree, who netted against Derby last week, should keep his place, while Tyreece Campbell and Charlie Kelman are pushing to start up top. With both sides fit and ready, this one should be a straight fight of tactics and mentality.
Preston North End: Iversen; Storey, Lindsay, Gibson; Small, Devine, Whiteman, Armstrong, Vukcevic; Osmajic, Smith
Charlton Athletic: Kaminski; Ramsay, Jones, Bell; Bree, Carey, Coventry, Docherty, Gillesphey; Campbell, Kelman
This looks like one of those cagey Championship battles. Preston are unbeaten in their last five against Charlton, and they usually know how to get results at Deepdale. But let’s not ignore Charlton’s stubborn streak — they’ve avoided defeat in their last two away games and won’t go quietly.
Betting angles worth a look:
Preston will look to control things, use their wing-backs, and push Charlton back. The Addicks will try to counter, but Deepdale hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them.
I see Preston edging it. Maybe not pretty, maybe not full of goals, but three points all the same.
Match Prediction: Preston to win. Bet with bet365.
I’m leaning toward a 1-0 Preston win. They’ve been defensively sound and don’t often run up the scoreline, but a single goal could do it.
Correct Score Prediction: Preston 1-0 Charlton. Bet with bet365.
The numbers point towards a low-scoring game. Preston have seen under 2.5 goals in four of their last six, and Charlton haven’t exactly been free-scoring either.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a bet builder that fits how I see it going:
That’s your low-scoring grind-out special – and it matches the way these two sides usually play against each other.
Bet Builder Tip: Preston to Win, Under 2.5 Goals, Michael Smith Anytime Scorer. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Preston look the stronger side, especially at home, but Charlton’s away form makes this closer than it looks. Preston are still favourites.
I’m leaning toward a tight 1-0 win for Preston North End, though a 2-1 wouldn’t surprise me.
For Preston, Michael Smith and Thierry Small stand out. For Charlton, James Bree’s form and Tyreece Campbell’s energy up front will be key.
Preston dominate it. Charlton haven’t beaten them in over a decade, and Preston have won more than 80% of their recent meetings.