Match overview
The Championship returns to the King Power Stadium on 31/01/2026 as Leicester City host Charlton Athletic in a game that carries more than three points for both sides. Leicester sit 14th with 38 points from 29 matches and arrive after a narrow 1-2 defeat to Oxford United; they have been an unpredictable outfit this season, capable of flair one week and defensive frailty the next. Charlton, down in 19th with 32 points from 28 games, will be desperate to arrest a shaky run that included a heavy 4-0 loss at Millwall last time out. Referee Andrew Kitchen will take charge in Leicester — a detail that rarely headlines but will matter for the rhythm and discipline in the middle of the park.
Form, trends and head-to-head
Leicester’s recent form reads like a rollercoaster: wins interspersed with losses and a single draw across their last ten reported results. They boast a stronger goals profile overall (40 scored, 43 conceded) and a respectable home record this season with 20 goals at the King Power and 17 conceded. Charlton enter with fewer goals (27 scored, 38 conceded) and a concerning away defensive record — 24 goals conceded on the road — that has left them vulnerable. Notably, the two teams met earlier in the season with Leicester winning 1-0 at Charlton, a result that gives the hosts a psychological edge going into this rematch.
Statistically, Leicester show a higher frequency of games finishing over 2.5 goals than Charlton and generate slightly more shots and dangerous attacks per match. Charlton have registered more clean sheets overall, an odd contrast to their league position, suggesting they can be stubborn on their day but are inconsistent. Both teams have a roughly 50% ‘both teams to score’ tendency when measured across different venues, so a tight, tactical battle with moments of attacking quality is plausible.
What this means for bettors
Bookmakers have priced Leicester as favourites with a home win at 2.02, a draw at 3.35 and an away win at 3.65. That pricing mirrors the league table and current form: Leicester possess the edge at home and boast recent direct success over Charlton. Given Charlton’s leaky away numbers and the visitors’ patchy recent performances, backing the hosts makes statistical sense. For those more interested in goal markets, Leicester’s tendency toward higher-scoring home fixtures points to possibilities in the over markets, but Charlton’s capacity for shut-down performances keeps that market from being a runaway.
For guidance on timing and strategy around goals markets, consider reading about the right time to place bets on goal markets, and if you favour alternatives to straight winners, learn what the handicap market means in sports betting to expand your options.
Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Back Leicester City to win (Home) at 2.02. This pick leans on Leicester’s home scoring record, their earlier 1-0 success over Charlton this season, and Charlton’s troubling away concessions; confidence: medium.
