Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has laid out his approach for Saturday's Championship trip to Cardiff City, a fixture he describes as a tough test. The match kicks off at 12.30pm BST and is the final game before the international break.

Jones emphasised the need for a solid foundation from his team, who have drawn their last two matches. "We have to do the basics well, we have to lay down a foundation," he said. The manager believes that platform will allow his side to find goals, referencing a disallowed effort in their recent 1-1 draw with QPR. "We believe that from that platform, we will score goals and, to be fair, the QPR game was a tough game, they are in very good form at the minute. They play tricky football, they are tricky to play against, and we scored a perfectly legit goal we feel, that was disallowed."

Charlton head to south Wales having kept two consecutive clean sheets, a sign of defensive improvement as the club continues its evolution after moving up a league in the last two years. Jones pointed to the form of striker Miles Leaburn, who has returned impressively from a serious injury, as a positive. The squad has been managed through a congested period with sensible recruitment and rotation, aiming to reach a stronger position. The Addicks are currently 18th in the table with 8 points, having scored 6 goals in their opening 7 matches.

Cardiff, however, present a significant challenge. Jones noted they are a well-coached, possession-based side. The Bluebirds sit 21st in the Championship with just four points from seven games, a run that includes three defeats in their last five. Their most recent result was a 1-0 loss away to Bolton.

Injury news for Charlton is mixed. While Charlie Kelman has healed quickly from a structural issue, Josh Edwards faced an early setback in his recovery but is now regaining form. Jones hopes the upcoming international break will aid further player recovery.

Looking ahead, the manager expressed his fondness for the host city, calling Cardiff one of his favourites. The immediate focus, however, is on securing a positive result to head into the break on a high. The full Charlton squad details are available, showing the depth Jones has to call upon. Cardiff, desperate for a win, will provide a stern examination of Charlton's recent progress at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Read the full report at Charlton Athletic Football Club