Charlton v Shrewsbury: Gareth Ainsworth targeting first away win at The Valley

Their form in recent times has improved drastically since Gareth Ainsworth's arrival, which has seen them take 12 points from the 10 matches since he took over in Shropshire. 

They head to Charlton this weekend to take on Nathan Jones' team, who are underperforming under the ex-Premier League boss. You would have expected the appointment of Jones to have yielded a better outcome for the Addicks, but to this point, that has not been achieved with them sitting 10th in the table.  

The Valley has been home to mixed success for Shrewsbury in recent years. In the 2022/23 campaign, they had a disastrous afternoon under Steve Cotterill as they were hammered 6-0. 

But in the penultimate game of last season, the 1-1 draw in south London was one of the highlights of the campaign - it was the day League One safety was secured for the 10th consecutive season. 

Salop were walking wounded at the end of the derby victory over Wrexham last week. Aaron Pierre went off with a hamstring problem during the interval, while Alex Gilliead and Morgan Feeney hobbled off too. 

But the Shrews head coach has confirmed all three are in contention for a place in the capital this weekend. 

Salop have won three times since Ainsworth signed an 18-month deal in Shropshire - but all of those have come at the Croud Meadow. 

They are yet to win away from home under the former Wycombe man, and that is something he has got in his sights on ahead of the weekend. 

"I've seen them, and they are a very, very good side," he said about Charlton. 

"Nathan Jones is a manager I've had many, many battles with. Possibly the most I've faced of other managers - maybe aside from Mark Robins, who is up there as well because of the situation of the clubs we managed as we moved up together through the leagues.

"Nathan was always a fierce competitor - very intense. And he's gone to a club who've got good resources.

"You can say that with the players they've signed. "There's some real, real big names there. You look at their bench the other night, never mind their starters.

"And they have got a good side. They've got a good squad. And that's what being an ex-Premier League club like Charlton does. 

"I'm very aware of their strengths. It's undoubtedly going to be a tough game. But we have thrived in our tough games.

"Away from home, I want to pick up my first win. That's really important to me.

"Home form is great. We're doing well in that. But to come back from The Valley with something would be a real treat for us on Saturday."

Charlton's home form has been good - they have lost just twice on home turf this season. 

They come into the game on the back of a good win in midweek at Bolton. They came from behind to win 2-1 in the clash, which ended up being Ian Evatt's final game in charge in Greater Manchester.