Charlton Athletic and Millwall to achieve feat not seen in 50 years in Championship’s south London derby

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Charlton Athletic and Millwall face off in their first competitive south London derby in five years this Saturday – and they’ve already achieved a feat not seen in 50 years.

The sides have been separated by a division since 2020, with the Addicks only just escaping League One last term via the play-offs.

Nathan Jones has built a solid squad for the club’s Championship return, and will be hoping to inflict a first defeat on the road of the season on Millwall after the Lions picked up six out of six points away from home before the international break. Steve McClaren’s latest comments on Tyreece Campbell will reassure Addicks fans.

Away from the expected on-pitch drama, Charlton’s latest announcement will give them and their foes an extra boost before they lock horns at the weekend.

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Charlton Athletic versus Millwall to have biggest crowd for the fixture in 50 years

On Monday, Charlton announced their clash against Millwall will be the highest-attended meeting between the clubs in more than 50 years.

The Valley is expecting more than 22,000 fans to watch the fierce derby, which has been put in the early kick-off spot, meaning you would have to go back to at least the mid-1970s to witness such a big crowd for the clash.

It also marks the fifth successive league or play-off fixture to draw over 20,000 supporters at Charlton’s home ground after hosting Burton Albion, Wycombe Wanderers, Watford and Leicester City.

Charlton’s The Valley has a capacity of 27,000. The away end, the Jimmy Seed Stand, holds 3,000 fans alone.

Charlton Athletic have a 29-year winless run against Millwall

As well as beating their previous attendance figures for the clash, the red side of south London will be hoping to end another arguably much more important streak.

Charlton haven’t beaten Millwall in 29 years, with their last victory coming in the form of a 2-0 win at The Valley in 1996. Addicks striker Miles Leaburn’s dad, Carl, scored on that day, as well as player-turned-manager Lee Bowyer.

They didn’t play the Lions until 2009 after that due to their time in the Premier League, but haven’t won any of the subsequent 12 meetings.

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Even worse for Charlton, Millwall won seven of those fixtures. Addicks fans will be hoping the extra fans through the door will give their players the extra firepower to finally see off the Lions.