Leicester Seek Fresh Start Under King Against Struggling Charlton
LEICESTER, 31 January 2026 – Leicester City host Charlton Athletic at the King Power Stadium this afternoon (12:30 pm GMT), with interim manager Andy King looking to steady the ship after a turbulent week. The Foxes, languishing in 14th place, aim to capitalise on their superior historical record against an Addicks side hovering just above the relegation zone.
Interim Reign Begins Amid Managerial Search
The match comes just six days after Leicester sacked manager Marti Cifuentes, with the club failing to mount an expected promotion challenge following their Premier League relegation in 2023. Club legend Andy King has taken temporary charge, describing the opportunity as “bittersweet.” In his brief tenure, King has emphasised greater player responsibility following a disappointing 1-2 home defeat to Oxford United last weekend. The search for a permanent boss is intensifying, with former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira, Coventry City’s Mark Robins, ex-boss Nigel Pearson, and Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala all reportedly in the frame.
Key Facts & Form Guide
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | Sky Bet Championship |
| Date & Kick-off | 31 January 2026, 12:30 pm GMT |
| Venue | King Power Stadium, Leicester |
| Leicester Position / Points | 14th, 38 points |
| Charlton Position / Points | 19th, 32 points |
| Recent Head-to-Head | Leicester won the last meeting 1-0 (Away, Aug 2025). Overall: Leicester 2 wins, Charlton 3 wins. |
| Leicester Recent Form | Lost 1-2 to Oxford United (25 Jan). Scored in last 12 consecutive matches. |
| Charlton Recent Form | Winless in 12 of their last 14 Championship matches. |
Match Preview & Prediction
Leicester enter the fixture with a clear statistical advantage in chance creation, having fashioned 36 big chances and registered 32 assists this season compared to Charlton’s lower output. The Foxes’ midfield productivity is also seen as a key edge. Despite their league position, Leicester’s squad depth is considered superior, and the potential lift from Cifuentes’s departure could prove decisive. Charlton, however, will draw confidence from a historical head-to-head record that slightly favours them (3 wins from 5 meetings). The visitors’ primary challenge will be breaking a poor run of form that has seen them struggle for results. Most previews and models favour a Leicester victory, with a 2-1 scoreline a common prediction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leicester City’s manager today?
Following the sacking of Marti Cifuentes six days ago, club legend Andy King is in interim charge for this match against Charlton Athletic.
What is Leicester and Charlton’s form?
Leicester are inconsistent but have scored in their last 12 games. They are, however, coming off a 1-2 home loss to Oxford United. Charlton Athletic are in poor form, having failed to win in 12 of their last 14 league matches.
How can I watch Leicester vs Charlton?
The match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports+ in the UK, with build-up from 11:00 am on Sky Sports Football. Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can watch via Charlton Athletic’s official streaming service.
What is at stake in the Championship promotion race?
While both teams are currently in the bottom half, the Championship promotion race remains intensely competitive. Recently relegated sides like Ipswich Town and Leicester City were pre-season favourites, but the league is famously unpredictable. Coventry City currently lead the table.