The 2018/19 campaign is edging ever closer, with things in the Football League kicking off over the course of the next week.   

In League One, the weekend’s standout fixture will be Sunderland against Charlton Athletic, as we take a look at the Black Cats, who after back-to-back relegations, are preparing for life in the third-tier of English football.

Charlton visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday lunchtime, with Lee Bowyer’s side going up against the division’s favourites, as they look to bounce back from play-off defeat last season.

In the opposing dugout to Bowyer will be Jack Ross, who has been the man tasked with helping Sunderland begin their climb back through the Football League.

Plenty of people will have a close eye on the result at the Stadium of Light, and here at FLW, we take a look at FOUR talking points ahead of Charlton’s visit to Sunderland…

Bowyer did well at Charlton last season, but this year he has the task of motivating his side to launch a promotion push from the off.

Last season he built on Karl Robinson’s work, but getting Charlton into promotion contention will be even more difficult this year. Bowyer will need a good start at Sunderland.

Ross built himself a good reputation in Scotland, but he will be facing a difficult challenge at Sunderland.

The club have been in a poor situation for some time now, and ultimately, it will fall on Ross to bring the good times back to the Stadium of Light.

Saturday will give us a first look at Sunderland under Ross and it will be intriguing to see if they can bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Sunderland’s recruitment has been reasonably good, but they can’t underestimate the task that lies ahead.

Saturday will give a good indication of where Ross’ side are at.

Last season, Lewis Grabban was Sunderland’s biggest goalscoring threat before he departed in January.

You have to question whether those goals have been replaced this summer.

If Sunderland are to bounce back, they need a goalscorer. That person has to step up on Saturday.

Bowyer led Charlton to the play-offs last season, where they were beaten by Shrewsbury in the semi-finals.

Sunderland offer Charlton a stern test and Bowyer’s side can’t afford to have last season hanging over them.

Victory will be a big boost for Charlton, but defeat will bring questions about their promotion credentials.