You never quite know which version of Stoke City will turn up these days.
Since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018, they've remained a solid, seasoned Championship side, typically organised and hard to beat, although they came perilously close to falling through the League One trapdoor last season.
They swatted Charlton aside 3-0 in November, helped by a defensive injury crisis in SE7 at the time, but Wednesday was a very different night at The Valley.
Nathan Jones - ruthless, driven and visibly emotional at the final whistle - watched his re-energised Charlton side earn a huge, hard-fought victory over his former club. It's the Addicks' third clean sheet in a row and yet another significant result in Jones' tenure.
Charlton attacked with intent from the start, posing real questions of Stoke's backline.
We had to wait until the 81st minute before eventually striking through Tyreece Campbell, who turned a nervy first touch into a moment of pure elation in front of a bouncing Covered End.
Every player put in a shift with Luke Chambers, Kayne Ramsay, Lloyd Jones and the epitome of cool Amari Bell, standing out as Charlton held firm under pressure.
Jones' tactical tweak has proved a masterstroke, with Conor Coady shielding the backline superbly.
Stoke enjoyed more possession but rarely forced Thomas Kaminski into action.
Their lack of cutting edge was in stark contrast to the belief coursing through this Charlton team, a belief Jones spoke of post-match and one now clearly reflected in the stands too.
The defence feels rock solid again and confidence is spreading quickly. With January's new additions bedding in beautifully and Miles Leaburn close to returning, there's genuine momentum building in SE7.
On a personal note, I don't regret switching work shifts for this one - the things we do for love!
If this spirit and structure hold, Charlton should climb clear of danger with room to spare.
Next up, Portsmouth and the opportunity to surge past the 40-point mark. COYA.