The last match of the Sky Bet League One season takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Charlton Athletic and Sunderland will revoke memories of 1998 when they battle it out in the play-off final for the last promotion spot to the Championship next season.
Charlton were the only side who played at home in the second leg in all three divisions to make it into the final, but they needed penalties to get there, while Sunderland will be looking to put right what went wrong in the regular season.
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Charlton Athletic
I think it is fair to say that Charlton Athletic came from nowhere to make it into third in the table by the end of the campaign and in fairness to them they had a shot at automatic promotion heading into the Easter period. That counted for nothing in the semi-final of the play-offs though and at one point they were 12 or so minutes from exiting despite taking a lead into the home leg with them.
Credit goes to them for never giving up, getting themselves back into the tie and then going on and holding their nerve on penalties. In some respects they have nothing to lose here although while I get the saying and the idea behind it, it is fair to say that is nonsense when 48 games of hard toil all comes down to one outcome. Nevertheless they might be able to find more of a freedom here.
Sunderland
Many people expected Sunderland to be promoted automatically this term, and not just that but also to dominate the division. That never really happened but they are unlikely to care a jot about that if they win this match and take their second opportunity at an immediate return to the Championship. Failure to come through here could have lasting effects on the club so there is no hiding the pressure they are under.
If Sunderland are going to win this final then their defensive effort could be the key to the victory. They have a number of attacking options, whether it is from the bench or starting the game, to deliver the goods, but they need to find a way to express themselves. The shackles were firmly on them in the semi-final, understandably so, but this is no time for that.
Team News
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer may well name the same side which did battle in both legs of the semi-final although Darren Pratley and Jonny Williams will hope to have forced their way into his plans. Igor Vetokele remains out.
Sunderland could welcome talisman Aiden McGeady back from injury for their big match. Jack Ross then has to decide on the makeup of his attack with Charlie Wyke expected to start and Will Grigg on the bench.
Betting
I think Sunderland have a huge advantage heading into this final in the fact that they have already played at Wembley this season so they should be able to settle down and get into their work quicker than their opponents. Sunderland also have more experience in their ranks too and you would think they would be able to handle the pressure a little more.
Often when a side suffer defeat at Wembley in a season it acts as motivation to get back there and ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again and I’m expecting Sunderland to attack this final rather than be tepid and see what might happen. I’m not necessarily convinced there is a whole lot between these two in fairness so the difference could be that Wembley experience. I’ll take Sunderland but naturally with the draw cover given the occasion.
Tips
Back Sunderland to beat Charlton Athletic (DNB) for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Betfred
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