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The English League One playoff final between Charlton and Sunderland takes place on May 26th, 2019.
Sunderland go into this one as favourites. Over 90 minutes, Sunderland are 2.45 to win, Charlton are 3.00 and the draw is 3.10.
To qualify, Sunderland are 1.80 and Charlton are 2.00. So overall, Sunderland are favourites but not overwhelmingly so.
It should be a good game.
Charltom were the better team over the course of the regular season, and finished joint 3rd on 88 points just 3 points behind Barnsley.
They were unlucky not to get automatically promoted.
Sunderland were 3 points behind them with 85 points.
The playoffs have been good so far with both games tight games.
Sunderland beat Portsmouth 1-0 in the first leg despite losing Alim Ozturk to a red card.
They then held on to beat Portsmouth despite a decent enough onslaught by Pompey.
The other game was also good. Charlton were up 2-0 against Doncaster and looking comfortable. But Doncaster, who only registered 2 shots on goal in that game, were able to score one of them with Matty Blair scoring a crucial goal in the 87th minute.
We then had an absolutely thrilling game in the second leg. Charlton scored early with Krystian Bielik in the 2nd minute, but Doncaster scored soon after then added a final goal in the 88th minute to go to extra time. Both teams battled hard and scored in ET, with Charlton winning on penalties.
It was great scenes for Lee Bowyer and his men at the end of that one, and I’ve got to admit I am rooting for them here.
Charlton could be sold too after this so that would be an interesting time for them heading to the Championship.
Sunderland of course are looking to bounce back at the first time of asking.
Igor Vetokele is still not confirmed for this game and that’s a big concern. Him and Lyle Taylor had been looking good for awhile.
On the other side of things, Aiden McGeady it sounds like is going to be available to play. He’s been out for a couple of weeks and I think the rest has really helped him. He’ll play no doubt at some point.
Have to wonder if Lee Bowyer makes any changes. It was the same team against Doncaster in both legs but I do wonder if they drop Albie Morgan for Jonny Williams or Darren Pratley. At this big stage, either decision makes sense.
Charlton have been playing above themselves all season. However I do like the way Sunderland have been playing lately. There’s just a real focus about them.
They haven’t had to face too much adversity however. If Charlton can get an early goal that could be huge in this game.
I think it’s one of those games where I have to go for the team who is up for it more. Sunderland have played very well and are doing a nice and controlled focus game but you don’t want that in the big game.
(Odds on this page are correct as of 2019/05/25 9:01:43 AM EST but are subject to change)
