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Charlton Athletic face Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, with Nathan Jones and Richie Wellens eyeing a place in the Championship.
They had to get past Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers in the semi-finals last week, leaving Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic to battle it out at the home of English football.
Leyton Orient got a helping hand against Stockport County in the first leg after a controversial offside call, but there was very little to separate the sides in truth, and penalties were required. Matty Godden scored the only goal for Charlton to see off Wycombe in the other semi-final.
It’s been a thrilling season in League One this year and Nathan Jones has done one of the best jobs in the division, while Richie Wellens’ rise with Leyton Orient out of League Two and up to this point has been nothing short of remarkable.
Nathan Jones is a divisive EFL figure particularly for supporters of Southampton and Stoke City. However, Charlton’s resurgence under his tutelage has also been impressive and promotion would be a fitting end to the chapter in either story for Orient and the Addicks.
EFL pundit Sam Parkin makes Charlton Athletic vs Leyton Orient prediction
Only Birmingham City (57) have taken more points since the turn of the year than Charlton (52), albeit Leyton Orient (47) are in the top four in that time frame, too.
While Charlton are attacking much better to end the season, it could actually be Leyton Orient with an advantage over Charlton. EFL pundit and Sky Sports commentator Sam Parkin spoke to EFL expert Benjamin Bloom about that fact ahead of the game.
Parkin said: “Orient are a good side. They play good football. That’s why I’m hopeful that the final is going to be a little bit easier on the eye than, certainly, Charlton v Wycombe’s semi-final.
“That was one of the hardest watches I’ve had for many a year when it comes to the play-offs. Charlton have improved through the season. Results since the turn of the year, or I think the catalyst was a 5-0 win against Northampton, and they clearly haven’t looked back.
“But it’s still a team that are robust and well structured and that have got all that intensity in the mold of Nathan Jones sides.”
Bloom added: “It’s fourth versus sixth. I don’t know, am I being a bit disrespectful to Richie Wellens saying it’s not a great match up for him going against Nathan Jones?”
“So, people are going to scream and shout at me in the comments, but I’m gonna go for exactly the same scoreline as in the other final [Sheffield United vs Sunderland]. I’m going to go 1-0 Charlton. I think that’s the gameplan.”
Parkin replied: I’m really hot on the draw here, I think. I think Leyton Orient have the players in-form to hurt Charlton. And I don’t think Wycombe’s set up enabled their front players to be able to do so.
“I don’t think Orient have that concern going into the game. Dan Agyei, [Charlie] Kelman, [Jamie] Donley, [Ollie] O’Neil got the goal in the second leg; they’ve got goals.
“They’ve ended the season in fine fettle. I just think they’ll be a little more front-footed and they’ll cause Charlton problems — and they can defend as well.
“So, I’m tempted to go 0-0 and it maybe be won in extra time but I’ll go 1-1 to give us a couple of goals.”
Bloom said: “Do you want to give me a pick for extra-time and pens, then?”
Parkin laughed: “No, not really. Who would I side with? I don’t know. I’m a big fan of Richie. I think he’s got real potential. I just like Richie in terms of — tactically, he’s incredibly knowledgeable. And from an era where he tells it as it is as well. He’s pretty straightforward.
“He’s probably had to toe the line as well because he’s emotional, as is going to be the chap in the opposite dugout. I’ve got admiration for both of them because I know how hard it is.
“I know how diligent you’ve got to be and how hard working you’ve got to be. These two — certainly Richie’s away from his family for the majority of the week. Nathan Jones is just obsessed with the role.
“You couldn’t find two more passionate managers. So, I’ve got huge respect for both. Which ways it going to go? Look, I don’t know. But I’ll go 2-1 Orient. 2-1 after extra-time or on pens after what you said.”
Is the gap between League One and the Championship widening or decreasing?
The Championship could be a step too soon for Leyton Orient but both clubs will be desperate for the glory of promotion, the riches that come with it, and the chance of testing themselves at a higher level.
For the Addicks, irrespective of the outcome, Charlton fans will hope Nathan Jones remains in charge. Their rise since his appointment has been magnificent but both will have a fight on their hands to survive in the Championship for whichever the winner is on Sunday.
Birmingham City and Wrexham will spend plenty next season, which is the concern for the other team going up, especially with the floor of the second tier improving all the time.
Clubs are smarter than ever and some of the players and squads for the teams at the bottom are seriously impressive. However, all three promoted teams from 2024 survived, which is perhaps the main thing to cling to.
No matter what, it will be a day for celebration for the winner. The opportunity to build in the Championship is much more appealing and allows teams to retain their best players more often.