Nathan Jones will be fuming with nonsense EFL decision ahead of Charlton Athletic’s League One play-off clash

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The EFL play-offs have been forced to make a huge change due to an unforeseen clash. 

While changes to fixtures are frustrating for everyone, this particular alteration will surely annoy Charlton, particularly manager Nathan Jones, a feeling that has previously inspired calls for significant reform to the play-off system, such as Neil Warnock’s once-proposed change to the Championship format.

This change could lead to a loss of momentum, especially given their impressive recent run of four wins in five games.

Logistical changes and potential psychological impacts on the players are further challenges Charlton will now have to navigate.

EFL Play-off schedule disrupted by Premier League clash

Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic’s meeting will take place at the end of the semi-final first-legs despite their status in League One.

Traditionally, the EFL play-offs run in the corresponding order of their place in the pyramid, starting with the Championship.

The second division gets main billing as Bristol City host Sheffield United on Thursday, a day before Coventry v Sunderland.

The two League One semi-finals were initially scheduled to be held on Saturday, with the fourth-tier play-offs then on Sunday.

However, Premier League fixtures have caused a change this weekend, with the top flight afforded priority scheduling.

Nottingham Forest’s home match against Leicester City was moved to Sunday after being selected for live TV coverage by Sky Sports.

That would have seen the East Midlands derby played on the same day as Forest’s city rivals, Notts County, in the League Two play-offs.

The City Ground is situated three hundred yards from Meadow Lane, and kick-off in the two fixtures was just hours apart.

County, who finished sixth in League Two, have to play the first-leg of their play-off semi-final with AFC Wimbledon at home.

This meant the only solution was to swap that fixture with Wycombe’s slot, whose stadium is 120 miles away from Nottinghamshire meaning Mike Dodds’ side will now host Charlton on Sunday rather than Saturday.

Charlton’s chances going into the League One play-offs 

Jones’ side enters the play-offs with significant momentum behind them that they have accumulated in the latter half of the season. 

Manager Nathan Jones has also appeared to turn the team around since his arrival and prove himself after his previous managerial role at Southampton.

Charlton have only recently faced Wycombe Wanderers a few weeks ago, Addicks dominated with a 4 – 0 win and Jones will be hoping for a similar display.

The Addicks were ruthless in attack and strong in defence, equalling a club record of 20 clean sheets in a season with Lloyd Jones, Luke Berry, Matty Godden and Karoy Anderson all scoring. 

If they can get past Wycombe, they will face Stockport County or Leyton Orient.

Charlton drew both their league games against Stockport during the regular season and did the double over Leyton Orient.

Beyond their current form, Charlton’s play-off history includes some memorable encounters, particularly Sunderland’s ‘greatest play-off final ever’ vs Charlton in 1998, a testament to the dramatic nature of these end-of-season deciders.