I don’t think it will be a nervy affair at all. Can see it playing out like an important league match with lots of goals and one team winning by the odd goal in 5.
The highly anticipated Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, taking place at Wembley Stadium from May 24th-26th, 2025, look a little different this year with all three matches now set to kick-off one minute later than scheduled.
The unique kick-off times are designed to raise awareness of the "Every Minute Matters" campaign, a collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR, equipping them with vital skills that could help them save someone’s life.
The highly anticipated Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, taking place at Wembley Stadium from May 24th-26th, 2025, look a little different this year with all three matches now set to kick-off one minute later than scheduled.
The unique kick-off times are designed to raise awareness of the "Every Minute Matters" campaign, a collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR, equipping them with vital skills that could help them save someone’s life.
The highly anticipated Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, taking place at Wembley Stadium from May 24th-26th, 2025, look a little different this year with all three matches now set to kick-off one minute later than scheduled.
The unique kick-off times are designed to raise awareness of the "Every Minute Matters" campaign, a collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR, equipping them with vital skills that could help them save someone’s life.
EDIT: I've just looked at the Statbank for Thursday's match and the goal timings. I knew we'd scored a few goals in stoppage time but I didn't realise that of our 18 "last-15 min goals" (up to 19 thanks to the Sniffer Dog!) includes 10 (TEN) goals scored in stoppage time! That is mental!
Anyone know why we KO at 1pm and the other games at normal 3pm ?
Last day of the Premier League season KO's at 4pm
They should be kicking off at 1pm - after all, there's next to bugger all riding on the last lot of matches and everything will done by 3pm (unless there are more VAR interventions taking 5+ minutes a pop like yesterday).
We could then kick-off at, say, 3:30pm which would be a much more sensible time (and on a selfish note would mean I don't have to leave home at 6am!).
EDIT: I've just looked at the Statbank for Thursday's match and the goal timings. I knew we'd scored a few goals in stoppage time but I didn't realise that of our 18 "last-15 min goals" (up to 19 thanks to the Sniffer Dog!) includes 10 (TEN) goals scored in stoppage time! That is mental!
And three of those were against Orient!
I had a look at our results earlier this morning to see what importance those ten stoppage time goals had.
Four of them (Orient (h), Shrewsbury (h), Orient (a - 2)) gave us wins. Wrexham (h) rescued a point. Barnsley (a) should have meant three points but the Tykes went down the other end and scored themselves to restore the draw. Northampton (a) was a cherry on top of the icing on the cake ("You've been 'Hyltoned'!") Blackpool (h), Brizzle Rovers (a) and Rotherham (a) were all consolation goals.
Of our ten stoppage time goals five gained us extra seven points and one should have got us an extra two points; the remaining four did not affect the result but merely improved our goal difference.
This just shows what happens by playing to the final whistle: those extra points gained in the dying minutes and seconds helped us clinch fourth place and being at home in the second leg. Without them we would have been in danger of missing out on play-offs altogether: losing those seven points would drop us to sixth (and hence playing Stockport - that would have been tough), push Orient up to fourth ... but those last-minute goals helped maintain momentum and belief which may have been a factor in subsequent matches without which we may have dropped more points and finished lower than sixth.
just want to fast forward time to the end of this match, it's too sickly , i need to know our destiny cos what i'm feeling isn't good, hopefully time will show I'm wrong
just want to fast forward time to the end of this match, it's too sickly , i need to know our destiny cos what i'm feeling isn't good, hopefully time will show I'm wrong
echo this 100%
from memory i felt similar last time round but at least a modicum of excitement about Wembley for the first time in 21 years etc etc
don't care about that at all now, could be played at villa park adams park or even shithurst park for all i care, i am not looking forward to any of it except the end
Dreading it, wish it was tomorrow. Very slow week ahead.
Without being biased, we are the more likely to win. We have the more experienced/succesful manager, we will have the larger crowd and should be backed better, we have the more talented/experienced players, we have beaten them twice, 4 players deemed not good enough for us, make their squad, and we proved over 46 games we are the better team.
All eyes on Kelman and Galbraith for me. There will be a lot of times where all 3 of our centre backs will end up in duels with Kelman, and they'll need to come out on top. If Galbraith drifts inside or stays out wide, our two Scotsman in Docherty and Edwards will have to deal with him.
Keep those two quiet and we should have a fantastic afternoon, but either way, it won't be easy.
As highlighted as well, VAR may decide the day. I've noticed Orient are a bit dirty, particularly Beckles who openly spoke against VAR. A lot of his defending is old school physical stuff. I can genuinely see him giving away a penalty.
I'm gonna say tight game, we win 2-1. We open the scoring with a penalty, Kelman equalises, Llolydy or Gillesphey with our winner from a set piece.
I've got a dilemma as I too fancied Orient and got 7/1 for them to be promoted, now being offered cash out. Don't know whether to take it and enjoy the game or let it run to get the compensation value. First world problem really i suppose.
I knew Orient would make it to the final. They were on a roll & just felt they would do it. Well they were on a roll as this is where it stops for them. . We are built on a strong defence & high pressing midfield and think we are a better quality team than Stockport who probably should have made it through. Although I would say Orient’s football is more expansive, they will leave gaps that we can exploit , not forgetting being open to set pieces. Like every game they will have their moments but we are a mean machine plus we just keep going. Both teams deserve to be in the final based on current form but I think we will edge it. 1-0 again & probably Godden again !
I knew Orient would make it to the final. They were on a roll & just felt they would do it. Well they were on a roll as this is where it stops for them. . We are built on a strong defence & high pressing midfield and think we are a better quality team than Stockport who probably should have made it through. Although I would say Orient’s football is more expansive, they will leave gaps that we can exploit , not forgetting being open to set pieces. Like every game they will have their moments but we are a mean machine plus we just keep going. Both teams deserve to be in the final based on current form but I think we will edge it. 1-0 again & probably Godden again !
Thanks FA for a brilliant review and also to Sage (don't retire yet) hugely appreciate how well you craft these reviews and research you do.....
I can never see beyond a win — no matter who we’re playing. Totally irrational, I know, but that’s what years (decades!) of being an Addick does to you. I've never been one to predict scores or place a bet — it’s always been about the feeling, the build-up, the hope. And right now, that hope is sky-high.
I'm buzzing for Sunday. Absolutely love the anticipation and setting off towards Wembley with that mix of nerves and excitement you can't quite explain to non-football people. My wife has said no to early departure and said, “I’m not going to Wembley at 8am.” So she’s meeting me, my son, and a mate at the stadium later — which honestly works out perfectly. Gives us time to soak up the atmosphere outside.
One of my best memories from 2019 was our drummer outside the stadium bar. There was a huge mob singing their hearts out, beers flying....Nathan will no doubt have all his fingers taped up, Red Bulls lined up, prayer mat rolled out in Charlton red, and getting ready to sprint the length of the technical area if we score. We know poor man will go sleepless this week and will 100% to set the team up right and to get every ounce out of the lads. He lives and breathes it, and let's face it that belief is infectious, I have watched him again and again on Thursday night's reply and can't help but smile seeing him praying and TC & Small giggling, along with Buster Blood Vessels full on belly dance, can we have the same again please.
I'd love Chuks to come off the bench and grab a late winner — imagine the scenes! Nathan in orbit, and the Addicks faithful going mental ! Whatever happens, I know Nathan and the team will give it everything. Here’s hoping we make it four out of four Play off final wins.
I've got a dilemma as I too fancied Orient and got 7/1 for them to be promoted, now being offered cash out. Don't know whether to take it and enjoy the game or let it run to get the compensation value. First world problem really i suppose.
Cash out, we win, you don't lose.
The cash out is being offered at an equivalent of 5/2. Im feeling pessimistic so inclined to hold on to it for now I think.
If you'd told me, before the play-offs were set, we'd get Wycombe in the semis and Orient in the final, I'd have taken that as the ideal scenario. Does that mean it will be an easy game or we are definitely going to win? No, it doesn't. However, this team has shown they can win in different ways and will, most of the time, force the opposition to play very well if they want to beat us.
I expect a very different game to the semifinals. I don't think Orient can play to frustrate in the way Wycombe tried to. We'll need to defend well and we can expect to be stretched at times on the larger Wembley pitch. Their style will suit our back line less well than Wycombe's physicality and Mannion should expect to have to make a few saves, but our defence is no push over, no matter what style the opposition plays with. On the flip side, if we get our pressing right, they're more open style and desire to pass out from the back could play into the hands of our suffocating, counter punching style.
I think they will have more of the ball of the ball and perhaps more of the chances but we have the fitness levels to deal with that and will cause them our own problems too. I really think it's too close to call. First goal will, as always, be crucial - I don't want to be in a situation where we are chasing the game but if it's level going into the last 10 minutes then I will back us every time as we have almost always finished stronger than our opponents since Christmas. I'm nervous as hell but it should be a good game.
I've got a dilemma as I too fancied Orient and got 7/1 for them to be promoted, now being offered cash out. Don't know whether to take it and enjoy the game or let it run to get the compensation value. First world problem really i suppose.
Cash out, we win, you don't lose.
The cash out is being offered at an equivalent of 5/2. Im feeling pessimistic so inclined to hold on to it for now I think.
If you'd told me, before the play-offs were set, we'd get Wycombe in the semis and Orient in the final, I'd have taken that as the ideal scenario. Does that mean it will be an easy game or we are definitely going to win? No, it doesn't. However, this team has shown they can win in different ways and will, most of the time, force the opposition to play very well if they want to beat us.
I expect a very different game to the semifinals. I don't think Orient can play to frustrate in the way Wycombe tried to. We'll need to defend well and we can expect to be stretched at times on the larger Wembley pitch. Their style will suit our back line less well than Wycombe's physicality and Mannion should expect to have to make a few saves, but our defence is no push over, no matter what style the opposition plays with. On the flip side, if we get our pressing right, they're more open style and desire to pass out from the back could play into the hands of our suffocating, counter punching style.
I think they will have more of the ball of the ball and perhaps more of the chances but we have the fitness levels to deal with that and will cause them our own problems too. I really think it's too close to call. First goal will, as always, be crucial - I don't want to be in a situation where we are chasing the game but if it's level going into the last 10 minutes then I will back us every time as we have almost always finished stronger than our opponents since Christmas. I'm nervous as hell but it should be a good game.
Home and League stats vs them:
It will be interesting to see which team asserts themselves more on the day at a neutral venue, personally think it will be us.
Comments
We could then kick-off at, say, 3:30pm which would be a much more sensible time (and on a selfish note would mean I don't have to leave home at 6am!).
I had a look at our results earlier this morning to see what importance those ten stoppage time goals had.
Four of them (Orient (h), Shrewsbury (h), Orient (a - 2)) gave us wins.
Wrexham (h) rescued a point.
Barnsley (a) should have meant three points but the Tykes went down the other end and scored themselves to restore the draw.
Northampton (a) was a cherry on top of the icing on the cake ("You've been 'Hyltoned'!")
Blackpool (h), Brizzle Rovers (a) and Rotherham (a) were all consolation goals.
Of our ten stoppage time goals five gained us extra seven points and one should have got us an extra two points; the remaining four did not affect the result but merely improved our goal difference.
This just shows what happens by playing to the final whistle: those extra points gained in the dying minutes and seconds helped us clinch fourth place and being at home in the second leg. Without them we would have been in danger of missing out on play-offs altogether: losing those seven points would drop us to sixth (and hence playing Stockport - that would have been tough), push Orient up to fourth ... but those last-minute goals helped maintain momentum and belief which may have been a factor in subsequent matches without which we may have dropped more points and finished lower than sixth.
COYRs
from memory i felt similar last time round but at least a modicum of excitement about Wembley for the first time in 21 years etc etc
don't care about that at all now, could be played at villa park adams park or even shithurst park for all i care, i am not looking forward to any of it except the end
Without being biased, we are the more likely to win. We have the more experienced/succesful manager, we will have the larger crowd and should be backed better, we have the more talented/experienced players, we have beaten them twice, 4 players deemed not good enough for us, make their squad, and we proved over 46 games we are the better team.
All eyes on Kelman and Galbraith for me. There will be a lot of times where all 3 of our centre backs will end up in duels with Kelman, and they'll need to come out on top. If Galbraith drifts inside or stays out wide, our two Scotsman in Docherty and Edwards will have to deal with him.
Keep those two quiet and we should have a fantastic afternoon, but either way, it won't be easy.
As highlighted as well, VAR may decide the day. I've noticed Orient are a bit dirty, particularly Beckles who openly spoke against VAR. A lot of his defending is old school physical stuff. I can genuinely see him giving away a penalty.
I'm gonna say tight game, we win 2-1. We open the scoring with a penalty, Kelman equalises, Llolydy or Gillesphey with our winner from a set piece.
Charlton 23/20
Draw (in 90mins) 11/5
Orient 12/5
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/addicks-wear-home-strip-wembley
I can never see beyond a win — no matter who we’re playing. Totally irrational, I know, but that’s what years (decades!) of being an Addick does to you. I've never been one to predict scores or place a bet — it’s always been about the feeling, the build-up, the hope. And right now, that hope is sky-high.
I'm buzzing for Sunday. Absolutely love the anticipation and setting off towards Wembley with that mix of nerves and excitement you can't quite explain to non-football people. My wife has said no to early departure and said, “I’m not going to Wembley at 8am.” So she’s meeting me, my son, and a mate at the stadium later — which honestly works out perfectly. Gives us time to soak up the atmosphere outside.
One of my best memories from 2019 was our drummer outside the stadium bar. There was a huge mob singing their hearts out, beers flying....Nathan will no doubt have all his fingers taped up, Red Bulls lined up, prayer mat rolled out in Charlton red, and getting ready to sprint the length of the technical area if we score. We know poor man will go sleepless this week and will 100% to set the team up right and to get every ounce out of the lads. He lives and breathes it, and let's face it that belief is infectious, I have watched him again and again on Thursday night's reply and can't help but smile seeing him praying and TC & Small giggling, along with Buster Blood Vessels full on belly dance, can we have the same again please.
I'd love Chuks to come off the bench and grab a late winner — imagine the scenes! Nathan in orbit, and the Addicks faithful going mental ! Whatever happens, I know Nathan and the team will give it everything. Here’s hoping we make it four out of four Play off final wins.
Come on you Addicks!
(And yes I know we won the FA Cup wearing white).
I expect a very different game to the semifinals. I don't think Orient can play to frustrate in the way Wycombe tried to. We'll need to defend well and we can expect to be stretched at times on the larger Wembley pitch. Their style will suit our back line less well than Wycombe's physicality and Mannion should expect to have to make a few saves, but our defence is no push over, no matter what style the opposition plays with. On the flip side, if we get our pressing right, they're more open style and desire to pass out from the back could play into the hands of our suffocating, counter punching style.
I think they will have more of the ball of the ball and perhaps more of the chances but we have the fitness levels to deal with that and will cause them our own problems too. I really think it's too close to call. First goal will, as always, be crucial - I don't want to be in a situation where we are chasing the game but if it's level going into the last 10 minutes then I will back us every time as we have almost always finished stronger than our opponents since Christmas. I'm nervous as hell but it should be a good game.
It will be interesting to see which team asserts themselves more on the day at a neutral venue, personally think it will be us.