Charlton Athletic arrive at Wembley with momentum and a clear sense of purpose. Their season has been defined by structure, consistency, and a strong record in pressure moments qualities that suit the demands of a one-off final against Leyton Orient.
Charlton have shown they can handle big games. Against fellow top six sides, they posted a strong W5-D3-L2 record. They have also beaten Orient twice this season, both times in composed, professional fashion. Those wins were not lucky – they were built on control and organisation at both ends of the pitch.
This is a team that can adapt to what is needed. Charlton are comfortable managing tight games but also can assert themselves tactically. Their midfield has balance, and their back line has handled some of the league’s most potent attacks. That was evident in their play-off semi-final against Wycombe, where they kept two clean sheets and allowed minimal threat across 180 minutes—showcasing their discipline under pressure.
Orient, by contrast, struggled in their own semi-final. They required penalties to get past Stockport and looked vulnerable defensively, conceding 23 shots and looking stretched for long periods. That level of openness could be costly against a team as well-drilled as Charlton.
With the form and data in their favour, Charlton appear well-positioned. They have shown composure, tactical clarity, and the ability to execute a game plan under pressure. If they bring the same control and discipline to Wembley, they have every reason to believe they will secure promotion.
How the bookies view it: Charlton edge it
Bookmakers have Charlton as slight favourites to win the League One Play-Off Final, priced at 13/10 to claim victory in 90 minutes. The draw is available at 23/10, while Leyton Orient are the outsiders at 13/5, reflecting expectations of a closely fought contest.
In the goals market, over 2.5 goals is offered at 13/10, suggesting the market leans towards a tighter game with limited scoring.
The both teams to score market is evenly poised at evens, showing no strong preference for a goal-heavy outcome or a shutout on either side.
Head to head: The Addicks hold the upper hand
Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient have faced each other 16 times in competitive matches. Charlton have won nine of these encounters, Leyton Orient have won five, and two matches have ended in a draw.
This season, the two teams met three times. Charlton won two of these matches: a 1–0 victory at home in August 2024 and a 2–1 away win in March 2025. Leyton Orient secured a 2–0 win in the EFL Trophy in December 2024.
Overall, Charlton have scored 21 goals in these 16 matches, while Leyton Orient have scored 14. The average number of goals per match in this fixture is approximately 2.19.
In recent encounters, Charlton have had the upper hand, winning three of the last five matches against Leyton Orient.
Players to watch: Beckles off to battle
Omar Beckles, with 29 starts and three goals this season, has been a cornerstone of Leyton Orient’s defence. His physical approach has intensified in recent weeks, committing 15 fouls across his last seven matches, including four in the semi-finals against Stockport. That level of engagement highlights his combative style but also suggests a risk of giving away set-pieces in dangerous areas.
In the play-off final, Beckles is likely to be matched up against Charlton striker Matt Godden—a battle that could prove pivotal. Godden draws an average of 1.03 fouls per 90 minutes and is no stranger to physical contests. He relishes close contact, often using his experience and strength to win free-kicks and unsettle defenders.
This head-to-head sets up an intriguing subplot. Beckles will look to impose himself early, but with Godden’s savvy movement and ability to draw contact, the Charlton forward could exploit Beckles’ aggressive tendencies.
Predicted line-ups
Charlton Athletic are expected to be without Luke Berry for the play-off final, with the midfielder side lined due to injury. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, will be without Dan Happe and Tom James, both of whom are unavailable through injury.
Charlton Athletic (4-3-3): Mannion; Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards; Coventry, Docherty, Gilbert; Campbell, Small, Godden
Leyton Orient (3-4-3): Keeley; Currie, Edmonds-Green, Beckles; Galbraith, Brown, Clare, O’Neill; Agyei, Donley, Kelman
Anything else catch the eye?
Finals are rarely open, and this one looks set to follow the trend. With promotion on the line, the League One Play-Off Final between Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient has all the makings of a low-scoring, cagey contest.
Charlton have built their success on control and discipline. They have kept 20 clean sheets this season and consistently restricted opponents to low-quality chances. Their defensive shape is strong, particularly in open play, and they rarely get drawn into chaotic matches. That was especially evident in the second leg of their semi-final against Wycombe, where there was not a shot on target until the 80th minute—a testament to how tightly managed the game was.
Leyton Orient have shown signs of attacking promise but remain inconsistent in the final third. They failed to score in 14 matches this season, including five times across their 10 games against top six opposition. Their struggles to break down organised defences could prove costly, especially against a Charlton side that thrives on defensive control.
The size and atmosphere of Wembley often lead to conservative starts. With so much at stake, both teams are likely to play cautiously, particularly early on. Charlton have shown they can win without taking unnecessary risks.
Recent history supports a low-scoring prediction. Just four goals have been scored in total across the last three League One play-off finals inside 90 minutes.
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