ULTIMATE MATCH PREVIEW: Charlton Athletic vs Leyton Orient | Sunday 25th May - 1pm KO

ForeverAddickted · May 18

Charlton Athletic vs Leyton Orient
Sunday 25th May - 1pm Kick-Off
Referee: Andrew Kitchen

Introduction
This time next week it'll all be over, at this stage of the afternoon on Sunday 25th May 2025, there will be a group of fans drowning their sorrows, confined to another campaign in League One... and there will be another side, celebrating promotion to the Championship. This Sunday is the culmination of 10-months hard work, 48-games have led to this one point... there will be heroes, there will be villains... there will be tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

into the breach once more dear friends

The Opposition
Name: Leyton Orient (6th) - Manager: Richie Wellens
Ground: Brisbane Road
Play-Offs: Stockport 3-3 Leyton Orient (1-4 on pens)

If we had to pick an opponent for this one last push towards the Championship, it just had to be the side that has already resulted in the most amount of drama this season. These two sides have clashed three times already this season, twice in the League, once in the EFL Trophy... Its 3-3 on aggregate, with five of those goals coming beyond the 90th minute... If this season is anything to go by between these two... Its not going to be over... Until its over.

Putting 2024/25 to one side though, and like our clash with Wycombe Wanderers in the previous round, I want to focus on Leyton Orient and their record, not just in the Play-Offs, but at Wembley too - Their last visit to the National Stadium ironically came in 2019, suffering a 1-0 loss against AFC Fylde in the FA Trophy. Their last Play-Off campaign (coming in League One) was in 2014, which resulted in Orient surrendering a two goal lead against Rotherham, and subsequently losing on penalties... Defeat came again at Wembley in 2001 this time a 4-2 defeat against Brighton in League Two, again they reached the Twin Towers in 1999, only to be thwarted on that occasion by Scunthorpe United, losing 1-0.

Its not all been tears and defeat for the Orient in the Play-Offs... In 1989 they won promotion from the fourth tier with a 2-1 over Wrexham - However Leyton Orient's history at Wembley Stadium (despite calling it home for two League games in 1930) is not filled with happy memories

Lets hope that this isn't the year that changes!!

Charlton Team News
Six years ago I wrote a similar Preview... Asking who our Peter Shirtliff, Clive Mendonca, Richard Rufus would be as we made the trip to Wembley with Sunderland awaiting our arrival. 2019 resulted in Ben Purrington and Patrick Bauer joining those illustrious names. So to continue the theme, it'll only be right if a Centre-Back grabs the headlines once more. It'll be a fine way for either Lloyd Jones or Macauley Gillesphey to finish what has been a solid season at the heart of Defence.

Matty Godden will equally be wanting to cement his name further into folklore, having scored the winner against Wycombe Wanderers on Thursday night. In a post match interview with SKY our top scorer reiterated his determination to ensure there wasn't a repeat of the defeat he was part of, when Coventry lost on penalties against Luton Town in the Championship Play-Off Final in 2023.

In terms of availability and it could just be Luke Berry (who ironically was on the winning side for that Play-Off Final in 2023) that'll be absent next Sunday... The Attacking Midfielder was absent from the team against Wycombe, that may have been a precaution, with the prospect of a trip to Wembley on the horizon, but if Berry is absent then you'd expect Alex Gilbert to step up in his place, the Middlesbrough loanee has put together some impressive performances in these last few weeks of the 2024/25 League One season!!

Mannion
Ramsay - Jones - Gillesphey
Small - Coventry - Docherty - Edwards
Gilbert
Godden - Campbell

Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Mitchell - Watson - Anderson - Berry - Aneke - Mbick

CAFC_boi · May 18

My one main thought is that Leyton Orient looked really weak at set pieces against Stockport (and earlier in the season against us).

If they defend then how they did against Stockport (arms round necks) with VAR in play, then I can definitely see us getting a penalty at some stage.

We must be favourites to win this though but I think it will be nervy.

Whoever scores first to win it for me.

1-0 Charlton from a set piece (or penalty from a set piece)! COYA!

NabySarr · May 18

CAFC_boi said:

My one main thought is that Leyton Orient looked really weak at set pieces against Stockport (and earlier in the season against us).

If they defend then how they did against Stockport (arms round necks) with VAR in play, then I can definitely see us getting a penalty at some stage.

We must be favourites to win this though but I think it will be nervy.

Whoever scores first to win it for me.

1-0 Charlton from a set piece (or penalty from a set piece)! COYA!

Need to do a lot better from set pieces than we did on Thursday to make the most of that Orient weakness. If Gilbert is playing then hopefully he can rediscover that part of his game and deliver a couple of assists from corners again

Pedro45 · May 18

I think VAR could have a massive impact as both teams would have been penalised in their semi finals gad reviews been in place.

We need a strong referee too, as the O's can be a dirty side.

We will be favourites, so let's go for it and win handsomely please!

COYA!

Lincsaddick · May 18

Great FINAL (for the season we hope) preview, except, I just can't see Gilbert keeping out Berry
Lovely big pitch just right for Campbell and Small to get us on the attack
Orient won't be easy, BUT we are the better team and we will WIN
Get ready for the Championship fellow Lifers

peterreeves · May 18

Thanks FA for this very very early preview, I was a bit surprised but great to see it. Definitely agree your thoughts and thanks for all the Seasons previews.

Briston_Addick · May 18

Both sides have had a brilliant run to the play-offs, coming from very deep in the table in mid-December to qualify for the play-offs.

The O's may have finished the regular season with six wins followed by a pair of draws against Stockport whereas we had four wins, one draw and a loss in our last six, backed up by a draw and win over Wycombe but our longer-term form is much better ... and we do have those two victories over them this season.

If you were being uncharitable you'd say that us against a team that includes the likes of Pratley, Clare and REG - all considered surplus to requirements in SE7 - should be a pretty straightforward Addicks victory. However, as this is Charlton we're talking about it's likely to be anything but!

As usual the first goal is crucial. A start like we had a few weeks ago against Huddersfield (goal inside 30 seconds) would be an absolute dream but us getting the first goal is vital.

We've opened the scoring 23 times in the league this season and we're unbeaten in those matches with 22 wins (24/23 including the Wycombe semi-final); when we've conceded the first goal of the match (19 occasions) we've only registered 3 wins and 5 draws ... although one of those wins was against Orient! 😀

Our seemingly superior fitness should also be telling especially as the game goes into the latter stages (including, heaven forbid, extra time). We've scored an extraordinary number of goals in the last 15 minutes of matches (18 in the regular season); only Stockport and Wycombe (whatever happened to those two? 😉) scored more than us (both bagging 20) ... and Orient know all about that having been on the receiving end of three of them!

Oh, and the defence has been pretty sound since mid-December too! Clean sheets have been a regular occurence (club record number for the season) and the defenders have popped up with crucial goals and assists.

It won't be an easy game for Charlton and we might have to invoke the spirit of Russell Slade throughout ("Be patient") but heart says Charlton win ... and so does the head ... although we may have to wait until late for the breakthrough again.

Charlton 2 (Godden, Jones) Leyton Orient 0.

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!

AndyG · May 18

Although very nervous about this game as it does seem written in the stars a bit for Orient the way they finished the season but we have also had the stars align to a good extent.

I think it will be a great game to watch ! None of the attritional stuff dished up in the Wycombe games they like to play football and at times this year we have shown we can.

i can’t see them not scoring as they will certainly create chances. If TC gets his mojo back ( I think he has been a bit overawed recently ) and terrifies them like we know he can and Small can finally get one of those shots to hit the back of the net ( he is due one ) then with golden Goden adding another I think we can win this 3-1 COYRS

stoneroses19 · May 18

Here we gooooooo!

@ForeverAddickted massive thanks for all the previews this season. They really mean a lot to us international Addicks and adds to the build up when sadly not being able to get to The Valley/away ground.

mendonca · May 18

We know Josh Keeley's weakness and need to focus on it. Hopefully not at the cost of our (occasional) passing game.

Briston_Addick · May 18

Is this a good omen?

We started this season with three wins; the last time we did that was 2011-12 ... when we were promoted from Division Three (albeit as champions under Saint Christopher).

Starinnaddick · May 18

I know that Godden, Berry and Hylton have all been involved in play offs and Curtis Fleming was in the Cup Final with Borough but Orient have Pratley who was with us in 2019 and Swansea in about 2011. Have either of us got anyone else with Wembley experience?

Pavoren007 · May 18

We know how football works, just ask Man City. We will need to be at our best, hope that VAR catches Orient out more than us (our defenders use the dark arts subtly but still do and this could put us in trouble) and we’ll need to keep going for 90 minutes + as Orient don’t lack fitness nor resilience. All the aforementioned falls into place and I think we will have too much for them running out 3-1 winners our last goal late when they are trying to get the equaliser. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

This week will be torture despite it being one of my favourite weeks of the year in the industry I work in.

ForeverAddickted · May 18

Starinnaddick said:

I know that Godden, Berry and Hylton have all been involved in play offs and Curtis Fleming was in the Cup Final with Borough but Orient have Pratley who was with us in 2019 and Swansea in about 2011. Have either of us got anyone else with Wembley experience?

Maynard-Brewer was in the "squad" when we won in 2019 as you see him involved in the celebration for Bauer's goal - Gillesphey and Docherty have got experience of winning promotion from League One

Edwards has experience in the Scottish Play-Offs with Dunfermline.

Crispywood · May 18

We should be winning this game they have some good players but realistically only Keeley Galbraith Donley and Kelman would get into our starting XI and even Keeley has a mistake in him. If Lloyd and Coventry do a job on Donley and Kelman I reckon we win it comfortably

lancashire lad · May 18

thanks FA - appreciated

ShootersHillGuru · May 18

Us in extra time.

killerandflash · May 18

I don't want a penalty shootout. Orient will be full of confidence after their shootout win over Stockport, and with the pressure more on us, I could see the same happening again.

ozaddick · May 18

Well, after the euphoric win on Thursday night, Mrs Oz, (well soon to be Mrs. Oz) and I got home to Orpington, and the discussion of the final began.

I confess I had a fitful sleep... 'Ole ole ole' ran on repeat in my head most of the night. I think I only grabbed a couple of hours' shut-eye.

I've missed every Wembley visit with Charlton; work has always been the reason I couldn't get across. For the 2019 final, I tried to get back from work early to attend, but it was denied.

After that day, I swore I wouldn't miss another one.

So, our flight back to Australia left on Friday afternoon... As I waved goodbye to my lady and walked away from departures, giving up my seat in the process due to the last-minute decision to stay for the final (fully supported by my incredibly kind woman), I felt guilty, yet elated.

Messages to the boss saying I'd be a week late to work were met with reasonable replies. He knew I was coming for the football semi-finals; I'd foolishly said I'd be back after the two games, and my intentions were good, I promise! But I'm sure there will be a 'please explain' when I get onto the facility. I know I'm in the shit!

Another flight has been bought, playoff final tickets secured, and the realm of emotions beginning to bubble away.

As for the game, it's a one-off, and who knows how players will react to the day? Some sink, others swim. With the experience we have in the squad – with promotions and playoffs – we have more than enough in that regard.

I feel our trump card is Nathan Jones. He has massive experience with this, as a player and manager, and I hope he is able to get our boys in the right frame of mind to play the way we can.

We need to use the expanse of the Wembley pitch to unleash our pace down the flanks, and I believe we will be victorious.

Whatever happens, I'll have fulfilled boyhood dreams by attending the home and away legs and stepping onto the hallowed turf of The Valley Thursday night (allegedly) 😉 and now the visit to Wembley. Thank you to those who made it happen; you know who you are.

It's been an incredible trip so far. I've met wonderful people, hugged strangers in the stands when the sniffer dog banged it home. I saw an old school friend at the Oak, and had the pleasure of catching up with my dear friends who also reside on CL.

No matter the result, I've made magical memories that will last a lifetime, and I'm very grateful for that alone.

Up the Addicks!

CAFC 3 - LOFC 1 Godden, Jones and Doc.

oohaahmortimer · May 18

0-2 to the O’s
passing it around on the deck from the O’s will take our aerially dominant defence apart and they’ll run out winners .
I can’t see any life where we nick a third Wembley play off win and 4th play off success
we’re due a final loss and here comes number one

fuck off you miserable git , sorry just saying how I see it going
too many cagey crabs in our team and if Berry doesn’t play then another lump of attacking guile will be missing , TC needs his battery recharging and to remove himself from Grimmers pocket.

Rothko · May 18

oohaahmortimer said:

0-2 to the O’s
passing it around on the deck from the O’s will take our aerially dominant defence apart and they’ll run out winners .
I can’t see any life where we nick a third Wembley play off win and 4th play off success
we’re due a final loss and here comes number one

fuck off you miserable git , sorry just saying how I see it going
too many cagey crabs in our team and if Berry doesn’t play then another lump of attacking guile will be missing , TC needs his battery recharging and to remove himself from Grimmers pocket.

Yeah definitely remember them doing that twice this season

Hal1x · May 18

After all the changes and flaffing around at the start of the season, we now have a settled team (that barring injuries and suspensions) almost picks itself- after all the years of chaos its kind of refreshing.

Scoham · May 18

oohaahmortimer said:

0-2 to the O’s
passing it around on the deck from the O’s will take our aerially dominant defence apart and they’ll run out winners .
I can’t see any life where we nick a third Wembley play off win and 4th play off success
we’re due a final loss and here comes number one

fuck off you miserable git , sorry just saying how I see it going
too many cagey crabs in our team and if Berry doesn’t play then another lump of attacking guile will be missing , TC needs his battery recharging and to remove himself from Grimmers pocket.

If Berry’s missing I expect Gilbert would start again, and he’s definitely not a crab.

stoneroses19 · May 18

ForeverAddickted said:

Starinnaddick said:

I know that Godden, Berry and Hylton have all been involved in play offs and Curtis Fleming was in the Cup Final with Borough but Orient have Pratley who was with us in 2019 and Swansea in about 2011. Have either of us got anyone else with Wembley experience?

Maynard-Brewer was in the "squad" when we won in 2019 as you see him involved in the celebration for Bauer's goal - Gillesphey and Docherty have got experience of winning promotion from League One

Edwards has experience in the Scottish Play-Offs with Dunfermline.

I always forget how long Maynard-Brewer has actually been with us.

Valiantphil · May 18

Is it our first time playing a match with VAR in use ?

aliwibble · May 18

If it's any consolation OohAah, the only time Orient have beaten us this season, REG was in defence for us.

oohaahmortimer · May 18

Scoham said:

oohaahmortimer said:

0-2 to the O’s
passing it around on the deck from the O’s will take our aerially dominant defence apart and they’ll run out winners .
I can’t see any life where we nick a third Wembley play off win and 4th play off success
we’re due a final loss and here comes number one

fuck off you miserable git , sorry just saying how I see it going
too many cagey crabs in our team and if Berry doesn’t play then another lump of attacking guile will be missing , TC needs his battery recharging and to remove himself from Grimmers pocket.

If Berry’s missing I expect Gilbert would start again, and he’s definitely not a crab.

Yeah , he’s a lightweight show pony who hit a couple of decent crosses against Orient …

oohaahmortimer · May 18

I’ve come out of betting retirement to lay us winning I think it’s more an evens game than us odds on (thankfully I’m really shit at gambling )

oohaahmortimer · May 18

the previous times we played them they’d lost their previous two league games and we needed injury time winners to beat them ….

This time they’ve been showing a bit better form so it’s a different animal

swords_alive · May 18

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.

vff · May 18

Charlton are a strong and fit team, both victories against Orient came with goals in the last few minutes. That can follow for this game as well. Anderson has given excellent energy and Tennai Watson is a decent sub as well, Chucks Aneke has strength to add as well and something to prove, in what could be his last game for the club.

Berry may be regaining fitness but Gibson did a good job against Wycombe and also against Orient in away game, when he came on. Orient are not strong at crosses. They looked really vulnerable against Stockport. If we can put some decent crosses in then we will get a goal.

TC's pace terrified them in the away game. Small has pace on the right, so Orient can't put 2 players on Orient consistently.

Orient's can build a decent attack, their goal from a wonder strike outside the penalty box in the away game, did come from a decent spell of pressure. How many of those wonder strikes come about in a game ?

Orient did ride their luck in the first leg against Stockport. Charlton's first 11 is strong but the team has found a way to win, throughout the second half of the season. The strong squad spirit, work rate aligned with quality in the team puts Charlton in a great position.

Its going to be a great occassion with a London derby. There is 10 days between games, to help with fitness. This Charlton team can rise to the occassion and can definitely do it.

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

Categories

Sponsored links:

ULTIMATE MATCH PREVIEW: Charlton Athletic vs Leyton Orient | Sunday 25th May - 1pm KO

Comments