Charlton v Sunderland Betting Preview: Who’s heading back to the Championship?

Odds and preview for League One play-off final

It’s been a tough few years for Charlton Athletic and Sunderland. But this afternoon’s League One play-off final will give one of them the chance to start a bright new era.

There were only three points between these sides in the table, and with so much at stake, it could be very tight at Wembley.

It gets started at 3pm on Sky Sports Football, but you can warm up with all the pre-match odds and info right here…

Head-to-Head

If this clash is anywhere near as good as the unforgettable 4-4 draw in the 1998 First Division play-off final, we’re in for something special. Shaun Newton scored the winning spot-kick for the Addicks that day.

Charlton just edge the head-to-head record, with 28 wins to Sunderland’s 27, though the Black Cats got the better of today’s opponents in league action this term. Jack Ross’ side won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in August, before a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.

Likely XIs

Charlton: Phillips; Dijksteel, Bauer, Sarr, Purrington; Bielik, Cullen, Morgan; Aribo; Parker, Taylor

Sunderland: McLaughlin; O’Nein, Ozturk, Flanagan, Oviedo; Cattermole, Power; Gooch, Honeyman, Maguire; Wyke

Lee Bowyer could stick with the side that sealed a dramatic penalties win against Doncaster Rovers in the semi-finals.

That would see Krystian Bielik pushed into midfield, allowing Joe Aribo to operate in the hole.

Ross kept things tight with a three-man midfield last time out to book Sunderland’s place at Wembley. But Grant Leadbitter could drop out here to make room for more attacking firepower.