Charlton welcome Wycombe Wanderers to the Valley on Thursday evening
Charlton Athletic v Wycombe Wanderers Free Bets & Match Preview
Valley of Decision: Charlton and Wycombe in High-Stakes Playoff Duel at The Valley
League One Playoff Semi-Final, Second Leg | The Valley | Thursday, 15 May 2025 – 8:00pm (UK time)
All to Play For as Addicks and Chairboys Resume Hostilities
Following a tetchy and goalless first leg that produced more fouls than flair, Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers are back at it on Thursday night in the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final. With Wembley now just one win away, The Valley is set to host a clash thick with tension, trimmed with history, and possibly wrapped in extra time for good measure.
Last Sunday’s cagey contest may have lacked in goals, but it made up for it in grit. Charlton boss Nathan Jones was quick to label the affair a “war of attrition,” and while neutrals might have described it with less politeness, the Addicks find themselves in a decent spot ahead of this decisive leg. Especially given their excellent form at home.
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Charlton’s Fortress Stands Tall
The Addicks have been in sparkling form since the winter months, particularly at The Valley, where they’ve refused to budge for 15 straight games. Twelve of those have ended in victory, and with just three defeats in their last 23 league fixtures overall, they head into Thursday’s tie oozing with quiet confidence.
Their most recent home defeat came back in December at the hands of Leyton Orient, but since then, Charlton have turned South East London into a safe haven for three points. They’ve also enjoyed the upper hand in meetings with Wycombe more often than not, with only one loss in their last seven encounters – and even that came away from home.
Now just one win away from a return to Wembley, Jones will be hoping to recapture the spirit of 2019 – Charlton’s last successful playoff campaign – and perhaps even the glory of their 1998 final triumph over Sunderland, still etched in club folklore.
Chairboys Limp Into Decider Needing a Spark
While Charlton have been building momentum, Wycombe have been busy misplacing theirs. A dreadful end to the regular campaign saw Mike Dodds’s side crash out of automatic promotion contention with three straight defeats to Stockport County, Leyton Orient and Wrexham. They eventually limped into the playoffs in fifth, having once sat as high as second.
The Chairboys have now gone four games without a win and their once-potent attack has fizzled at precisely the wrong moment. Despite ending the regular season as one of the league’s top scorers with 70 goals, they’ve failed to hit the net in five of their last nine matches – including three of the last four.
Still, their away form gives them something to cling to. Only title-winners Birmingham City amassed more points on the road during the league season, and no side scored more goals away from home than the Buckinghamshire boys. If they are to cause an upset on Thursday night, it’s likely to come by way of a counterpunch.
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Key Absentees and Returnees – The Teams Taking Shape
Charlton will be without their talismanic striker Miles Leaburn for the remainder of the season after he suffered a thigh injury. It’s a cruel blow for the Addicks, especially considering he bagged a brace in the 2-1 win over Wycombe back in December.
Gassan Ahadme’s fitness will be monitored up to kick-off, while Chuks Aneke returns from a three-match ban and is set to be involved, likely off the bench. Aneke was dismissed in the thumping 4-0 win at Adams Park last month but could now prove to be a useful wildcard option.
Tyreece Campbell, one of the most dynamic carriers of the ball in the league, is expected to start again. With 162 progressive carries over 10 metres this season and a reputation for turning defenders inside out, he’ll link up with the likes of Tennai Watson and Matt Godden, the latter having netted 18 goals this season – including six in his last nine outings.
In midfield, George Dobson and Conor Coventry will likely anchor the side, while Kayne Ramsay and Brendan Galloway (who could shift centrally) form part of a defence expected to be tested more rigorously this time around.
Wycombe, meanwhile, remain hampered by injuries. Key men including Josh Scowen as well as the likes of Sam Vokes, Shamal George, Beryly Lubala and Daniel Harvie are all sidelined. It’s a situation Dodds could do without as he seeks to inspire a third playoff final appearance in five years.
The Chairboys may feel slightly fortunate to still be at full strength in terms of available players after striker Richard Kone escaped with just a booking for a studs-up challenge in the first leg. Kone, who finished the season with 18 goals, remains the chief threat and is expected to start once again.
Joe Low is pushing for a recall at the back, while veteran forward Garath McCleary could provide some much-needed experience in the final third. The 37-year-old has a rather fetching record against Charlton too, having only lost four of his 14 career meetings with the South London side.
Predicted Lineups – Familiar Faces in Familiar Roles
Expect few surprises from either manager when the teams are announced. For Charlton, Harry Isted should be between the posts, behind a back four comprising Ramsay, Lloyd Jones, Macaulay Gillesphey, and Nathaniel Edwards. Coventry and Greg Docherty are tipped to patrol midfield, with Tennai Watson, Chem Campbell and Tyreece Campbell just ahead. Matt Godden, of course, will lead the line.
As for Wycombe, Max Stryjek will watch from the bench as Franco Norris continues in goal. Jack Grimmer, Richard Keogh and Joe Taylor should form the core of the defence, supported by Callum Taylor and Morgan Humphreys in wide areas. Luke Leahy will sit in the middle of the park, with Daryl Horgan and Freddie Simons tasked with providing service to Kone, who will spearhead the attack.
Prediction – Narrow Margins, Big Moments
Playoff semi-finals are often tense, nervy affairs, and this one promises to be no different. Goals may be at a premium again, but Charlton’s ironclad home form and momentum give them the edge. Wycombe have the away credentials to make life awkward, but their recent stumbles suggest they may be running on fumes.
Prediction: Charlton Athletic 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
(Charlton to progress to Wembley with a 2-1 aggregate win)
With one spot at Wembley up for grabs and everything finely poised, Thursday’s second leg is sure to deliver drama. Whether it’s a last-gasp winner, a penalty shootout nail-biter, or a tactical masterclass, expect the unexpected.
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