Charlton Athletic vs. Leyton Orient: League One Play-Off Final Tips

Sunday gives us the League One play-off final, where Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient will play out a battle of London for a place in the Championship next season.

Ben's Bets for Charlton Athletic vs. Leyton Orient

At the time of writing this, the lineups were not available to us, so I have tried to make some assumptions about the lineup, whilst only tipping players I think will start. It is worth stating here that I would not advise placing any bets until the lineups are out for both teams.

Play-off games are so difficult to call, so there is still a higher level of risk with each selection. However, I have gone through the trends from the season and feel rather confident with our choices here.

So, without further ado, let's dive into my reasoning.

Under 9.5 Corners

It is certainly a bit of a risk to back the corner market in a play-off final. However, here we are, and here we will be. At just below Evens, the price is not spectacular, but we can still get some value, I feel.

In their respective semi-finals, neither team had a game with more than 10 corners, with the records sitting at 6/8 in Charlton's games against Wycombe. In Orient's games, meanwhile, the records were 9/6 (6 in 90 minutes, though even after added time, there were fewer than 10).

The Addicks controlled both play-off semi-finals brilliantly, and whilst I don't think it will be as easy here, I cannot see there being a massive surplus of corners.

Goal to be Scored in Both Halves

For both teams, the goal records are quite attractive in both halves, which is a brilliant starting point in my opinion. In fact, Leyton Orient have scored 37 and 38 goals in the first and second periods, which shows their prevalence in both halves.

At Evens, I think we're getting a brilliant price here, at least at the time of writing this, with most bookmakers offering below this price. It is certainly one which I am going to be combining with another selection or two...

Charlie Kelman to have 2+ Shots on Target

If the O's are to reach the Championship, you would imagine that Mr. Kelman would have a lot to say about it, just as he has done all season. League One's top goalscorer by four goals, the striker has been phenomenal for Richie Wellens this year.

I only expect that to continue when it matters, and I was half in mind to put him forward for a goal. However, I think with us already dipping into that market, it would make more sense to leave it and give ourselves a better chance.

Having four shots on target across both playoff games, his record looks favourable coming into this fixture, despite him averaging less than 1.5 shots on target per game this season.

Both Goalkeepers to Make 2.5+ Saves

This is certainly a bit of a risky pick, especially with Charlton's goalkeeper not making many saves in the semi-finals. However, I think he will be tested a lot more in this game than he was against Wycombe Wanderers.

Across the two play-off semi-finals, the Stockport County goalkeeper made seven saves, albeit in 210 minutes rather than 180. Nevertheless, it proves that the O's are willing to attack games, and they certainly will not sit back here.

The price of more than 2/1 is really attractive here in my opinion, and I can only see it dropping as we get closer to the game...

Greg Docherty To Be Carded

My final pick is for Greg Docherty to be carded, something which I actually tipped (successfully) in Charlton's first play-off game. In the second leg, I looked away, yet he was still booked. So, I'm returning to the midfielder.

Nathan Jones' midfielders are clearly being tasked with breaking up play, and Docherty has done that perfectly so far, and I only expect this to continue.

In both games, the midfielder made two fouls, and of course, this earned him two bookings. Additionally, he made five tackles across both legs, proving further that he is willing to get stuck into challenges.