The League One playoff final between Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient takes place on Sunday, 25 May 2025 at Wembley Stadium in London. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:01 BST (UK) and 14:01 CEST across Italy, Germany, France and Spain, promising an unmissable afternoon of football as both sides chase promotion to the Championship.
This match is the culmination of a thrilling season, with each club just one win away from securing a coveted spot in the second tier. With the iconic Wembley atmosphere set to roar, fans will be treated to a high-stakes encounter where fine margins could determine the outcome.
How are both teams coming into this?
Charlton Athletic have enjoyed a strong campaign, combining defensive resilience with moments of attacking flair. Their consistency in the regular season earned them a playoff spot, and they carried that momentum through two tense knockout fixtures to reach the final. Confidence is high at The Valley, and the Addicks will look to build on recent form under pressure.
Leyton Orient’s journey has been equally impressive, marked by spirited performances and a never-say-die attitude. The O’s navigated a tough playoff path, outlasting opponents in both legs to book their place at Wembley. Managerial tactics have been spot-on in key moments, and Orient will aim to deliver another tactical masterclass on the big stage.
Our forecast
We expect a cagey start as both teams feel each other out, but chances should come at either end. With so much at stake, the first half may be tight, yet the second period could open up as fatigue sets in. Look for set-pieces to play a crucial role in unlocking the deadlock.
Our predicted scoreline is a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, followed by a narrow win for one side via extra time or penalties. Overall, this promises to be a closely contested affair, with defensive solidity likely to trump free-flowing attack.
