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Charlton vs Wycombe: League One Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg Preview
The second leg of the League One Play-Off semi-final takes centre stage on Thursday night, as Charlton Athletic host Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley with a place at Wembley on the line.
by Berba
After a tense and goalless first leg at Adams Park last weekend, both sides know that a single moment of quality could prove decisive in a finely poised tie. Charlton will feel confident returning home, where they have been formidable in recent months. Nathan Jones’s side are unbeaten in their last 15 league games at The Valley (W12 D3), last tasting defeat there in December against Leyton Orient. Having already thrashed Wycombe 4-0 on their own patch less than two weeks ago to clinch fourth place in the table, the Addicks will back themselves to finish the job.
This marks Charlton’s seventh appearance in the EFL play-offs, and their first since earning promotion from League One in 2019. They also boast a strong recent record in this fixture, losing just one of their last seven meetings with Wycombe (W3 D3). However, key injuries have slightly complicated their preparations. Top scorer Miles Leaburn has been ruled out for the season with a thigh injury, while Gassan Ahadme faces a late fitness test. On the plus side, Chuks Aneke is available again after serving a three-match ban and could be called upon from the bench.
Up front, Matt Godden will continue to lead the line after scoring six goals in his last nine appearances, supported by the lively Tyreece Campbell—one of League One’s most dangerous ball-carriers this season. Campbell ranks second in the division for shot-ending carries and is joint-second for goal-ending carries, highlighting his threat in transition.
For Wycombe, it has been a difficult few weeks. They ended the regular season with three straight defeats, slipping from second to fifth in the process. Sunday’s stalemate at least stopped the rot, but Mike Dodds’s side haven’t scored in three of their last four games and have only netted in four of their last nine overall. That said, their away form has been one of the league’s best. The Chairboys picked up 42 points on the road this season—second only to champions Birmingham—and led the division with 43 away goals.
Their last win at The Valley came in January 2022, but they have suffered back-to-back defeats there since, including a 2-1 reverse in December. Richard Kone, League One’s Player and Young Player of the Season, is expected to lead the line again and will be key to Wycombe’s chances. He has 18 goals to his name this term and was involved in a flashpoint during the first leg, escaping with a yellow card for a dangerous challenge.
Injuries continue to limit Dodds’s options, with Sam Vokes, Josh Scowen, Shamal George, Daniel Harvie, and Beryly Lubala all sidelined. However, Joe Low and experienced forward Garath McCleary are in contention for recalls, with the latter having a strong personal record against Charlton, losing just four of his 14 appearances (W7 D3).
With both sides desperate to return to Wembley, and the tie delicately balanced after the first leg, another close and competitive affair is expected in South London.