Charlton vs Sunderland: Old heads or young legs?
Both Sunderland and Charlton have proud histories in the Premier League but they are now fighting to get out of the third tier. Will it be Jack Ross or Lee Bowyer who comes out on top at Wembley? Read on to find out where we think this final will be won and lost:
Fallen Giants
If you talked about a Division Three play-off final between Sunderland and Charlton 12 years ago you’d probably be on the end of a look reserved for those people who actually pay for sauces at a restaurant.
It seems absurd that these sides have fallen so quickly into the lower leagues. Sunderland’s fall has certainly been more violent while Charlton have meandered their way down since they last left the top division in 2007.
Both managers have done an exceptional job this season. Jack Ross has stabilised a club that was, frankly, in an embarrassing state before he took over. The Scotsman may not have won as many games as he’d have liked but given the upheaval and losing his top striker in January, you have to give him credit.
Lee Bowyer should be the League One manager of the season, no doubt. To have secured a second successive play-off berth without spending any money and also having to contend with the loss of Karlan Grant is phenomenal.
His influence on a young team has been impressive especially with the midfielders who clearly love learning from a man who played at the top level.
Experience versus youth
The key difference between the two sides is the level of experience each can call upon. Sunderland used Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter to nullify Portsmouth in the semi-final but they will face a stern test against the mobile Joe Aribo, Josh Cullen, Krystian Bielik and rising starlet Albie Morgan.
What will be interesting is how each manager will set up. It is hard to see it being as open as the Doncaster semi-final that Charlton squeaked through but equally you feel Lee Bowyer’s men offer more threat than Portsmouth.
Goals win games
Charlton have had the one thing that Sunderland have been crying out for all season and that is a goalscorer. Lyle Taylor’s free transfer from AFC Wimbledon last summer has to be one of the best signings in League One in 2018-19.
He has led the line superbly and has not only scored goals but set them up for his teammates as well.
Including play-offs, Charlton’s Lyle Taylor has been directly involved in 32 goals in League One this season (22 goals, 10 assists), more than any other player.
Stopping him at Wembley will see Sunderland put one foot in the Championship but that is easier said than done.
Charlton Athletic v Sunderland betting tip
Last time these two sides met at Wembley they served up a thriller but something tells me that history is not likely to repeat itself here. That is why backing under 2.5 goals at odds of 4/5 is a highly appealing market to have a punt in.
