Charlton vs Leyton Orient: League One play-off final betting tips
League One play-off finalists Charlton and Leyton Orient lock horns for a place in the Championship on Sunday afternoon under the famous Wembley arch.
Matt Hill (@Matt_Hill93) runs the rule over what is sure to be a pulsating all-London affair and offers up his best bets.
90 minute result – Charlton 13/10, Draw 23/10, Leyton Orient 13/5
To win promotion – Charlton 8/13, Leyton Orient 13/10
Total goals - Under 2.5 8/13, Over 2.5 13/10
First goalscorer - Matt Godden 5/1, Charlie Kelman 6/1, Miles Leaburn 13/2, Tyreece Campbell 7/1, 15/2 BAR
Charlton had to grind their way past a stubborn Wycombe outfit in a two-legged semi-final which largely proved to be one for the purists.
With just eight shots on target across 180 minutes, one goal was always going to be enough to settle things and the ever-reliable Matty Godden's 81st-minute strike at the Valley ultimately proved enough to take the Addicks to Wembley.
Meawhile, Leyton Orient entered their semi with Stockport as underdogs but, just as they've been doing for much of the regular campaign, defied the doubters – albeit with the help of a penalty shootout.
Richie Wellens' free-scoring side gave as good as they got in two thoroughly entertaining encounters, drawing 2-2 and 1-1 before holding their nerve to prevail 4-1 on spot-kicks at Edgeley Park.
Historically, it is hard not to give Charlton the edge. The last time Orient were in the second tier was 1981-82, while their opponents have spent 32 of the the subsequent 42 seasons in England's top two divisions.
They also have far superior pedigree in this type of contest, having triumphed in three play-off campaigns including a 2019 success over Sunderland in this very fixture. Orient, meanwhile, have never earned promotion through the play-offs.
Add in that Charlton have done the double over their near neighbours this term and it's easy to see why they are strong favourites in the betting.
Charlton vs Leyton Orient betting tips (Sunday, 1pm)
I backed Leyton Orient to get the better of Stockport at a juicy price. And yet, while I'm a huge admirer of the way Wellens' side go about their business, I do ultimately expect them to come up short on Sunday.
Nathan Jones – a master tactician at this level – has really had Charlton purring since the turn of the year, and I love the balance they play with.
A blend of defensive dependability (keeping clean sheets in 50% of their League One games in 2025) and a thriving front line boasting both exciting youth and crucial experience seems to tick all the boxes you need for this kind of high-pressure assignment.
Though while I expect them to ultimately prevail, it's going to be tough to nullify this all-action Orient side.
Only runaway champions Birmingham outscored the O's in the regular season and with the likes of League One top scorer Charlie Kelman, Spurs loanee Jamie Donley and the dynamic Dan Agyei all coming into this in fine form, they are unlikely to go down with a whimper.
Therefore, I'm happy to get goals on side along with Charlton sealing promotion. Using Bet365's Bet Builder tool, it is possible to combine the Addicks' prevailing with over 2.5 goals in the 90 minutes at a generous 13/5.
This covers us for several outcomes, including a comprehensive victory for the favourites – but also a 2-1 success, or even an extra-time or penalty victory should the game finish something like 2-2 or 3-3.
Cagey affairs are commonplace in play-off finals but I'm struggling to see a world where this game doesn't provide plenty of entertainment.
2pts - Charlton to lift the trophy and over 2.5 goals in 90 minutes - 13/5 (Bet365 Bet Builder)
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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