Charlton Athletic will clash with League One rival Doncaster Rovers for a fifth time this season on Friday night.
Manager Lee Bowyer’s side go into the second leg of their promotion playoff series with a slender one-goal lead. Charlton Athletic defeated Doncaster Rovers, 2-1, in the first leg thanks to goals from Lyle Taylor and Joe Aribo.
Matty Blair’s late goal for Doncaster Rovers gives them hope of overturning the tie. Away goals do not give teams an advantage in the Football League playoffs. If the aggregate score finishes level after 180 minutes, the teams will go to extra-time.
Charlton Athletic will feel confident of progression to the final against either Portsmouth or Sunderland. The Addicks finished third in League One and averaged 1.62 goals per game. Bowyer’s team allowed just 0.88 goals per match and kept 19 clean sheets.
Grant McCann’s team still has a chance to qualify for the League One Playoff Final. One goal will turn the tie on its head. Doncaster Rovers were potent in front of goal during the season and averaged 1.75 goals per match.
The problem for Doncaster Rovers could lie in defence. They allowed 1.54 goals per game away from home.
Charlton Athletic’s attacking stars Taylor and Aribo are drawing praise from all corners. Journeyman Taylor scored 21 goals during the League One season. His goals accounted for 29% of Charlton Athletic’s scoring.
Aribo didn’t have the same potency in front of goal, but he still reached double-digits with 10 scored. Aribo is linked with a summer transfer to Scottish giants Celtic. The 22-year-old will want to finish off his seasons strongly with scouts watching.
Charlton Athletic are undefeated in three of their four meetings with Doncaster Rovers this season. Doncaster Rovers’ only win came in the FA Cup as they dispatched Charlton Athletic 2-0.
Just once this season have the two rivals combined to score over 2.5 goals. That came in Charlton Athletic’s 2-1 playoff first leg win. With so much at stake on Friday night, both teams will be out to score.
Charlton Athletic are the sports bookies’ favourites to earn promotion through the playoffs. Not only did they end the League One season in the best form, but they have looked the strongest of the four teams so far in the playoffs.
Bowyer favoured a 3-5-2-1 formation in the first leg which took Doncaster Rovers by surprise. The manager may confuse Rovers with another tactical shift in the second leg.
Charlton Athletic looked great in the first leg and they should pick up the win on Friday night. Expect both teams to go for goal with over 2.5 goals finding the back of the net.