Nearly time for the action. The talking ends on Sunday, and two giants of League One will clash at Wembley for the final spot in next season’s Championship.
The Addicks will be backed by over 38,000 fans – when was the last time that happened? – and with sales in Sunderland going well, the attendance will be close to the record 76,935 for a League One final.
The atmosphere will be cranked up still further by Valley PA man, Brian Cole, who will be on the pitch to gee the fans up before kick-off.
Lee Bowyer has an almost full strength squad to pick from, and will not have too many decisions to make.
Choosing between he athleticism and dynamism of Anfernee Dijksteel, or the experience and solidity of Chris Solly will probably be his hardest decision. Both are likely to feature at some point during the afternoon.
Bowyer’s team could line-up something like this:
Phillips; Solly, Bauer, Sarr, Purrington; Bielik, Cullen, Aribo, Williams; Taylor, Parker.
Subs: Maxwell, Dijksteel, Pearce, Pratley, Lapslie, Reeves, Vetokele.
The referee will be Andrew Madley from West Yorkshire.
It would be a surprise if the game was not very tight. The teams play contrasting styles, and Wembley’s wide open spaces will suit Sunderland’s more direct style.
But equally, the Black Cats will struggle to stifle
Charlton’s patient possession game on such a big pitch.
It will be a wonderful occasion, but Wembley is no place for losers.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic