Can Charlton overcome the Champions, and sneak into the play-offs?

The Champions face the top six hopefuls in a big game at The Valley. With only onespot in the League One play-off’s remaining, Charlton will hope that Hull are already on their holidays.

It was a routine 2-0 win for Hull City when the two sides met in January.  Charlton know that they will need a better performance on Sunday if they stand any chance of finishing in 6th place.

Charlton

The Addicks have been in and around the top 6 all season, however a dip in form at the start of 2021 has seen them slip out once again. They go into the season finale off the back of a great spell of form, which has seen them lose only once in 14 appearances, notching up seven wins, including a 6-0 win against Plymouth, and victories against Sunderland, Doncaster and Lincoln.

In the middle of their good form, manager Lee Bowyer left for former club Birmingham City. Nigel Adkins has been his replacement, and the side have gone from strength to strength. Adkins has a way of giving players a belief in themselves, and the team itself. This belief has been apparent in their final push for the play-off’s. He has expertly picked up where Bowyer left off, and is the man that the Addicks will need on a nervy last day.

Charlton have a selection of players they can call upon to fire them into 6th, with top scorer Chuks Aneke scoring 15 in the league so far this season, and experienced Conor Washington with 11. Experience in needed in these types of games, and with Chris Gunter, Andrew Shinnie and Ben Amos all available, Adkins will have that in abundance. Although the loss of Jake Forster-Caskey will be a blow.

Hull City

Hull have had an excellent season, and have secured a return to The Championship in almost a perfect way. They have not been any lower than 4th all season, and have occupied 1st place for a total of 22 games. They have steamrolled their way to promotion, and the title, with 11 wins in their last 14 games. To bounce back so quickly, and in such fashion is truly remarkable.

Hull’s hierarchy stuck with manager Grant McCann after relegation last season, something rarely seen by boards in recent times. McCann has been key to their revival, and has shown exactly why the decision to keep him has been the right one. Hull have had both the tightest defence in the league, and the best attack, which McCann will be delighted about.

The permanent signing of Mallik Wilks has been key for Hull’s strong attack. With 19 goals, and eight assists, he has been the key player for large parts of the season. McCann can also be praised for bringing in Greg Docherty, who has helped tighten Hull’s midfield.

Hull have also promoted from within, which has seen fantastic results. Young Jacob Greaves spent last season in League Two on loan at Cheltenham. He has slotted into the centre of Hull’s defence, and been one of the most consistent performers. At just 20, Greaves will be a big player for the Tigers in the years to come.

Key Battle

Charlton need a win. Even with this, they may be reliant on goal difference, so expect to see Charlton really go at Hull. The key battle will be between two players already highlighted. Chuks Aneke will be ready to impact the game after a goal and an assist off the bench midweek. However he will be up against young Jacob Greaves, who will be aiming to stop the experienced striker from getting amongst the goals.

Play-off stipulations

Charlton can reach the top six with a win. It can also be achieved with a Charlton draw, however it would require a big goal swing. If Charlton win, they need both Portsmouth and Oxford to draw or lose. If Portsmouth win, then the play-off’s cannot be achieved. An Oxford win, would mean Charlton have to better the result by over four goals, as Oxford have a better goal difference.

If Charlton draw, then they need both Oxford and Portsmouth to lose. A draw would put the Addicks above Oxford, but they would require Portsmouth to lose by over two goals, as they have the better goal difference.

It is sure to be a final day with lots of twists and turns. Keep up with the action by following @ProstInt on Twitter.