In our Charlton v Shrewsbury betting preview we look at team news, potential lineups, stats & facts, head-to-head, popular bets and more for this League One play-off tie.
Both teams head into this first leg of a play off semi-final on the back of 1-0 defeats. Charlton finished the season in 6, squeezing into the play-offs ahead of Plymouth and Portsmouth. Whereas, on the other hand, Shrewsbury's lack of form towards the tail end of the season meant they dropped out of the running for top two, meaning third spot was their destiny after an incredibly promising first 6 months of the campaign. Charlton are attempting to bounce back after two seasons out of the Championship and further from the premier league where they have enjoyed success in the past. This historic club have not only been poorly managed from the club's hierarchy but the constant merry-go-round of managers, players and staff have all contributed to the fans' ignominy. Protests of the most severe nature and a stark decrease in match attendance led to Charlton's decline and this season's form has uplifted the spirits and general euphoria in south-east London.
Shrewsbury on the other hand were the shock package of the season and before their rapid decline in both form and results, looked set for their first championship campaign. The team from western England have seen a stark contrast in form over the past couple of seasons: consecutive bottom six finishes and a nerve-wracking relegation battle has seen them become the shock of the season. Paul Hurst has indeed done a fantastic job in rejuvenating the whole club and getting the best out of these, with all heartfelt and due respect, average players who are over-performing.
Often in play-offs the team heading into them from sixth place have momentum, confidence and the eagerness to surprise the bookmakers. The form books suggest a tight game here, with both teams winning 2-0 away from home at each other's grounds. Neither team have seen flourishes of goals as of late so i expect a tight game with few goals meaning under 2.5 goals is a good bet at 4/7. Charlton's home record is impressive and head into it with better form and set of results here but if Shrewsbury can replicate their earlier season form then they can easily win here. I'm going for a 1-1 draw here but the value lies in the goals markets for me. Under 2.5 and no is priced at evens, whilst Charlton edge the outrights at 6/5 compared to Shrewsbury's 11/4.
Neither side have any fresh injury worries.
5 of Charlton's last 6 games have seen a 1-0 scoreline. (BTTS No in all of last 6).
Charlton have won 3 of their last 4 at home.
Shrewsbury have only won 1 of their last 7 heading into the play-offs, not winning any of their alst 4 away games despite previously winning 5 on the trot away from home.
6 of Shrewsbury's last 8 away games have seen BTTS.
In the only 5 games played between the sides, Charlton have won 2 with Shrewsbury winning 3, meaning no draws.
Shrewsbury won at The Valley earlier on this season 0-2.