Champions Leeds United welcome relegation-threatened Charlton to Elland Road in a game that means absolutely everything to one side and absolutely nothing to the other.
Lee Bowyer’s side make the 400-mile round trip needing only to match Barnsley and Luton’s result to ensure their stay in the Championship.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men are in for a much less stressful evening having already secured promotion and the title of champions, however it is unlikely that Leeds will allow Charlton to have a comfortable evening and will look to finish the season in style.
In what is expected to be an exciting end to the campaign in England’s second division, Charlton are one of seven teams who can, mathematically, be relegated with Hull, Barnsley, Luton, Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield also within touching distance of the drop.
The form book does not read in Charlton’s favour who are without a win in their previous five games and have only won twice since the restart whilst Leeds are unbeaten in their last seven which includes five wins in their previous five fixtures.
Charlton fans can take some comfort in the earlier season fixture between the sides back in September which ended in their favour thanks to a single goal Macauley Bonne, a win that saw the Addicks climb into the play-off places.
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Marcelo Bielsa made a number of changes to his side for their win against Derby and could revert back to a full-strength side for the final day.
Kiko Casilla made his first start since serving his eight-match ban but Bielsa may go back to Illan Meslier who has impressed in his absence.
Charlton are expected to be without midfielder Darren Pratley after he suffered a hamstring injury in the draw against Birmingham City.
Jonny Williams and Alfie Doughty are expected to be in contention despite suffering minor injuries.
Although this match means nothing to Leeds, I would imagine Bielsa will be keen to wrap up the season with a win and with a full-strength squad out I believe they will do just that. Charlton have the facilities to put up a fair fight but without top scorer Lyle Taylor I think that Lee Bowyer’s side will wake up Thursday morning knowing they are a League One side next season.
Match Preview written by Dan Chenery