League One Play Offs: Ties Preview

After looking at the four teams involved earlier in the week, Nobes preview the League One play-off ties.




Millwall vs. Huddersfield Town

First leg: Saturday May 15, 12:15, Galpharm Stadium
Second leg: Tuesday May 18, 19:45, New Den


Form (last six games):

Millwall: WLWLDW
Huddersfield Town: LWWWWL

Previous meetings:

Huddersfield Town 1-0 Millwall, April 16, Galpharm Stadium
Millwall 3-1 Huddersfield Town, September 19, New Den

The tie:

Both Millwall and Huddersfield have proud home records that have been the bedrock of their success this season. Each team have lost just once at home all term.

It's no surprise therefore that, in the two games between the sides during the regular season, the home side came out on top.

The same may well happen during the course of the play-offs. This could even come down to who wins their home match by the largest margin - bearing in mind that away goals don't count.

While they may share a similar home record, the two play in very different styles. Millwall are more pragmatic and tactical, Huddersfield exuberant and expansive.

The Lions are certainly the more experienced of the sides as well, and, along with having home advantage in the second leg, must be favourites to go through.

Prediction: Millwall




Charlton Athletic vs. Swindon Town

First leg: Friday May 14, 19:45, County Ground
Second leg: Monday May 17, 19:45, The Valley

Form (last six games):

Charlton Athletic: WWDLWL
Swindon Town: LWDDDD

Previous meetings:

Swindon Town 1-1 Charlton Athletic, February 6, County Ground
Charlton Athletic 2-2 Swindon Town, December 26, The Valley

The tie:

Two draws between the two teams who, in their respective 46 games, lost just eight matches each this season.

This play-off tie has all the hallmarks of one that could go all the way to penalties.

Swindon's recent form has not been good, although they have still proved difficult to beat. They will want to take a lead to The Valley though, which they will feel they can protect in the second leg.

That could actually lead to a more open first leg and one team going into the return leg with an advantage to protect.

Swindon, rather than Charlton, are more likely to be that side, and having home advantage first could actually work in their favour.

Prediction: Swindon Town