EFL League One Play-Offs: Who’s Fighting for Promotion and What You Need to Know

Welcome Bonus

Bet £10, Get £35!

Free bet – one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

The 2024/25 football season draws a close there are only a few games left, one being the EFL League One Play-Off Finals. Two teams will battle it out for the last promotion spot to go up to the Championship, only one league below the Premier League. With the semi-finals finished, Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient have punched their ticket to the 2025 EFL League One Play-Off final!

As the final feelings build let’s have a recap of what’s happened so far, their journeys to the final and everything else in between. Plus we’ll go over the basics just in case anyone needs a refresher before the game!

What are the EFL League One Play-Offs?

Let’s start with the basics, the EFL League One play-offs are the last chance for teams that just missed out on automatic promotion. The top two go straight up to the Championship, but the next four, positions 3 through 6, face off in these knockout games to grab that final promotion spot. It’s intense, nerve-wracking, and, honestly, some of the best football you’ll see all season.

EFL League One Standings: Who’s Made it to the Play-Offs

The table’s been set and the play-off contenders were:

  • Third place: Stockport County
  • Fourth: Charlton Athletic
  • Fifth: Wycombe Wanderers
  • Sixth: Leyton Orient

These four will battled it out over two legs, home and away, to figure out who makes it to the final. Least to say, these teams are hungry for that Premier League dream, or at least to get into the Championship.

Recent Play-Off Semi-Final Action: What happened?

Stockport County vs Leyton Orient

For anyone watching, what a run of games! The first leg saw 4 goals, each scored 2 to draw at Leyton’s home ground. The 2nd leg at Stockport’s home ground, ended 1-1 so they continued the battle with a draw into extra time, there was no movement, so it all came down to penalties! Leyton Orient booked their place to the EFL League One Play-Off Final by scoring 4 to Stockport’s 1 in the penalty shootout.

Charlton Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers

Unlike Stockport County vs Leyton Orient, Charlton Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers were only separated by one goal. The first leg of this clash left fans a little disappointed with 0 for each side a piece. All this meant was the pressure was on the second leg for both teams. The game wasn’t a goals galore, but it didn’t matter for Charlton as they found the back of the net for only 1 of their 3 shots of the whole game. This was enough to send them to meet Leyton in the EFL 2025 League One Finals.

Who’s Favourite in the Play-Offs?

If you’re thinking about placing some bets, well, the market’s buzzing already. It’s hard to tell who will take the win but that’s what makes it so exciting. Charlton have been outstanding this season, but you can’t rule out Leyton Orient.

efl league one play offs

Why Should You Care About These Play-Offs?

Simple: It’s about the money, the prestige, and the massive leap up the football ladder. Promotion to the Championship means bigger crowds, bigger TV deals, and more cash. For fans, it’s a badge of pride, they’ll travel to new places, host new teams and see if their team can make it in the second league of English football.

Plus, from a sports betting perspective, the League One play-offs offer some of the best value and unpredictability. If you’re not already keeping an eye on the markets here, you’re missing out.

How the Play-Offs Work: Quick Refresher

The play-offs are a mini-tournament:

  • Semi-finals: 3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th
  • Each pair plays two games (home and away)
  • Aggregate score decides who goes through
  • Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient meet at Wembley for the final. One game, winner takes all, promotion is theirs.

What’s Next? The Final

The winners then face off in the play-off final at Wembley, traditionally one of the most exciting fixtures in English football. And if you’re thinking about putting money down, Casino Kings and other sportsbooks already have odds out on the winner and even goal scorers.

Championship Play-Offs: A Pathway to Premier League?

Okay, not this time. The Championship play-offs come next season, but this League One drama is the stepping stone. Whoever gets promoted here will be fighting in the Championship next season, closer than ever to that Premier League dream.

europa league

When is the EFL League One Play-Offs?

Make sure to remember this: 

DATE:  SUNDAY 25TH OF MAY

TIME: 13:00

WHERE: WEMBLEY STADIUM

Final Thoughts – Wembley Awaits

Look, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. Two historic clubs. One massive prize. And a stadium full of fans hoping to witness the start of something special.

Whether you’re backing the Blades or cheering for the Black Cats, this is a day that will go down in history for one of them.

At the very least – expect drama, tension, limbs, and maybe even penalties. It’s the Championship Playoffs 2025. Anything can happen. And that’s what makes it magic.

latest euros results for England Women's football team: the Lionesses

NEW HERE?

Join us today and claim our welcome offer:

BET £10, GET £35

New Players Only. Free bet – one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.