Lee Bowyer has done a good job in securing a top-six finish for Charlton after he was tasked to replace Karl Robinson with six weeks left in the season to play for. They have been around the top six all season and their win over eventual runners-up on matchday 37 has helped them reach the playoffs.
Shrewsbury spent most of the season flirting with automatic promotion. From the word go, it was clear for all to see that Shrewsbury were going to exceed their pre-season expectations. The hard-working and defiant Shrews carried out their workmanlike game-plan to perfection for most of the campaign. They may have ultimately failed to go up automatically, but Paul Hurst’s men can be proud that they kept pace with two teams who frankly have greater resources.
Charlton would come into this game with one thing on their mind – build a healthy first-leg lead ahead of the return leg, but that would be easier said than done. The Addicks are obviously the better side when it comes to creating chances, but Shrewsbury have been one of the toughest sides to score against in the division this season. As a matter of fact, only champions Wigan conceded less goals, while only the top two and Rochdale kept more clean sheets than Hurst’s men, who shut their opponents out in 35% of their matches during the regular season.
