Oldham Athletic vs Southend prediction for the match on June 1, 2025
Oldham
Southend
On June 1, Wembley will host the National League play-off final, where Oldham Athletic will take on Southend. For this decisive clash, I'm offering a bet on goals, cards, and the winner.
Oldham Athletic
The club was founded at the end of the 19th century. It was around their centenary that they achieved their greatest success: promotion to the top flight of English football, where they even managed to spend a couple of seasons. Since then, they've drifted down the divisions, gradually losing ground and recently found themselves in the fifth tier. Last season, there was little to cheer about as they finished a disappointing tenth.
It can't be said that Mellon and his squad suddenly transformed in the new campaign, at least not in the regular season—Oldham finished fifth with 73 points. But then they surprised everyone in the play-offs, thrashing Halifax Town 4-0 at home and York City 3-0 away.
Southend
The club has never been a major force, usually hovering between League One and, at best, League Two, with the occasional step up. The current decade began with financial struggles (which still haven't been fully resolved), and the impact of the COVID lockdown was especially severe. As a result, they suffered two relegations. At least they managed to survive in the National League—last year, they finished right next to their current opponents, in ninth place.
This season saw just enough progress to get into the play-off mix. After a 0-0 draw with Gateshead in the final round, they edged them out for seventh place. In the play-offs, they first edged Rochdale 4-3 away, then drew 2-2 with Forest Green and advanced on penalties.
Match facts
- Oldham Athletic have won three in a row
- Southend are unbeaten in six consecutive matches
- Every play-off match has seen at least three goals scored
Head-to-head
Southend are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Oldham: winning at home and drawing away.
Oldham Athletic vs Southend prediction
Bookmakers are expecting a tight, not particularly high-scoring contest. But given how open these play-offs have been, the smart money is on "total over 2.0" (odds: 1.64).
