League One promotion permutations

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024/25 League One season as four teams remain in contention for one automatic promotion berth.

As Birmingham City waltzed into the sunset claiming the third tier title with six matches to spare, a gripping battle has unfolded below them as Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers jostle for second position.

Dropped points from both teams in recent weeks has given Charlton Athletic and Stockport County the scent of a top-two finish, with the chasing pair hot on the heels of their promotion rivals.

If the prospect of this four-team battle wasn't fascinating enough, there is a monumental fixture between Wrexham and Charlton which will have significant implications on the promotion picture when the full-time whistle blows at the Racecourse Ground.

Additionally, there is an intriguing finish in store for a top-six finish as Leyton Orient and Reading approach the final two hurdles of the season level on points.

With all of that in mind, we've looked at the promotion permutations in League One.

League One standings

Position	Team	Matches Played	Points	Goal Difference
1	Birmingham City (C)	43	102	+46
2	Wrexham	44	86	+28
3	Wycombe	44	84	+28
4	Charlton Athletic	44	82	+25
5	Stockport County	44	81	+27
6	Leyton Orient	44	72	+20
7	Reading	44	72	+11
8	Bolton Wanderers	44	66	-3

League One automatic promotion permutations

What do Wrexham need to win automatic promotion from League One?

Wrexham's blockbuster clash with Charlton on Saturday could be the scene where Phil Parkinson's men achieve promotion to the Championship.

If the Red Dragons defeat the Addicks and Wycombe fail to win away at Leyton Orient, Wrexham will be celebrating an astonishing third successive jump up the Football League ladder.

Should both Wrexham and Wycombe win, the battle to finish second will go down to the final day where Wrexham travel to Lincoln City knowing they need to match Wycombe's result at home to Stockport.

Even if Wrexham draw or lose to Charlton, their automatic promotion fate will still be in their own hands providing Wycombe fail to beat Leyton Orient.

What do Wycombe Wanderers need to win automatic promotion from League One?

Wycombe's run-in is easily the toughest of those vying for automatic promotion.

The Chairboys require a favour from one of Charlton or Lincoln while winning their remaining fixtures against Leyton Orient and Stockport County if they're to leapfrog Wrexham into second.

Should Wycombe triumph over Orient and Charlton beat Wrexham, Mike Dodds' side will enter their final clash with Stockport in second knowing a win will seal their return to the Championship.

What do Charlton Athletic need to win automatic promotion from League One?

Charlton have an opportunity to put a major spanner in the works while keeping their automatic promotion hopes alive when they visit North Wales on Saturday.

Win and they head into the final day with an outside chance of a top-two finish. Draw or lose, the Addicks will have to settle for the play-offs.

If Charlton win, they will need Wrexham to drop points away at Lincoln and Wycombe to either draw or lose against Stockport. Charlton may also need to overhaul a three-goal swing if goal difference becomes a factor.

What do Stockport County need to win automatic promotion from League One?

Our odds imply Stockport County have a 3.8% chance of finishing runners-up to Birmingham and with five points separating the Hatters and second-placed Wrexham, they're going to need a lot to go in their favour.

Stockport must win their remaining two matches against Lincoln and Wycombe, while hoping Wrexham don't accrue more than one more point and Charlton fail to win both of their fixtures.

There is a possibility that Wrexham, Wycombe and Stockport all finish on 87 points; that would require Wrexham drawing one match and losing the other, Wycombe beating Leyton Orient but losing to Stockport while the Hatters precede their Wycombe success with a win over Lincoln.

League One play-off permutations

What do Leyton Orient need to finish in the top six of League One?

Leyton Orient were languishing in the relegation zone at the start of December so the mere fact they're even in contention to reach the play-offs deserves immense credit.

Goal difference is significantly in favour of Richie Wellens' outfit and the O's need only to match the results of Reading in their final two matches against Wycombe and Huddersfield Town to secure a play-off berth.

What do Reading need to finish in the top six of League One?

Reading have been blighted by off-field turmoil in recent months but on the pitch, Noel Hunt has continued the fine work of Ruben Selles and concocted a season Royals supporters can be proud of.

If they're to finish sixth, Reading must better Leyton Orient's points return in their final two matches against Bristol Rovers and Barnsley.

If both Reading and Orient win both of their remaining fixtures, the Royals need to find a 10-goal swing to oust the London club from the last play-off spot.

What do Bolton Wanderers need to finish in the top six of League One?

Four successive defeats have left Bolton's play-off hopes in tatters and Steven Schumacher's men have a 0.2% chance of reaching the play-offs according to our betting odds.

Needing to win their final two matches against Peterborough United and Stevenage, Bolton require Leyton Orient and Reading to lose both of their concluding matches while overturning a 23-goal (yes, twenty-three) swing.