The 2026/27 League One season is upon us, and with it comes the anticipation of predicting the final table. Here's a comprehensive look at the teams and their prospects, with a focus on the top 24 teams. From the battle for survival to the potential for promotion, this article delves into the key factors that will shape the season ahead.
24. BURTON
Burton Albion's survival in League One has been a challenge, with the club facing financial constraints and a need for tactical adjustments. The departure of top goalscorer Jake Beesley and his ability to hold up the ball will be a significant loss. The search for a suitable replacement is ongoing, and the team's ability to keep hold of key players like Tyrese Shade and Charlie Webster will be crucial. With a history of finishing between 15th and 20th, Burton faces a tough battle to avoid the drop.
23. WIMBLEDON
Wimbledon, a team with a small core of players, is aiming to avoid relegation. The acquisition of Jayden Stockley addresses the goal-scoring issue, but his past performance in this division raises questions. The team's struggle with injuries to key players and a threadbare squad beyond the core group make their survival prospects uncertain.
22. NOTTS COUNTY
Notts County's promotion from League Two and their strong finish last season were impressive. However, the departure of Alassana Jatta and Matthew Dennis, who combined for 28 league goals, has dented their survival hopes. The team's success hinges on the fitness of Jodi Jones, and the summer signings suggest a long season ahead.
21. STEVENAGE
Stevenage's play-off finish last season was a remarkable achievement, but the team faces challenges. The loss of Dan Sweeney and Charlie Goode in the summer weakens the backline. The issue of scoring goals persists, and the transfer market has yet to address this concern. Despite stable ownership, regression seems inevitable.
20. CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge United's promotion from League Two was built on a solid defensive record. However, the team's goal-scoring struggles are a concern. With the fewest goals scored among promoted sides, the team's chances of survival depend on addressing this issue. The loss of key players like James Gibbons and James Brophy could be detrimental.
19. LEYTON ORIENT
Leyton Orient's tumultuous campaigns have seen them survive relegation on the final day. The team's recruitment this summer, including Isaac Hayden and Armando Dobra, is a positive step. The departure of top goalscorer Dom Ballard is a significant blow, but the team aims to improve on last season's 20th place and target a top-half finish.
18. WIGAN
Wigan Athletic's struggle for investment and the departure of Sam Tickle, a key player, pose challenges. The team's performance last season under Gary Caldwell was promising, but the need for investment and a strong squad remains. The Latics aim to improve on their 16th-place finish.
17. DONCASTER
Doncaster Rovers' return to the third tier was marked by a decent 14th-place finish. Grant McCann's management and strategic signings, including Isaac Hutchinson and Alfie May, are positive signs. The team's goal-scoring contributions from Luke Molyneux will be hard to replace, but the overall squad looks promising.
16. BLACKPOOL
Blackpool's strong finish last season under Ian Evatt's leadership was encouraging. The team's defensive struggles, conceding 65 goals, are a concern. The loss of Ashley Fletcher further weakens the squad. The team aims to maintain a play-off push and improve on their previous performance.
15. READING
Reading's mid-table finish and the new owners' second season in charge provide a solid foundation. The team's signings, including Jacob Brown and Kyreece Lisbie, bring energy and goal-scoring potential. However, the manager, Leam Richardson, divides opinion, and his leadership will be crucial for the team's success.
14. PETERBOROUGH
Peterborough United's inconsistent form and youthful squad make their prospects uncertain. Luke Williams' possession-based, attacking style has achieved success, but the team's vulnerability and lack of consistency raise concerns. Another inconsistent season is a possibility.
13. MANSFIELD
Mansfield's oldest squad in the EFL, with an average age of 29, presents a unique challenge. Manager Nigel Clough's experience and the team's depth upfront, including Michael Smith and David McGoldrick, offer a solid foundation. The team aims to consolidate and build on last season's 65 points.
12. BROMLEY
Bromley's direct style of play and strong set-piece threat have been key to their success. The team's location and shrewd signings, including Victor Adeboyejo and JJ McKiernan, are positive factors. If they can improve goal-scoring and keep key players fit, a top-half finish is achievable.
11. BARNSLEY
Barnsley's 'managed decline' is ending, and the return of Daniel Stendel brings a positive outlook. The team's focus on youth and Stendel's rock and roll brand of football are promising. The loss of key goal-scorers is a concern, but the team aims to finish in the top half and potentially reach the play-offs.
10. OXFORD
Oxford United's temporary transfer embargo and the appointment of rookie manager Aaron Ramsey present challenges. The team's core strength and the need for quick adaptation make their prospects uncertain. The squad's threadbare nature adds to the complexity.
9. WYCOMBE
Wycombe Wanderers' manager Michael Duff's experience and smart signings, including Cauley Woodrow and Steve Cook, are positive factors. The team's underperformance in expected points last season and their struggle to finish in the top six raise questions. The team aims to improve and challenge for the top spots.
8. BRADFORD
Bradford City's return to League One and their strong finish last season were impressive. The team's recruitment, including Jake Beesley and Adam Phillips, is promising. The loss of Jenson Metcalfe is a blow, but the team aims to be in the play-off mix and improve on their previous performance.
7. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Wednesday's dark period under Dejphon Chansiri has ended, and the team is rebuilding. The appointment of a sporting director and the squad's overhaul bring positivity. However, the tactical concerns and the need for a managerial change remain.
6. MK DONS
MK Dons' promotion from League Two and their strong finish last season were impressive. The team's promotion specialist, Paul Warne, and the squad's proven quality make them favorites for the title. The signings of Sam Nombe and Charlie Goode further strengthen their chances.
5. STOCKPORT
Stockport County's well-run club and the appointment of Jim McNulty are positive signs. The team's goal-scoring contributions and the addition of Ryan Glover and Eoghan O'Connell are promising. The Hatters aim to improve on their previous performance and challenge for the top spots.
4. HUDDERSFIELD
Huddersfield Town's stability and the appointment of Martin Drury as manager bring optimism. The team's strong finish last season and the underlying data's ranking suggest a competitive play-off picture. The need for continuity in the dugout is a key factor.
3. PLYMOUTH
Plymouth Argyle's impressive turnaround under Derek Adams and the team's strong finish last season were remarkable. The loss of Lorient Tolaj and Aribim Pepple is a concern, but the team's goal-scoring potential and the squad's strength suggest a promising season ahead.
2. LUTON
Luton Town's strong finish last season and the appointment of Jack Wilshere as manager bring optimism. The team's identity, confidence, and the permanent signing of Kasey Palmer strengthen their chances. The Hatters aim to challenge for the automatic promotion places.
1. LEICESTER
Leicester City's relegation from the Championship was a shock, but the team's squad on paper suggests a strong return. The team's heavy favorites for promotion, with Russell Martin's CV and the signings of Conor Chaplin and Liam Cullen, make them a force to be reckoned with. A successful season is expected.
