League Two 1-24 Prediction

Fans are beginning to look over the latest Football Betting Odds, and in League Two, there is as much interest as ever.

Last season, it felt as if nobody wanted to win it. This season, it feels like an open field again. MK Dons are being backed heavily, but can they sustain their position as favourites, or will they crumble in the same manner as they did last season.

We’ve put together our 1-24 selections for you to enjoy, and hopefully, gain a bit of insight with on the season ahead.

1st – Chesterfield

Chesterfield came close to back-to-back promotions last season, securing a play-off spot in their return to the EFL before falling to Walsall in the semi-finals. Manager Paul Cook remains highly regarded and determined to go one better this time around.

Despite losing trusted lieutenant Michael Jacobs to Northampton, Cook has added eight new faces to an already talented squad. With continuity in the dugout and added depth, the Spireites look well-placed to push for a top-three finish. Another season of steady progress could see them finally reclaim a place in League One.

2nd – Milton Keynes Dons

MK Dons are seen as strong title contenders under Paul Warne, whose appointment in April was one of the most high-profile moves of the summer. With four League One promotions already on his CV, Warne has been backed with major signings, including Aaron Collins from Bolton and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing from Derby.

Having underachieved last season, MK now boast one of the most powerful squads in the division and a proven manager to tie it all together. If the early signs are anything to go by, a dominant League Two campaign could be on the cards at Stadium MK.

3rd – Bristol Rovers

Relegation was a bitter blow last term, but Darrell Clarke’s return has reinvigorated Bristol Rovers. Twice a promotion winner with the club already, the former Port Vale boss is seen as the ideal figure to lead a swift response.

Clarke’s early recruitment has impressed, with Luke Southwood, Josh McEachran and Macauley Southam-Hales among those joining a squad that looks capable of challenging. With the fanbase back onside and a manager who understands the club’s identity, there’s genuine belief that Rovers could bounce back at the first attempt and re-establish themselves in League One.

4th – Colchester United

Colchester United narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, falling short on the final day, but expectations are higher in 2025/26 under Danny Cowley. Alongside brother Nicky, the duo are targeting another promotion tilt after rebuilding momentum.

New arrivals such as Ben Perry from Nottingham Forest and loanee Will Goodwin give the U’s more firepower, and the Cowleys’ track record suggests they will challenge again. Having come within touching distance last term, Colchester are focused on making that final step and securing a return to third-tier football.

5th – Grimsby Town

Grimsby Town enjoyed a solid campaign last season, finishing ninth under David Artell, and the general feeling is more of the same could be on the cards. Artell has assembled a side that is tactically sound and tough to break down, with additions like Jamie Walker and Christy Pym offering quality in key areas.

However, in an increasingly competitive division, standing still can often feel like falling behind. Grimsby have a platform to build on, but whether they have enough to break into the top seven remains to be seen. For now, a repeat of last year seems realistic.

6th – Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood Town are rebuilding under Pete Wild, who earned a reputation for overachieving at Barrow. The move feels like a good fit, with Wild’s high-energy, organised style likely to bring a competitive edge to the Cod Army.

Losing captain Brendan Wiredu to Plymouth is a blow, but Wild has shown he can work with limited resources. Expectations are modest, but the right structure is forming. Fleetwood might not be favourites for promotion, but under Wild’s leadership, a strong push for the top half—and maybe beyond—is not out of the question.

7th – Gillingham

Gillingham fans are hoping this is the season where promise finally turns into progress. Gareth Ainsworth has been appointed to deliver just that, bringing his trademark grit and energy after a difficult spell with QPR and a short stint at Shrewsbury.

At Wycombe, Ainsworth proved he can build strong, overachieving squads, and the Gills will be hoping for a similar trajectory under his leadership. It won’t be easy on the eye, but if Ainsworth can get things right, Gillingham could become one of the toughest sides to play against in League Two.

8th – Walsall

Walsall’s collapse at the end of last season, which saw them fall from automatic promotion contention to a play-off final defeat, still lingers. Momentum has clearly taken a hit, and it remains to be seen how they respond.

The summer loss of Taylor Allen adds to the concern, and although they have quality in the squad, a hangover from last season’s disappointment seems inevitable. The Saddlers might stabilise eventually, but expectations have been dialled back. A mid-table campaign, rather than another promotion charge, appears the more likely outcome.

9th – Swindon Town

Swindon Town may have surprised many by appointing Ian Holloway, but the veteran boss sparked a revival last season that has raised expectations. From relegation trouble to outside play-off contenders, the transformation was swift and impressive.

With a full pre-season and time to shape the squad to his liking, Holloway now has the chance to build something more sustainable. Swindon’s recruitment looks sharp, and if Holloway can maintain momentum, the Robins could be a real force in League Two. They’re no longer just aiming to survive—they’re targeting promotion.

10th – Cambridge United

Cambridge United are another side aiming for an instant return to League One, and the return of Neil Harris gives them real hope. He’s back in the dugout alongside Mark Bonner, now Director of Football, forming a leadership team with proven credentials at the Abbey.

Harris has been handed a blank slate after a major squad overhaul and is shaping a side built on physicality, structure and resilience. It might not be the most attractive brand of football, but Cambridge will be hard to beat. With a solid base, they could make a serious push for the top seve

11th – Salford City

Salford City have entered a new era following a high-profile takeover involving David Beckham and Gary Neville, but early excitement hasn’t quite translated into big-name signings. Jorge Grant looks a smart addition from Hearts, but the transfer activity hasn’t yet matched the ambitious rhetoric.

Karl Robinson knows how to construct a competitive squad, but history shows he has often fallen short of the final step. Salford’s youthful squad will continue to improve, and a play-off challenge is certainly possible—but unless reinforcements arrive, they may fall just short again this season.

12th – Notts County

After falling short in last season’s play-offs, Notts County have opted for change, but their decision to appoint Martin Paterson has raised eyebrows. Paterson struggled during a short stint at Burton Albion, and his arrival has not inspired confidence among supporters.

There is still talent in the squad, with Jodi Jones and Alassana Jatta offering real attacking threat, but this feels like a risky experiment. County should still avoid the bottom half, but doubts over the new manager and missed opportunity to build on last season may result in a frustrating step backwards rather than a push for promotion.

13th – Bromley

Bromley defied expectations in their debut EFL campaign, finishing just four points off the play-offs under Andy Woodman. Now entering their second season at this level, maintaining that momentum will be a challenge.

Michael Cheek remains a crucial presence up front, and their defensive structure is well-drilled, but second-season syndrome is a real threat. With more clubs reinforcing heavily, Bromley might struggle to keep pace. Still, they’ve earned their respect and should have enough to steer clear of trouble—just don’t expect a repeat of last year’s near-miss.

14th – Crewe Alexandra

Crewe Alexandra faded badly at the end of last season, and little has been done over the summer to suggest a major turnaround is imminent. Lee Bell is a promising young coach, but he’ll need more support in the transfer market if Crewe are to push forward.

There are some interesting arrivals—Tommi O’Reilly on loan from Aston Villa stands out—but others feel more developmental than transformative. Without a significant goalscorer, it’s hard to see Crewe climbing the table. Another season of inconsistency and frustration seems on the cards at the Mornflake Stadium.

15th – Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere Rovers avoided the drop last season thanks to a timely turnaround under interim boss Andy Crosby, who has since been handed the role permanently. While he showed promise in that short spell, there are doubts about whether he can sustain that form across a full season.

The addition of Richie Smallwood, a proven leader and promotion-winner, is a positive, but beyond that, the summer recruitment feels underwhelming. Rovers may have enough to avoid relegation again, but it’s hard to make a compelling case for significant progress. A lower mid-table finish looks most likely.

16th – Barnet

Barnet return to the EFL after seven years away, having won the National League under the no-nonsense leadership of Dean Brennan. The Bees were outstanding last term and arrive in League Two with momentum and belief.
Brennan has built a reputation as an effective and pragmatic manager, and his team will be hard to beat.

Although a top-half finish may be beyond them this season, survival should be well within reach. Barnet are unlikely to light up the division, but they look well-equipped to stay up and lay the foundations for long-term growth in the Football League.

17th – Crawley Town

Crawley Town are aiming for a quick return to League One following last season’s relegation, and Scott Lindsey is back at the helm hoping to replicate his earlier success at the Broadfield Stadium. His spells at Swindon and MK Dons didn’t convince, but Crawley brings the best out of him.

A significant squad overhaul is under way, with several new arrivals offsetting high-profile departures like Will Swan and Armando Quitirna. It may take time for the team to gel, but if they do, Crawley could be dark horses. For now, a mid-table finish looks most likely.

18th – Barrow

Barrow showed great resilience last season, recovering from a rocky spell under Stephen Clemence thanks to the steady hand of Andy Whing. However, key departures such as Dean Spence, Kian Spence and Robbie Gotts have left noticeable gaps in the squad.

Whing has moved quickly to address that, bringing in the likes of Rakeem Harper, Tom Barkhuizen Charlie Raglan and Tyler Walker. While the new arrivals add depth, this campaign could be more about stability than chasing promotion. With a thinner squad and tough competition, simply keeping Barrow comfortably mid-table might be considered a success this time around.

19th – Oldham Athletic

Oldham Athletic are back in the Football League after edging Southend in a thrilling play-off final, but expectations are modest for their first season back. Micky Mellon brings EFL experience and should offer a steady hand during this period of transition.

Recruitment has been sensible rather than spectacular, and while Oldham look organised, they may find life tough against more battle-hardened League Two sides. Mellon will hope to build gradually rather than chase quick success. Safety is the target, and if they avoid a relegation fight, it will represent a solid return to League Two.

20th – Shrewsbury Town

Michael Appleton has taken on a big rebuild job at Shrewsbury Town following their drop to League Two, and while the former Lincoln and Blackpool boss still holds a strong reputation, this is a club needing direction.

There have been smart signings—Tom Anderson, Sam Clucas and Elyh Harrison all bring experience or pedigree—but the ownership situation remains unsettled, and expectations are modest. A promotion push looks a step too far right now. Appleton may stabilise the team and build something long-term, but this campaign could be about consolidation more than glory.

21st – Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town continue to defy expectations under long-serving manager Simon Weaver, consistently punching above their weight despite limited resources. With one of the smallest budgets in League Two, survival is always the primary aim—but Harrogate have become adept at achieving just that.

Losing Josh March to Crewe is a blow, yet the arrivals of Reece Smith, Shawn McCoulsky and Mason Bennett offer cause for optimism. Weaver knows how to mould competitive sides from overlooked talent. It won’t be easy, but Harrogate’s familiarity, organisation and spirit should be enough to secure another year in the EFL.

22nd – Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley narrowly avoided the drop last season, but there’s a sense the walls may finally be closing in. Ownership uncertainty and a lack of investment have left John Doolan with an uphill task as he prepares for the 2025/26 campaign.

While Stanley have often defied the odds, this time the warning signs feel more serious. Recruitment has been quiet, the squad is thin, and the rest of the league appears to be moving forward. Unless something changes quickly, this could be the year Accrington slip out of the EFL.

23rd – Newport County

Newport County narrowly avoided relegation last season, and it could be another tough year ahead. New boss David Hughes has been handed his first senior management role after working within the Manchester United academy, and the challenge ahead is enormous.

Although Newport have retained key players and boast a strong youth core, Hughes enters a brutal division that offers little time for adjustment. It’s a bold appointment, and while the long-term vision may appeal, the short-term reality could be grim. Newport look set for another relegation battle, with survival the only real objective.

24th – Cheltenham Town

Cheltenham Town are tipped by many to finish bottom of the league, and unfortunately, that’s a view we share. Michael Flynn has struggled in his last few jobs, and there’s little in this current squad to inspire confidence.

While a potential takeover by Mike Garlick could eventually change the picture, the here and now looks bleak. Additions like Robbie Cundy and Lee Angol don’t shift the dial, and morale seems low. If major reinforcements don’t arrive soon, the Robins could be heading straight for the National League.

Latest League Two Odds With Myriad Play

These are the latest League Two betting odds.

  • MK Dons – 3/1

  • Chesterfield – 13/2

  • Notts County – 14/1

  • Salford City – 14/1

  • Bristol Rovers – 14/1

  • Swindon – 14/1

  • Gillingham – 14/1

  • Walsall – 16/1

  • Barnet FC – 20/1

  • Cambridge Utd – 20/1

  • Colchester – 20/1

  • Crawley Town – 25/1

  • Grimsby – 25/1

  • Shrewsbury – 25/1

  • Crewe – 28/1

  • Barrow – 33/1

  • Tranmere – 33/1

  • Fleetwood Town – 33/1

  • Bromley – 50/1

  • Cheltenham – 50/1

  • Accrington Stanley – 66/1

  • Harrogate Town – 80/1

  • Newport County – 100/1

 

Gary Hutchinson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Real EFL, which he launched in 2018 to offer dedicated coverage of the English Football League. A writer for over 20 years, Gary has contributed to Sky Sports and the Lincolnshire Echo, while also authoring Suited and Booted. He also runs The Stacey West and possesses a background in iGaming content strategy and English football betting. Passionate about football journalism, Gary continues to develop The Real EFL into a key authority in the EFL space.

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