League Two / 1-24 Predictions

Hi everyone, I've studied form from last season, any changes off the pitch and most importantly, the transfer activity of each of the clubs.

This could be miles off but could also be correct, so let me know what you think of my 1-24 predictions for League Two.

1. MK Dons

After finishing 19th last campaign, MK Dons look rejuvenated under Paul Warne, whose proven EFL pedigree should reignite ambitions. Key summer signings - like Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Aaron Collins from Bolton Wanderers, and forward Callum Patterson on a free from Sheffield Wednesday - bring Championship and League One know-how. That mix of leadership and fresh impetus is exactly what Dons need to push into the automatic places.

2. Chesterfield

Chesterfield have quietly assembled a standout squad, headlined by the sensational Dilan Markanday who left Blackburn this summer when his contract expired. He lit it up with Leyton Orient last term and looks destined to dominate. Under Paul Cook, who delivered a playoff finish last season, they could go one better in 2025–26—backed by both quality and experience.

Dilan Markanday is one to watch this season.

3. Bristol Rovers

I fancy Rovers to finish exactly where the bookies fancy them in third. With players like Josh McEachran running things from the centre of the park, they carry plenty of quality for this league. Manager Daryl Clarke brings solidity and consistency - exactly the blend Rovers need to challenge at the top end.

4. Colchester United

The arrival of the Cowley brothers mid‑January sparked a surge, yielding a remarkable 40 points from 24 matches - a form rate worthy of promotion form. Now with that momentum all season long, they’ve got the tactical flexibility and drive to reach the play-offs.

5. Barnet

The Bees arrive with confidence as proven goalscorers from the National League - firepower that’s carried them into League Two. Their momentum and ability to find the net make them a real threat early in the season, and once they settle, expect them to push hard towards the automatic spots, just falling short and ending in the play offs.

6. Swindon Town

Swindon closed last term strongly and continued smart recruitment through the summer. Connor Ripley coming back between the sticks fixes last season’s early goalkeeper woes, while Jake Tabor offers incredible lower-league goalscoring potential. Ian Holloway’s experience could galvanise an upper-half push, assuming no shock departures such as Harry Smith.

7. Walsall

A mixed bag last season under manager Mat Sadler, but after a poor end to the season it's crucial they begin well or there could be a new manager in the dugout pretty early. However their play off games did show some fighting spirit but I expect an overall slight drop off from their performance last season.

8. Salford City

Karl Robinson is a manager I really rate - he’s got a good track record of developing attacking teams, and I think he’ll be eyeing a bigger job if he can get Salford moving. With Cole Stockton and Matty Young still around, they’ve got a goal threat and a solid goalkeeper, but Hakeeb Adelakun’s departure leaves a creative hole. A couple more signings and they could break into the top seven—but for now, just short.

9. Fleetwood Town

I’m expecting a decent season from Fleetwood under Pete Wild—he’s organised, demands a lot from his sides, and usually gets it. The signings of Ched Evans and James Norwood add massive experience and goals. If Evans stays fit, he could hit 15+ this season. Slight lack of depth in midfield, but they’ll be dangerous.

10. Oldham Athletic

Promotion from the National League has given Micky Mellon the momentum he knows how to build on - he’s got a history of taking sides up and stabilising. They’ve kept most of the promotion squad together and should be competitive. Might lack the flair of some other sides, but solid enough for a top-half finish.

11. Grimsby Town

Kept the core of last season’s squad, which will help them settle quickly. Signing Zak Gilsenan, who had youth spells at Liverpool, Barcelona, and Blackburn, is one to keep an eye on if he can stay fit. David Artell is reliable at this level and should guide them to a steady season.

12. Tranmere Rovers

They've done smart business. Richie Smallwood brings real steel and experience in midfield, and the squad refresh seems to have gone well. Ended last season strongly, and if the form carries over, they should have no worries mid-table.

13. Crawley Town

Bit of an enigma. They've made some eye-catching signings including the wildcard that is Harry McKirdy, who could either win you a game or vanish. The big plus is Scott Lindsay returning - he knows the club, the fans, and what’s needed.

14. Bromley

I really like what Andy Woodman is doing. Might not excite, but they’ll pick up points. A bad injury to former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson in pre-season does leave them even shorter on depth, so more recruits needed.

15. Notts County

Hard to look past how much of a loss David McGoldrick is. He carried them at times. Martin Paterson hasn’t convinced many, and I think pressure could mount quickly. A poor start, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s gone by November.

16. Gillingham

With Sam Vokes and Bradley Dack, you’d expect a bit more on paper - but Gareth Ainsworth’s pragmatic style won’t bring goals galore. They'll make it tough for teams, probably nick a few 1–0s, but unlikely to threaten the top half.

17. Barrow

Always seem to get written off but they hang in there. I’m hoping this is finally the season we see Rakeem Harper show his class - he was highly rated at West Brom for a reason. Overall, I like the squad and think they’ll be just fine.

18. Cambridge United

Neil Harris is better than the squad he’s got - simple as that. He’ll squeeze everything out of them, but without more depth and creativity, they won’t push on. Mid-table would be an achievement based on what they’ve got right now.

19. Crewe Alexandra

Still feels like a club in limbo. Lee Bell underwhelmed last season and there’s pressure from fans. I don’t think he’ll last too long, but the squad has just enough to stay out of serious trouble. A new boss mid-season might help them kick on.

20. Accrington Stanley

Massive red flags around the club. Couldn’t even field a side for a friendly with Clitheroe, and with Andy Holt still looking to sell, things feel unstable. The squad’s not the worst, but off-field issues could drag them down.

21. Shrewsbury Town

Hanging on by a thread. Still no takeover confirmed, and Michael Appleton is stuck trying to build a side with uncertainty everywhere. They should scrape enough points to stay up, but only just. If the takeover goes through early, they might surprise - but don’t count on it.

22. Harrogate Town

They’re in trouble. Finished 18th last year and haven’t recruited well. The squad looks thin, the defence hasn’t been strengthened enough, and there’s a real lack of goals. Feels like a relegation fight from day one.

23. Newport County

The Ben Lloyd loan from Swansea continues their Welsh talent line, but David Hughes is untested as a manager. Against some top operators in this league, I think he’ll struggle. Without a strong start, they could find themselves cut adrift.

24. Cheltenham Town

I’ve got Cheltenham propping up the table. They’ve lost a lot of quality from a mid-table side and not replaced it well. James Wilson’s arrival might bring leadership, but fans of his former clubs weren’t too sad to see him go. Even Michael Flynn admits it’s been a tough summer - and I reckon it’s about to get tougher.