League One

League 1 Predictions 2026/27: Best Bets Across Third Tier On Opening Weekend

1 hour ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

The 2026/27 League 1 season kicks off this weekend, so William Hill News took a look at the headline fixtures.

Leicester City hog the League One odds spotlight as former Premier League winners but they are now facing action in the third tier. Even so, plenty of other teams fancy their chances of gaining promotion up to the Championship.

Here’s my analysis of this weekend’s League 1 action, featuring my considered score predictions to assist your football betting.

Oxford United v MK Dons

Kick-off: 12.30pm
Kassam Stadium

Oxford United preview

Final position 2025/26: 22nd in the Championship

Relegated by a four-point margin. First team head coach Matt Bloomfield was dismissed on 20th June. The 35-year-old former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey was named as his successor three days later. Oxford United have been under a temporary embargo preventing the registration of new players due to not meeting EFL Salary Cost Management Protocol regulations. Additionally, Ramsey confirmed on Wednesday that his playing days are firmly behind him so he won’t be pulling on a yellow shirt.

MK Dons preview

Final position 2025/26: 2nd in League Two

Last year’s League Two title favourites MK Dons eventually clinched promotion comfortably with a five point buffer to fourth place. With their 30,000-capacity stadium designed for a higher standard of football, the Dons will look to kick on again this season.

Score prediction: Dons delight 2-1.

Barnsley v Bromley

Kick-off: 3pm
Oakwell

Barnsley preview

Final position 2025/26: 15th

Barnsley are boosted by the news that Daniel Stendel returned to become first team head coach at Oakwell on 12th May.

Bromley preview

Final position 2025/26: 1st in League Two

Worthy winners of the League Two crown. Bromley are appearing at the highest level in their club’s entire history dating to formation in 1892. However, boss Andy Woodman is not resting on his laurels and ambitiously said: “I believe we can make the League One Play-Offs.”

Score prediction: Barnsley bang on the money 1-0.

Huddersfield Town v AFC Wimbledon

Kick-off: 3pm
Accu Stadium

Huddersfield Town preview

Final position 2025/26: 9th

Eight points short of the Play-Offs last time out. Wednesday 27th May saw Martin Drury appointed first team head coach. Then midfield man Archie Collins penned a two year contract on Thursday morning. He was a free agent after departing Peterborough United earlier in the summer.

AFC Wimbledon preview

Final position 2025/26: 19th

Wimbledon avoided relegation by four points despite losing nine of their concluding 11 games.

Score prediction: Terriers terrific 4-2

Leyton Orient v Sheffield Wednesday

Kick-off: 3pm
Brisbane Road

Leyton Orient preview

Final position 2025/26: 20th

The O’s cemented League One status on the final day drawing 2-2 at home to Burton Albion. Dom Ballard’s 23 goals throughout 2025/26 led to him signing for Bristol City in a reported £5 million transfer. But the O’s replaced him last week in buying Jaze Kabia from Grimsby Town for an undisclosed club record transfer fee.

Sheffield Wednesday preview

Final position 2025/26: 24th in the Championship

Wednesday supporters stayed fiercely loyal throughout a traumatic Championship season finishing rock bottom on 0 (zero) points due to 18 points deducted for financial reasons. Nevertheless, new owners are now in place signalling a fresh start for the Hillsborough men. Fans’ favourite midfielder Barry Bannan has returned from Millwall whilst a really positive statement of intent from Wednesday is the recruitment of Aston Villa forward Louie Barry for an undisclosed fee on a four year contact.

Score prediction: Wednesday win 2-0

Plymouth Argyle v Stockport County

Kick-off: 3pm
Home Park

Plymouth Argyle preview

Final position 2025/26: 8th

Argyle ended the campaign amassing six unbeaten games, but missed out on Play-Off qualification by two points. Star striker Lorent Tolaj netted 22 goals last season but has since made the £4 million switch to Bristol City. Argyle already possess a feather in their 2026/27 cap having beaten Devon deadly rivals Exeter City 2-0 in the Carabao Cup at Home Park on Monday night thanks to two late stoppage time goals.

Stockport County preview

Final position 2025/26: 3rd

Disappointed to lose 4-1 against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium in the League One Play-Off Final. On 5th June, Jimmy McNulty took over head coach duties after County “mutually agreed to part ways” with Dave Challinor. Stockport signed defender Tom Wilson-Brown from Leicester City on Tuesday.

Score prediction: Rousing 3-3.