Football
EFL Fixtures Released: Opening Weekend Highlights Across League 1 & League 2
GREAT excitement unfolded as our EFL League One and League Two fixtures for 2026/27 were released at 12 noon on Thursday and William Hill News look at some of the key matchups.
Leicester City hog the League One odds spotlight being former Premier League winners but imminently facing action in the third tier.
There is also plenty of League Two betting interest surrounding Rochdale and York City – both returning to the EFL having gained promotion from the National League
Here is my analysis of the stand-out opening weekend encounters to assist your football betting…
EFL LEAGUE ONE
Notts County v Leicester City
Notts County preview
- Final position 2025/26: 5th in League Two
An appetising East Midlands derby between clubs who were two divisions apart last season. Notts convincingly beat Salford City 3-0 in the League Two Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
Leicester City preview
- Final position 2025/26: 23rd in the Championship
The Foxes were Premier League champions just 10 years ago yet have presently suffered back-to-back relegations. Russell Martin was named first team manager on 15th June.
Oxford United v MK Dons
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 this week. The former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is his successor.
MK Dons preview
- Final position 2025/26: 2nd in League Two
Last year’s title favourites MK Dons eventually clinched promotion comfortably via a five point buffer on fourth place.
Barnsley v Bromley
Barnsley preview
- Final position 2025/26: 15th
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 which dates to 1892.
Huddersfield Town v AFC Wimbledon
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.
AFC Wimbledon preview
- Final position 2025/26: 19th
Wimbledon avoided relegation by four points despite losing nine of their concluding 11 games.
Leyton Orient v Sheffield Wednesday
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.
Sheffield Wednesday preview
- Final position 2025/26: 24th in the Championship
Wednesday supporters stayed loyal throughout a traumatic Championship season where they finished on 0 (zero) points due to 18 points deducted for financial reasons. However, new owners are now in place so it is a fresh start for the Hillsborough men.
Plymouth Argyle v Stockport County
Plymouth Argyle preview
- Final position 2025/26: 8th
Argyle ended the campaign amassing six unbeaten games missing out on Play-Off qualification by two points.
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. Then on 5th June, Jimmy McNulty took over head coach duties after County “mutually agreed to part ways” with Dave Challinor.
EFL LEAGUE TWO
York City v Bristol Rovers
York City preview
- Final position 2025/26: 1st in the National League
York clinched the National League title by drawing 1-1 away to promotion rivals Rochdale on a dramatic final day of 2025/26. Accordingly, the Minstermen rejoin EFL membership thereby ceasing a 10 year absence.
Bristol Rovers preview
- Final position 2025/26: 14th
Rovers’ final 14 fixtures brought 11 wins, two draws and one defeat.
Newport County v Rochdale
Newport County preview
- Final position 2025/26: 20th
Three wins amid their last four games sealed EFL survival and a four point cushion over the bottom two sides.
Rochdale preview
- Final position 2025/26: 2nd in the National League
I was at Wembley Stadium to witness the National League Promotion Final. Rochdale toppled Boreham Wood 3-1 on penalties following an exciting 2-2 draw.
It propelled Dale back to League Two terminating three years away. Head coach Jimmy McNulty departed to join Stockport County on 5th June though and was replaced by Ian Watson five days later.
Barnet v Salford City
Barnet preview
- Final position 2025/26: 8th
A nine match unbeaten run (seven wins, two draws) at the season’s end meant Barnet ascended to within two points of the Play-Offs.
Salford City preview
- Final position 2025/26: 4th
Comprehensively defeated 3-0 by Notts County in the League Two Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium. Even so, I was surprised when Karl Robinson subsequently left his head coach position. Peter Cklamovski filled the vacancy on 18th June.
