I must start the article with a disclaimer. Yeovil haven’t played in League One since 2015, so my knowledge of the League will be minimal. Every year there seems to be a huge club that was once of the Premier League, slipping in to the league and it isn’t any difference this time round.
The intrigue of League One and the rest of the EFL is that literally any team can cause a shock and get promoted/relegated and in the grand scheme of things, it would be just one of many to occur in the EFL over the past decade or so. In the preview I will be selecting my promoted teams, play off contenders and unfortunate relegated sides, so let’s get straight into it.
Top of the league- Ipswich
Ipswich were one of the teams I was eluding to in the introduction. They have been a comfortable Championship side for many years and were a force in the top flight when Russell Osman and Terry Butcher were paired at the back. These days they haven’t endured much success but with a relegation to the third tier, those days could be back soon. The experience of Alan Judge providing goals for the strikers will be a successful combination for sure next season.
Second- Sunderland
The fall of Sunderland has been dramatic and sad to see, even for other football fans (Newcastle aside). Now they have managed to get some big earners off the pay roll, the team can become more balanced and together than last season. They have many young players in the ranks, one of which being Duncan Watmore. The winger was likened to Gareth Bale by former team mate Jermaine Defoe and if he can live up to that praise he should tear League One apart.
Play Offs-
Portsmouth– Kenny Jackett has done a decent job at Portsmouth but him and the fans will we wanting Pompey to make a real push for Championship football next season.
Rotherham– Similarly, Paul Warne has done a solid service to Rotherham and I think he will have a very good shout in taking them straight back up to the Championship.
Doncaster– Their top man last season, John Marquis has just made a move to Pompey but it is another former player who will help them this season. Darren Moore has taken over and has proven he can more than manage at a good standard
Blackpool– They are finally free of their dreadful owner and the back of the Oystons will be what they need to push on, both on and off the pitch. A good season ahead for the Tangerines.
The teams likely to miss out could be the likes of Peterborough and Coventry. Lincoln also have a chance under Danny Cowley who has worked wonders for them over the years.
Bottom of the league- Bury
Need I say more? They have already been given a points deduction and that may not be the end of it. They are losing players left, right and centre and have also lost their man on the touchline. It would be a miracle if they stayed up and if Paul Wilkinson does it he should be given a knighthood.
Second bottom- Tranmere
Recently promoted Tranmere haven’t been in League One for a few seasons now, but now they’ve finally returned it will be a struggle to stay there. The focal point of their goals for some seasons now has been James Norwood but his move to my predicted Champions Ipswich, will mean the goals will dry up at Prenton Park
Third bottom- Rochdale
Rochdale have seemingly been fighting the drop in League One forever, but this season I think they can’t go on any longer. Talisman Ian Henderson is only getting older and the Spotland faithful will be biting their nails for another campaign. I hope they prove me wrong as I actually quite like the club and you never know in football.
Fourth bottom- Bolton
Another terrible owner who has ruined the club. Bolton are another team who will be in a fight to beat the drop. They do have a couple of decent players in the rank but for how much longer no one knows. Erhun Oztumer and Josh Magennis have both had brilliant seasons in League One in the past so if those two can fire then they may be just safe.
Top Scorer- John Marquis
Marquis scored 22 goals last season in a Doncaster side which is worse than this season’s Portsmouth side. Meaning the forward should scored more than he did last campaign as long as he can settle in quickly at Fratton Park. He is still only 27 years old so he will just at his peak, so I fully expect him to reach the 25 goal mark barring any injuries.
Full table-
- Ipswich
- Sunderland
- Portsmouth
- Rotherham
- Doncaster
- Blackpool
- Peterborough
- Coventry
- Lincoln
- Burton
- Shrewsbury
- Fleetwood
- MK Dons
- Bristol Rovers
- Accrington
- Oxford
- Gillingham
- Wycombe
- Southend
- AFC Wimbledon
- Bolton
- Rochdale
- Tranmere
- Bury
For the love of the game 