Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League One Fixture This Weekend
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Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League One Fixture This Weekend

Fantasy EFL: Team News and Key Stats for Every League One Fixture This Weekend

With the Championship put on hold this weekend as a result of September's international fixtures, attention turns to League's One and Two for EFL fantasy managers. There is just the eight league One games to focus on and we're sharing our top picks for all fantasy lovers. Four League One games have been postponed as a result of players on international duty. We'll take a look at what that means for this gameweek and where we think points are most likely up for grabs.

Amongst those absentees from League One this weekend are both league leaders Cardiff City who were due to face Burton at home as well as second placed Stevenage also scheduled to play at home against Barnsley as part of the 3pm kick-offs. The other fixtures not to be played are Blackpool vs Luton Town and Reading vs Northampton Town. This ruling only applies to these matches, as at least one of the teams in each fixture have had three or more players called-up to their respective countries who have started at least one competitive game this season. There has yet to be an announcement for the rescheduling of these matches.

Doncaster Rovers vs Bradford City

With current table toppers Cardiff not playing this weekend attention turns to Bradford who have the opportunity to go top for the first time this season with a win as they travel to Doncaster. The home side are just a point behind Bradford sitting in 5th position in the table with Bradford in 3rd just two points off top spot. Both teams have had strong starts to to this campaign after they achieved promotion together to League One last season. Doncaster were champions and Bradford achieved promotion through the play-offs defeating Fleetwood 1-0 at Wembley with a late penalty in dramatic fashion.

This Yorkshire derby is set to be an enthralling matchup with plenty of fantasy picks to consider for both sides. Starting with the home team, they have looked very solid this season particularly in the midfield with Owen Bailey and George Broadbent pulling the strings at the Eco-Power Stadium. Bailey has managed 4 goals already this season from central midfield.

They've got veteran Billy Sharp as well up top who has scored just once so far this season, quite a rarity for a player known for his prolific output in front of goal over his career. One of the stand out performers from last season, Luke Molyeux is unlikely to start the game after missing the last league match against Rotherham with a swollen ankle. It's difficult to overlook Bailey's impressive start to the season so he would be the top choice as our Rovers pick.

Visitors Bradford have had some very impressive wins already this season, beating Luton Town and Stockport as well as a win against Blackburn and Stoke City in the EFL Cup. The Bantams beat Grimsby Town during the week in the Football League Trophy 2-1 and now look to continue their fine league form.

The two inverted wingers, Sarvecic and Pointon have had a good start to the season managing 5 league goals, with the pairing being a seemingly good mix of youth and experience. Defender Joe Wright has had a solid season thus far racking up 30 fantasy points with a clean sheet earlier in the season and a goal last time out against Wimbeldon.

Their five at the back system has caused teams trouble in League One with Ibou Touray and Josh Neufville the preferred options down the flanks. Humphrys and Swann have been unable to nail down the starting striker spot in boss Graham Alexander's side despite both being amongst the goals this season.

It's unlikely that Doncaster will fail to find a goal in front of their home fans, however Bradford should have enough to get on the scoresheet themselves so an attacking options might be the best call for your fantasy picks. Youngster Bobby Pointon has impressed this season with 3 goals including one against Wimbledon last time out and he'd be our choice for Bradford.

Port Vale vs Leyton Orient

Port Vale have had a tricky start to life back in League One not managing a single win this season. Despite this poor form they haven't lost by more than a single goal in the league and actually putting the ball in the back of the net has been their downfall, failing to score in three of their six games so far this season. As for Leyton Orient they've had a tough start too. Currently sitting in 16th positon in the table, The O's have yet to get going this campaign after their tough run of fixtures.

It;s important for both teams to start building momentum if they can and string some much needed results together. Port Vale have brought in Devante Cole, son of Manchester United legend Andy Cole. The player joined on deadline day from West Brom. The striker has significant experience at this level scoring over 100 career goals including 36 for Barnsley the most at any club he's been at.

New goalkeeper Joe Gauci joined from Aston Villa on loan. Manchester City academy star Cameron Humphreys joined from Rotherham after his contract expired making over 50 Championship appearances in the process. Mo Faal has also joined on loan from Wrexham, but the striker has struggled to make an impact so far. With Devante Cole looking like he is going to make his debut at the weekend, The Valiants will be hoping that he gives them something to shout about.

As for Leyton Orient they too have been busy in the market after losing the play-off final to Charlton last season. Aaron Connolly signed from Millwall on a free transfer. The former Brighton man has managed just the one goal this season. Demetri Mitchell also joined from Exeter. The ex Man United academy graduate has only been used off the bench in every league game he has featured.

Their biggest signing was Dom Ballard in the final hours leading up to the closure of the transfer window. The 20-year-old made the switch to Brisbane Lane from Southampton after making four senior appearances and managing one goal. The O's will be hoping that the youngster can find some goalscoring form in League One this season as they have so far struggled in that regard.

It could well be the battle of the new strikers as Cole and Ballard met up with their new teammates at the beginning of the week. Ballard made his debut in the Football League trophy 3-1 win away to Peterborough. We'd recommend that fantasy managers steer clear of both these teams, but if your were to take a punt we would go with Devante Cole to score on his debut for his new club in front of the home fans.

Plymouth Argyle vs Stockport County

Plymouth have found it difficult this season following relegation from the Championship last term. They currently sit 21st in the league with the joint worst goal difference of -9. Their wretched form has put the pressure on manager Tom Cleverley to get results. After having a spell in charge of his former side Watford he was eventually sacked by the Hornets after a 14th placed finish in the Championship last season. He was appointed Plymouth manager in June, but the Argyle hierachys patience wears thin as the The Pilgrims ambition is to return to the second tier.

Stockport have had a better start to their second successive season at this level. Their 3rd place finish last season shocked many, after missing out on a chance of promotion in the semi-final to Leyton Orient on penalties. The O's have already caused upset for the Hatters again this season, salvaging a draw at home in the final minutes after being moments away from defeat at Brisbane Lane.

Argyle have had real difficulty under new manager Cleverley. They have one of the worst records in the league and after a pummelling against first placed Cardiff last month, the pressure mounts for the former Premier League star. Plymouth signed winger Owen Dale on loan from Oxford United on deadline day, a player that has over 250 appearances across the EFL and at still just 26 is entering his prime years.

They also brought in Port Vale's Tolaj after paying the £1.2m release clause in his contract. Tolaj was The Valiants topscorer in League Two last season netting 16 times, and was a central figure to helping them gain promotion back to League One. He scored a brace in Argyle's Football League trophy triumph against Cheltenham on Tuesday, his first goals for the club since joining.

A player that won't be available for selection is Xavier Amaechi who joined from Magdeburg this summer, as he suffered a serious hamstring injury in training keeping the 24-year-old attacker sidelined until the turn of the new year. Tolaj would be the likely choice for fantasy managers after his recent goals, but on current form The Devon side are really second favourites in this one.

Stockport have lost just once this season and have been a really tough outfit to face under Dave Challinor's leadership. The North West side have really impressed with Oliver Norwood playing an integral part in everything that the The Hatters have done this season, racking up 44 fantasy points to date, a very solid option to have. His partnership with Owen Moxon has flourished making them a real dificult proposition to face.

Striker Kyle Wooton has made 6 goals and assists combined in the league. The striker is going to be a key player in Stockport's promotion bid this season. New signings included Malik Mothersille, Peterborough's joint top-scorer last season. Defender Joseph Olowu also signed on a free transfer from Doncaster, as well as Korey O'keefe and Owen Dodgson who signed from Barnsley and Burnley, who have been utilised as wing-backs this season.

Players to have gone the other way include Nick Powell who joined league new boys Bradford and Tanto Olaofe who joined Charlton for £1.8m. Jack Diamond is another player to impress this season at Stockport with 2 goals and 1 assist from attacking midfield. Our top choice would be Oliver Norwood however, his consistency is the underlying factor for making him our best fantasy option.

Bolton Wanderers vs AFC Wimbeldon

Bolton have seemingly enjoyed a 1-1 draw this season, with their last four league matches ending in the scoreline. No strangers to a stalemate this season, The Trotters are hoping to push for a play-off place this time out. AFC Wimbledon returned to League One through the play-offs last season and have won three and lost three this campaign with their last outing a 5-1 home defeat to high flying Stevenage. They will be hoping their trip to the Toughsheet Community Stadium will have a better outcome.

The Trotters last league game was a draw with Blackpool. The signing's of deadline day duo, Cyrus Chrystie and Marcus Forss who made their debuts in the 1-0 win against Rotherham has been a real boost. Boss Schumacher stated after the match that they both possess 'championship quality' The pair are likely to feature in their clash with Wimbledon at the weekend.

New signing Thierry Gale scored, but also was red carded in the Football League Trophy win midweek, with the Bolton boss pleased it won't affect his selection in the league. They'll be without right back Jordi Osei-Tutu who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Forss could be a risk worth taking in EFL Fantasy this weekend. The former Middlesborough man will be hoping to make an impact on his league debut. Mason Burstow has also impressed with 3 goals this season since joining from Hull in the summer.

AFC Wimbeldon were unfortuante to lose out to Bradford 3-2 in their last league fixture. Matty Stevens impressed in setting up Marcus Browne for the opener, before getting The Dons second goal of the game shortly after half time. Browne has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival in January continuing his form following promotion. New goalkeeper Nathan Bishop joined from Sunderland and has kept 2 clean sheets so far this campaign.

The Dons signed Danilo Orsi from Burton Albion who spent the latter stage of last season on loan at MK Dons scoring 3 times from 18 appearances for the League Two side. He netted his first goal, a penalty against Stevenage in the EFL Trophy win, despite largely playing second fiddle to Stevens in the league. Top pick for fantasy is the man leading the line, Matty Stevens 4 goals in 6 games he's a danger to any defence he comes up against.

Rotherham United vs Exeter City

Rotherham managed a 13th placed finsh last season and are looking to break into the top half under manager Matt Hamshaw, following a successful stint as caretaker manager last April. Just the One win from six games they'll be hoping The Grecians visit to South Yorkshire will result in a win. Exeter have made a slightly better start to this League One campaign, beating bottom of the league Peterborough 3-0 in a comfortable victory last time out.

Rotherham have lost new signing Martin Sherif through injury after the young striker on loan from Everton sustained a hamstring strain against Doncaster and is a doubt for the weekend. He scored on his debut in their 2-2 draw at home against Wigan.

Boss Hamshaw made significant changes in the defeat to Bolton on Tuesday and was disappointed by the performance of some of the group, adding 'I asked the players to make a claim for selection on Saturday. Some have and some haven't' Jordan Hugill is the only fit senior striker in the squad, with Sam Nombe and Josh Kayode also out, and is set to start against Exeter. The Millers may look to change formation to play with a single striker in reaction to their lack of fire power up front.

Exeter's Sil Swinkels is still a doubt after missing the last two games since hobbling off against Wycombe. The Aston Villa loanee had a bright start in the opening four games for The Grecians and has been a miss for Gary Caldwell's side. Defensive rock Jack Fitzwater has performed well for Fantasy managers picking up two clean sheets. Striking duo Josh Magennis and Jayden Wareham have five league goals between them also. They accquired the services of Carlos Gomes on deadline day. The 26-year-old winger signed on loan from Bolton and will bring lots of pace to the team this season.

Lincoln City vs Wigan Athletic

With just three points separating the two sides leading up to the fixture it promises to be an eye catching game. Lincoln are unbeaten in their last four league games, but will be without defensive summer signing Sonny Bradley who scored and then picked up a red card against Mansfield in their 1-1 draw last weekend.

Wigan are winless in their last three league matches after playing Stockport twice in the space of five days at the back end of August. They beat The Hatters in the second round of the EFL Cup at The Brick Community Stadium before a repeat of the fixture in the league resulted in a 1-1 draw.

In a week that saw The Imps add racing car driver Jay Harvey to their ownership team, they are coming off the back of a 3-0 win against Notts County at home in the Football League Trophy. With Bradley suspended it is likley Adam Jackson will come in to the starting squad. Ryan Towler who signed for a reported £500k from Portsmouth has been predoinatly used as a left back this season, could also play in the centre of defence. The clubs player of the season and club Captain Tendayi Dariwaka has made a strong start to this campaign with two clean sheets and striker James Collins has scored twice and made one assist to date.

Wigan signed the Wrexham cult hero Paul Mullin on loan earlier in the summer has featured in all six of the Latics League One games coming on as a substitute in five of those. He scored his only league goal of the season against Rotherham. Fraser Murray who joined from Kilmarrnock in the summer, had a bright start to life in the north west, netting twice on his debut on the opening day of the campaign against Northampton. Since then though, The Scottish winger has been a bit quieter in front of goal.

Wigan are still without James Carragher, son of Liverpool legend Jamie, after he was forced to come off with a knee injury away to Leyton Orient last month. The Malta international had successful surgery on his knee and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Attacking midfielder Callum Wright of Wigan is a top choice for fantasy lovers, averaging six points per game since his arrival on loan from Plymouth, with James Collins, The imps' tallisman the best bet for the home side.

Wycombe Wanderers vs Mansfield Town

Wycombe have had an underwhelming start to League One this term. After finishing 5th and making the play-offs last season, they're winless after matchday six. Just two points on the board for The Chairboys, they will be hoping their home tie with Mansfield will be where their fortunes take a drastic turn. Mansfield are currently in 10th position and are unbeaten in their last four games.

Mike Dodds who steered Wycombe to the play-offs last season was appointed in February and has recently come under scrutiny following their poor results this season. Three players that started the first leg of the play off semi-final against Charlton in May departed on deadline day, including Gareth Mccleary who returned to Gillingham. Jack Reach joined Lincoln City and Dominic Udoh made the switch to Salford.

Irishman Jamie Mullins from Brighton would be our fantasy pick. The midfielder has been a bright spark in other wise a struggling side. Despite Josh Scowen who has an ACL injury keeping him out for the remainder of the season, Dodds has a full strength squad available including new arrivals, Sam Bell, Niall Higgins and Cauley Woodrow all on loan.

Nottingham Forest loanee Jamie Mcdonnell joined Mansfield this summer and he has made a bright start to his time with The Stags being at the forefront of a 2-0 home win over Blackpool last month. A Man of the Match performance seeing him score 2 goals in the process instantly made him loved by the fanbase at Field Mill. He would have to be our Mansfield top pick for fantasy managers this week. Midfielder Regan Hendry is a doubt after sustaining a knee injury in their last league fixture against Lincoln. That means it is likely that Nathan Moriah-Welsh will be granted his second start since joining from Hibernian this summer.

Huddersfield Town vs Peterborough United

Huddersfield managed a 10th placed finish last season, which was disappointing for The Terriers fans following their relegation in the 2023/24 season from the Championship. The former Premier League side have had a bright start since the opening weekend with four cleans sheets kept so far this season. This record is the second best in the division behind Cardiff. Peterborough on the other hand have one of the worst defensive records, conceding 11 goals and are bottom of the league with just a single point on the board.

Huddersfield are hot favourites in this game. They will however be without goalkeeper Owen Goodman, on loan from Crystal Palace as he was sent off after he collided with Barnsley's David Mcgoldrick with a high boot last weekend. The mistake from the man between the sticks ultimately played a big part in the 3-1 loss to The Tykes. Second choice keeper Lee Nicholls is expected to start.

A debut could be on the cards for exciting attacking midfielder Leo Casteldine on loan from Chelsea. Top fantasy choices would be Joe Low or Ruben Roosken, as defensive options are likely to gain top points as their opponents Peterborough have scored just two goals all season.

Peterborough's fans have had little to shout about this season. Posh signed talented youngster Harry Leonard from Blackburn on deadline day and it is likely he will feature on Saturday. The young striker scored 5 goals in 32 appearances for Blackburn in his championship despite many of those from the bench. Jacob Mendy has also been signed on loan from Wrexham for the season. The wing back was a massive part of Wrexham's League Two campaign before struggling for game time last season.

After controversey surrounded midfielder Archie Collins after the English midfielder refused to sign a new contract this summer, results on the pitch have left Posh fans scratching their heads. Collins who has remained at the club despite links with a move away, will see out the final year of his contract as he is currently still part of Darren Ferguson's plans for the season ahead. We'd steer clear of Posh players this weekend in fantasy, who are in desperate need of a spark from somewhere.

That concludes the League One fixtures preview and EFL fantasy tips for matchday seven. Can Bradford go top provisionally and will Peterborough's woeful start to the season continue. All the games are to be played this Sat 6th Sep in what is set to be another encapsulating weekend of League One action.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Theo Nicholson

Writer

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