Kick-off the Season: EFL League One Previews, Analysis, and Predictions

With the current League One season set to kick off on Friday evening, fans of the English third tier will be biting their nails anticipating the highs and lows of the division.

This week, 2024/25 begins! 😍#EFL pic.twitter.com/NtrcLSOvTv

— EFL (@EFL) August 5, 2024

The new boys in the division are as follows: Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham all join the division following relegation from the Championship. While the promoted sides from League Two are Stockport County, Mansfield Town, Wrexham and Crawley Town.

When does the EFL League One season start?

The new EFL League One season commences at 20:00 on Friday, August 9th.

Barnsley host new boys Mansfield Town at Oakwell Stadium, the match is available on Sky Sports.

League One opening fixtures & where to watch them

Friday, August 9th

Barnsley vs Mansfield Town (20:00 - Sky Sports)

Saturday, August 10th

Birmingham City vs Reading (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Bristol Rovers vs Mansfield Town (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Burton Albion vs Lincoln City (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Crawley Town vs Blackpool (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Exeter City vs Rotherham United (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Leyton Orient vs Bolton Wanderers (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Peterborough United vs Huddersfield Town (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Stoke City vs Coventry City (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Stevenage vs Shrewsbury Town (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Stockport County vs Cambridge United (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Wigan Athletic vs Charlton Athletic (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Wrexham vs Wycombe Wanderers (17:30 - Sky Sports)

Who will win the EFL League One?

To no one’s surprise, Birmingham City are favourites to win League One this season. Before the baffling dismissal of John Eustace, the Blues were very competitive in the Championship last season, and they’ll be bitterly disappointed to have been relegated in the first place.

Despite the lows of relegation, Birmingham fans will be optimistic about the upcoming season. Their hierarchy have been on a hell of a spending spree, which doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon. They’ve added quality additions like Thor, Hansson and Klarer; as well as the recent addition of Luke Harris on loan from Fulham.

As a fan of a promotion rival, it pains me to admit it, but Birmingham’s outfield transfers so far have been simply outstanding.

- Alfie May
- Emil Hansson
- Alex Cochrane
- Thor Willumsson
- Christoph Klarer (soon)

Ridiculous money but bringing ridiculous quality. Scary stuff. pic.twitter.com/FMsrH1Rxlh

— Joel (@joelgraingerr) July 19, 2024

I think the established goal threat in Alfie May will be enough to see Birmingham, at odds of 11/4, lift the title.

In terms of other options, Bolton at 12/4 looked very strong last season, and could definitely build on a campaign in which they were unfortunate to not be promoted. However, I’m not so sure anyone will be able to pip Birmingham to the title.

We’ve got a tip on Birmingham to win the division, so to find out more click the graphic below.

Who will be the EFL League One top scorer?

Again, it’s difficult to look past Birmingham in this category. The aforementioned Alfie May is all but certain to pick up the accolade.

Before his €915k arrival in the midlands, May had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the division. The former Charlton man has scored 43 goals across his last two League One seasons.

The centre-forward has already been in fine form in pre-season for the Blues, he bagged in an impressive win over Scottish giants Rangers in a friendly.

Birmingham City’s 2nd goal vs Rangers this evening at St Andrews

Ethan Laird gets to the byline pulls the ball back to new striker Alfie May and slots it past the goalkeeper #BCFC #KRO #EFL pic.twitter.com/JYWr0V5Hil

— English 3rd Tier (@3rdTierEFL) July 24, 2024

Johnson Clarke-Harris, Dion Charles and Paul Mullin are all also established goalscorers. I just think that Birmingham’s expected dominance will set Alfie May apart from the competition.

We’ve also got a tip on Alfie May to finish top goalscorer in the division, so you can find out more by clicking the graphic below.

Who will be the key players in the EFL League One?

There is a huge crop of players who could stand out in England’s third tier this season, admittedly a lot of them from Birmingham City. We’ve spoken about Alfie May, and should the Blues manage to keep hold of Jordan James, I think he’s nicely poised to have a fantastic season.

Outside of the title favourites, I’d expect Hungary international Callum Styles to demonstrate why he’s a regular for his nation and why he previously gathered interest from Premier League sides. As Barnsley look to steady a sinking ship, they’ll be looking to Styles to step up and lead by example.

Liverpool loanee Calvin Ramsay will want to make an impact at Wigan Athletic. The Scot signed for Liverpool from Aberdeen when they allowed Neco Williams to join Nottingham Forest permanently, however his position in the side has dwindled since the breakthrough of Connor Bradley. Wigan have already got a reputation for developing budding right-backs, with Reece James enjoying a highly beneficial loan at the club a few years ago.