THERE were some fascinating results on the opening day of our EFL League One season and Tony Incenzo previews Saturday’s action in the third tier of the Football League.
Eight teams enjoyed winning starts to boost their League One betting odds for the 2026/27 campaign. By contrast, those sides which suffered disappointing scorelines will look to improve heading into the second round of fixtures.
These are the upcoming pairings I am anticipating most alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Doncaster Rovers v Barnsley Prediction
Doncaster Rovers preview – An all-South Yorkshire affair between two winless sides based 17 miles apart as the crow flies. Rovers will aim to recover quickly from their 2-1 reverse at Mansfield Town.
Barnsley preview – Returning first team head coach Daniel Stendel began with a 1-0 home setback versus newly promoted Bromley. Meanwhile, defender Mael de Gevigney transferred to Danish side Silkeborg IF on Tuesday morning for an undisclosed fee.
Score prediction: Barnsley recover 2-1.
Luton Town v Notts County Prediction
Luton Town preview – I absolutely relished watching the action packed highlights of Luton’s exhilarating 4-3 triumph at Reading. The Hatters trailed 3-1 after 38 minutes but battled back courageously to deliver three second half goals.
There were scenes of unbridled excitement once Gideon Kodua smashed a dramatic 97th minute winner. One television commentator breathlessly gushed: “Oh to be in the away end right now!”
Notts County preview – After claiming promotion in the League Two Play-Offs, Notts went toe to toe with highly fancied visitors Leicester City last Saturday. Connor Grant earned the Magpies a point by scoring nine minutes before the final whistle to cement a 1-1 draw.
Score prediction: Another roller coaster 4-4.
Leicester City v Burton Albion Prediction
Leicester City preview – Nursing back-to-back relegations so the Foxes were fairly content with the aforementioned 1-1 scoreline away to Notts County.
However, new first team manager Russell Martin has hinted that player departures are imminent as he streamlines his squad. I feel defender Wout Faes and winger Stephy Mavididi could be on their way out really soon.
Burton Albion preview – Held 1-1 at home by Stevenage who equalised through Olly Sanderson in stoppage time at the very end.
Score prediction: Foxes faultless 3-0.
MK Dons v Huddersfield Town Prediction
MK Dons preview – Having gained promotion, Dons can be satisfied in drawing 2-2 at Oxford United despite conceding five minutes into late stoppage time when Ciaron Brown struck for the home team.
Huddersfield Town preview – Top of the fledgling League One table after one game. New first team head coach Martin Drury oversaw the 3-0 home cruise past AFC Wimbledon.
Score prediction: Huddersfield hallelujah 4-2.
Stockport County v Blackpool Prediction
Stockport County preview – The 560 mile round trip to Plymouth Argyle brought County a 3-1 maximum pointer under new head coach Jimmy McNulty.
Then on Tuesday morning, Stockport recruited 21 year old Manchester United wide man Ethan Ennis for an undisclosed fee.
Blackpool preview – The 77th minute equaliser by substitute Finley Munroe sealed a point in their 1-1 home encounter against Wycombe Wanderers.
Score prediction: County cruise control 2-1.
Bromley v Cambridge United Prediction
Bromley preview – Our worthy EFL League Two champions approach a first home game appearing at the highest level in their club’s entire history dating to formation in 1892.
I visited The CopperJax Community Stadium in pre-season and noticed how Bromley were expanding the designated section for away supporters. They’ve made a promising introduction to life in this division too edging a 1-0 success up at Barnsley.
Cambridge United preview – Following dramatic League Two promotion on the final day of 2025/26, the U’s won 3-2 at home to Wigan Athletic last Saturday.
Score prediction: Unattractive 0-0.
Rest of Saturday’s League One Score Predictions:
- AFC Wimbledon v Reading: 2-2
- Peterborough United v Mansfield Town: 1-0
- Stevenage v Oxford United: 2-1
- Wigan Athletic v Leyton Orient: 1-2
- Wycombe Wanderers v Plymouth Argyle: 2-0
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
