League One Predictions

Weekly League One Betting Tips

Below you’ll find our weekly League 1 tips across the most important football betting markets, including Correct Score, BTTS, Over/Under 1.5 Goals, Total Shots on Target, and Match Result.

League 1 Betting Tips

Match	Betting tips
LincolnStevenage18/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
BurtonPeterborough18/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
WiganPort Vale18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
StockportExeter18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 3-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 9.5 Match Result: Home Win
RotherhamLeyton Orient18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
PlymouthAFC Wimbledon18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-2 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 9.5 Match Result: Draw
LutonMansfield18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
DoncasterNorthampton18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
CardiffReading18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
BradfordBarnsley18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
BlackpoolWycombe18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
ReadingNorthampton21/10/2025, 20:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
ExeterPlymouth23/10/2025, 20:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
MansfieldWigan25/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
BoltonCardiff25/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
WycombeHuddersfield25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
StevenageBradford25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
ReadingDoncaster25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
PeterboroughBlackpool25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-2 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 9.5 Match Result: Draw
NorthamptonLuton25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
Leyton OrientLincoln25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
BarnsleyRotherham25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
AFC WimbledonBurton25/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
Port ValeStockport County27/10/2025, 20:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw

League One Outrights Tips for 2025/2026 season

Outright betting in League One centres on season-long predictions such as which club will win the title, secure automatic promotion, qualify for the play-offs, or be relegated, rather than the result of an individual fixture. These markets operate with fixed odds and attract early action before the season begins, though they remain open throughout to reflect changes in form, managerial appointments, or transfer activity. Because wagers are locked in for several months, successful outright betting on League One demands detailed research, precise timing, and careful bankroll management. The most common outright markets include League Winner, Promotion Places, Play-Off Qualification, Relegation, Golden Boot, and Player Of The Season.

Below are our expert predictions for the 2025/26 League One campaign.

Who is most likely to win League One this season?

Luton Town currently hold the shortest odds to win the 2025/26 League One title, priced at 10/3 (23.1%), with Cardiff City close behind at 57/17 (23.0%). Both arrive from the Championship with large squads and promotion expectations. Yet Huddersfield Town at 11/2 (15.4%) are the more convincing candidate to win League One this season, in our view. The arrival of prolific striker Alfie May, a largely retained spine, and a powerful home atmosphere at the Kirklees Stadium under highly rated coach Lee Grant give the Terriers a stronger title profile than the odds suggest.

More information about the 3 most likely candidates to win League One this season is given below.

1. Huddersfield Town (11/2, 15.4%). Huddersfield are our top choice to win League One, using relegation from the Championship in 2024/25 as a reset to regroup with a stronger squad and push for immediate promotion. Alfie May’s signing brings a striker with 20-plus goals in consecutive League One campaigns, supported by midfield reinforcements like Ryan Ledson and experienced defender Joe Low. Lee Grant, though new to management, arrives with elite-level coaching exposure from Ipswich’s rise and is implementing a pressing style suited to this tier. The combination of proven scoring output, squad stability, and a home ground that generated one of League One’s strongest records last season gives Huddersfield the structural edge to emerge as the most likely League One winner.
2. Luton Town (10/3, 23.1%). Luton are the bookmakers’ favourites to win League One. Despite consecutive relegations, they retain a squad with multiple players of Championship quality, including Teden Mengi in defence and Millenic Alli in attack. Manager Matt Bloomfield has a track record of extracting results in this division and now oversees a side with additional experience from higher levels. With Kenilworth Road remaining one of the most intimidating grounds in the EFL and new arrivals such as Josh Keeley and George Saville strengthening key areas, Luton’s squad depth and tactical balance justify their position as a prime contender to be League One winner.
3. Cardiff City (57/17, 23.0%). Cardiff dropped into League One at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, their first time in the third tier since 2003, making this season a crucial reset. Cardiff are close behind Luton in the betting markets and enter the season with a squad still built around Championship-calibre talent. The appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy brings a manager experienced in player development, aiming to address last season’s imbalance between chance creation and defensive resilience. The retention of striker Yousef Saleh, who showed 20-goal potential after joining in January, would provide the finishing touch to a team already capable of competing at the top end. Given their resources, squad pedigree, and managerial reset, Cardiff’s underlying numbers support their status as one of the most likely League One winners.

Other likely candidates to win League One in 2025/26 include Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley, both at 11/4 (26.7%). Bolton’s recruitment of younger profiles has strengthened their attacking depth, and Barnsley’s tactical shift under Conor Hourihane to a more attacking shape adds renewed ambition. Both these teams have the resources and structure to challenge for the League One title.

Who is most likely to finish Top 6 in League One this season?

Based on current betting odds and squad profiles, the most likely contenders to secure a Top 6 finish in the 2025/26 League One season are Huddersfield Town (1/3, 75%), Cardiff City (2/7, 77.8%), Luton Town (1/4, 80%), Stockport County (19/20, 51.3%), Bolton Wanderers (8/11, 57.9%), and Barnsley (13/10, 43.5%). These six clubs combine strong managerial setups, recent investment, and proven player quality, making them leading candidates to occupy the promotion places.

More detail on each of the 6 most likely Top 6 finishers in League One this season follows below.

• Huddersfield Town (1/3, 75%). Huddersfield are a strong candidate to finish in the Top 6 after overhauling their squad under new manager Lee Grant. Eleven new arrivals, including Birmingham striker Alfie May, give Huddersfield Town attacking power, while experienced additions such as Ryan Ledson and Murray Wallace provide balance. The Kirklees Stadium atmosphere remains one of the liveliest in the division, creating a home advantage few can match. With resources and ambition among the highest in League One, Huddersfield are well-positioned to secure a Top 6 place.
• Cardiff City (2/7, 77.8%). Cardiff are another strong candidate for a Top 6 finish in League One following relegation from the Championship. Manager Brian Barry-Murphy has blended promising U21 graduates with experienced players who stayed after relegation, and an unbeaten pre-season has lifted confidence. Rubin Colwill is tipped to shine, providing creativity in attack, while the squad depth suggests resilience across the long campaign. With the bookmakers backing them heavily, Cardiff City’s squad profile makes them one of the clearest choices for a Top 6 position.
• Luton Town (1/4, 80%). Luton stand out as leading candidates to finish in the Top 6 in League One as they chase an immediate return to the Championship. The arrivals of Josh Keeley, George Saville, Cohen Bramall, and Nakhi Wells add proven quality, while the retention of Millenic Alli ensures continuity in attack. Kenilworth Road provides one of the strongest home atmospheres in the league, giving them a key edge. With manager Matt Bloomfield well versed in League One’s demands, Luton’s depth and experience make them very likely to claim a League 1 Top 6 place.
• Stockport County (19/20, 51.3%). Stockport are emerging as strong Top 6 candidates after finishing third last season and investing heavily again this summer. Dave Challinor’s squad has been boosted by record signing Malik Mothersille, while midfield anchors Lewis Bate and Ollie Norwood add control. Retaining top scorer Kyle Wootton is vital, and their improved away record shows a step forward in consistency. Backed by both financial strength and strong performance models, Stockport look well-equipped to secure a Top 6 finish in League One.
• Bolton Wanderers (8/11, 57.9%). Bolton are firm candidates for a Top 6 finish in League One, entering the season with high expectations after narrowly missing out last year. Manager Steven Schumacher has rebuilt with younger, more energetic players such as Amario Cozier-Duberry and Thierry Gale, while new defensive recruits aim to resolve last season’s inconsistency. With a strong fanbase and significant investment, the Wanderers are set up to compete throughout the campaign. The balance of youthful energy and squad depth makes Bolton one of the likeliest sides to secure a Top 6 place.
• Barnsley (13/10, 43.5%). Barnsley are well-placed to compete for a Top 6 finish under Conor Hourihane, who has reshaped the team with a more attacking philosophy. The presence of leaders like David McGoldrick alongside Luca Connell and Marc Roberts offers both experience and stability. While their budget is more modest than rivals, Barnsley’s tactical clarity and proven ability at this level give them every chance of being competitive across the season. With the right consistency, Barnsley’s squad profile points towards a Top 6 finish in League One.

Who is most likely to relegate in League One this season?

The teams most at risk of relegation from League One in 2025/26 are Burton Albion (4/6, 60%) and Peterborough United (8/11, 57.9%). Burton look vulnerable due to financial instability and a poor away record, while Peterborough have been weakened by debt and the loss of top scorer Malik Mothersille. Other teams at risk of League One relegation are Northampton Town (11/8, 42.1%), who lack goals under an unconvincing manager, and AFC Wimbledon (15/8, 34.8%), who step into a higher level with limited attacking depth after losing several key players.

More detail on the 4 most likely relegation candidates in League One follows below

• Burton Albion (4/6, 60%). Burton Albion are the leading candidates for relegation from League One this season. The Brewers have endured years of underperformance away from home, which consistently leaves them near the bottom of the table. Their summer saw the exit of experienced players such as Max Crocombe and Ryan Sweeney, eroding leadership in key positions. Coupled with continuing financial constraints that limit transfer activity, Burton lack the resources and depth to compete with better-equipped rivals, placing them at the top of the relegation forecasts.
• Peterborough United (8/11, 57.9%). Peterborough United face relegation danger in League One due to the sale of top scorer Malik Mothersille, which has left them without a reliable attacking outlet. The departure highlights the club’s long-standing financial pressures, which have restricted recruitment and forced reliance on a thinner squad. While defensive signings like Sam Hughes and Alex Bass add structure, the lack of attacking firepower and creative options leaves the team vulnerable in a highly competitive division.
• Northampton Town (11/8, 42.1%). Northampton are rated among the top at risk of relegation from League One after a quiet summer transfer window. Last year’s top scorer Cameron McGeehan struggled to deliver consistent returns, and the absence of reinforcements leaves the squad short of attacking options. Fans remain sceptical of Kevin Nolan’s leadership, and with limited top-level pedigree across the side, Northampton appear set for a season battling near the bottom of the table.
• AFC Wimbledon (15/8, 34.8%). AFC Wimbledon are likely relegation candidates in League One as a result of losing attacking depth, with departures such as Josh Neufville and James Tilley after the 2024/25 season weakening their forward line. While their defensive record in League Two was strong, they often lacked cutting edge in the final third, and recruitment has not sufficiently addressed this weakness. With modest arrivals compared to rivals and limited creativity in midfield, Wimbledon’s step up to a stronger division leaves them short of firepower and firmly in the relegation mix.

Other possible League One relegation candidates include Rotherham United (11/8, 42.1%), who have downsized their squad following a mid-table finish last season, and Port Vale (15/8, 34.8%), who face depth issues despite recent promotions. While these clubs are not among our strongest relegation picks, their odds underline the scale of competition at the lower end of League One in 2025/26.

Who is most likely to finish as Topscorer in League One this season?

Huddersfield Town’s English striker Alfie May is the strongest candidate to finish as League One’s top scorer in 2025/26, priced at 4/1 (20%). His consistent record across the EFL, combined with his immediate fit into Huddersfield’s attack, gives him a clear edge over rivals. Mansfield forward Davis Keillor-Dunn, who struck 25 goals last season, follows at 9/1 (10%) and enters the campaign as another major contender.

• Alfie May (4/1, 20%). May’s move to Huddersfield makes him the focal point of a side tipped to challenge for promotion, giving him the platform to dominate the scoring charts. His 17-goal return for Birmingham City last season came despite off-field instability, showing his reliability in difficult circumstances. With more than 100 EFL goals already in May’s career, his movement, composure, and finishing ability reinforce his profile as the leading candidate for League One’s Golden Boot in 2025/26.
• Davis Keillor-Dunn (9/1, 10%). Mansfield’s Davis Keillor-Dunn is another major contender to finish as League One’s top scorer after producing 25 goals across competitions last season. His scoring threat comes both from open play and set pieces, while his creative influence links midfield with attack. By remaining central to Mansfield’s promotion push, Keillor-Dunn’s productivity should ensure he stays among the division’s leading scorers and a serious candidate for the Golden Boot.

In League One, the top scorer title goes to the player with the highest number of goals over the full 46-game campaign, and the award is commonly referred to as the Golden Boot.

Other possible contenders for the Golden Boot include Cardiff striker Yousef Salech at 12/1 (7.7%), who is expected to take on a greater role after excelling at the U21 (Under 21) level, and Stevenage’s Jamie Reid at 12/1 (7.7%), who scored 20 times last season.

Who is most likely to deliver the most assists in League One this season?

Ryan Barnett is the leading candidate to finish as League One’s top assist provider in 2025/26. The Shrewsbury winger produced nine assists last season, ranking among the best in the division for chance creation. Barnett’s accuracy from wide areas, particularly through whipped crosses and set-piece deliveries, makes him the primary source of supply for Shrewsbury’s forwards. With last year’s assist leader Jamie Donley no longer in the division after joining Stoke City on loan, Barnett faces less direct competition at the top of the chart, strengthening his case to lead League One in assists.

Barnett’s profile makes him well-suited to sustain assist production across the full League One campaign. He has developed a reputation for reliability in wide positions, consistently providing high-quality service from open play and dead balls. Shrewsbury’s tactical reliance on wide delivery ensures that Barnett remains central to their attacking structure, with his role unlikely to change during the season.

Statistically, his nine assists in 2024/25 reflected both technical quality and volume of opportunities created, backed by strong underlying numbers for key passes and expected assists. Given Shrewsbury’s emphasis on wing play and his proven consistency, Ryan Barnett is a strong candidate to finish as League One’s leading provider of assists this season.

League One Betting Stats and Data

To support your League One tips and betting decisions, FootballPredictions.com tracks five years of historical League One statistics. These long-term datasets form the foundation of our weekly League One and League Two predictions across major betting markets as well.

League 1 Stats (2025/2026)

League 1 Regular Season

League 1 Results

League 1 Fixtures

What are League One Predictions?

League One predictions are expert assessments of likely outcomes in England’s third tier, whether for individual matches or season-long markets. League One predictions cover a broad range of betting options, including promotion and relegation candidates, play-off qualifiers, match winners, both teams to score, total goals, and long-term wagers such as the Golden Boot, which is awarded to the player with the highest number of goals over the full 46-game campaign. Instead of speculation, forecasts are based on detailed analysis of statistics, form, and tactical patterns that define League One football.

Fans, punters, and analysts rely on League One predictions to understand trends in one of the most competitive and unpredictable divisions in English football. With teams ranging from relegated Championship sides to ambitious clubs climbing up from League Two, accurate football predictions demand a close study of current form, managerial strategies, injuries, and fixture congestion. At FootballPredictions.com, our analysts combine statistical modelling with years of League One data to deliver reliable, research-driven tips across the entire campaign.

How are League One Predictions determined?

At FootballPredictions.com, our analysts deliver reliable League One predictions through a structured approach that blends statistical modelling, tactical scouting, and betting market evaluation, tailored to the unique demands of England’s third tier.

The six steps behind our League One predictions and tips are:

• Framing the fixture and stakes
• Measuring form and underlying numbers
• Translating availability into tactical impact
• Factoring in home/away performance and rivalries
• Validating data with match footage
• Aligning analysis with markets

1. Framing the fixture and stakes. The first step for making accurate League One predictions is to place the match in context. We log kick-off, stadium, travel load, and weather, then weigh what is at stake — whether it’s a relegation six-pointer like Burton vs Port Vale, or a promotion clash such as Huddersfield against Luton. With 46 rounds squeezed into weekends, midweeks, and Bank Holidays, the calendar creates constant fatigue pressure. For example, a long midweek trip, like Exeter away at Blackpool, carries different physical demands than a short local derby. By setting the stage in this way, League One predictions remain grounded in the competitive reality of the division.
2. Measuring form and underlying numbers. Once match context is established, the next step required to produce informed League One predictions is to measure momentum with data. Because more than 40% of matches are decided by a single goal, we go beyond raw results to look at expected goals (xG), shot quality, and set-piece production. For instance, Stockport might win three in a row while being outshot and conceding more xG than they create, which is a sign of overperformance. Meanwhile, a side like Barnsley could lose twice despite generating high-quality chances, pointing to a likely rebound. Recognising these trends allows us to separate luck from sustainable strength in our League One predictions.
3. Translating availability into tactical impact. The third step in shaping League One predictions is mapping injuries, suspensions, and signings to tactical outcomes. With smaller squads than the Championship, missing a single key player usually has a greater influence. Cardiff losing striker Yousef Salech, for example, removes a major aerial threat and changes their set-piece routines. Similarly, Mansfield with Davis Keillor-Dunn absent would lose both their top scorer and their main creative link. By modelling these effects, we ensure League One predictions remain closely aligned with real match-day dynamics.
4. Factoring in home/away performance and rivalries. After team news and form are accounted for, shaping accurate League One predictions demands attention to venue and rivalry effects. Clubs often show extreme home/away splits. For example, in 2022/23 Wycombe took more than two-thirds of their points at home while struggling badly on the road. Head-to-head history is just as telling — Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday’s Yorkshire derby has repeatedly produced tight scorelines, no matter the form book. Factoring in these patterns ensures League One predictions reflect the rhythms of this division.
5. Validating data with match footage. Once statistical indicators are in place, refining League One predictions requires testing the numbers against what actually happens on the pitch. Reviewing footage shows whether defensive leaks stem from poor structure or isolated lapses, and whether a striker’s purple patch is driven by repeatable movement rather than fortune. A rise in xG conceded, for example, may come from two set-piece errors rather than systemic flaws. This process makes sure League One predictions are rooted in reality as well as data.
6. Aligning analysis with markets. After the tactical and statistical review, the last step in building reliable League One predictions is to weigh findings against bookmaker prices. Odds are converted into implied probabilities and measured against our projections for outcomes such as win/draw/loss, BTTS, or Over/Under totals. Markets often swing too heavily on short streaks — a mid-table side like Lincoln winning three in a row is often priced as strong favourites despite weaker underlying numbers. Spotting those mismatches allows us to highlight value and turn analysis into practical League One predictions.

When are League One Predictions released?

League One weekend predictions are released every Tuesday at 1:30 PM London Time, while midweek tips are published on Mondays at the same time.
This schedule ensures our previews are available well ahead of kick-off, giving readers time to review the data and markets.

Our aim is to provide accurate and reliable League One betting predictions, backed by detailed research into every fixture. Expert analysis of form, squads, and context ensures that our predictions remain a trusted guide for those following the competition.

What are the most appealing Betting Markets to bet on for the League One?

The most appealing betting markets for League One are Match Result, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), and Over/Under 2.5 Goals. These three options stand out because they perform consistently across seasons and capture the competitive balance of England’s third tier. In contrast, Correct Score bets remain more volatile, as the most common outcomes such as 1–0, 1–1, or 2–1 each occur in fewer than 10% of games. By comparison, BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals markets succeed in around half of fixtures, making them more reliable and attractive options for League One betting.

The 3 most appealing betting markets for League One are outlined below.

• Match Result (Home Win, Draw, Away Win). The Match Result market, or 1X2, is the foundation of League One betting. Over the past five campaigns, home wins have landed between 41% and 45% of matches, while away wins have ranged from 29% to 35%. Draws have remained steady at 24–26%. The data confirms that home advantage is a defining feature of League One, with clubs such as Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and Barnsley at Oakwell consistently strong in front of their own supporters. This balance between home, draw, and away outcomes ensures Match Result remains the central betting market for League One predictions.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS). BTTS is another highly attractive market in League One, paying out when both sides find the net in the same fixture. Across the last five seasons, BTTS has hit in 47–52% of games, including 51% in the most recent campaign. The data highlights how League One’s attacking style, often offset by defensive lapses, creates frequent scenarios where both teams score. With evenly matched squads across much of the table, BTTS stands out as a reliable and popular choice for League One bettors.
• Over 2.5 Goals. The Over/Under goals market, especially Over 2.5, is also a consistent performer in League One. Over the last five years, Over 2.5 has landed in 47–50% of matches, reflecting an average of 2.56–2.69 goals per game across the division. While not as high-scoring as the Championship, League One still produces plenty of open contests, particularly in fixtures involving promotion chasers or relegation battlers where defensive risks are common. Over 2.5 Goals therefore remains one of the most appealing betting markets in League One, offering a balanced mix of statistical backing and consistent returns.

The table below summarises key League One outcomes from the last five seasons for Match Result, BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals.

League One Season Guide

The 2025/26 EFL League One is the 22nd season under its current title and the 34th since the division adopted its present format. Twenty-four clubs compete across a 46-game schedule, with promotion to the Championship and relegation to League Two shaping the campaign’s stakes. The season began on 1 August 2025 with Luton Town hosting AFC Wimbledon in the curtain-raiser broadcast live on Sky Sports, and it will conclude with the League One play-off final at Wembley on 24 May 2026.

This year’s edition of League 1 features several high-profile changes, including Cardiff City returning to the third tier for the first time since 2003, while Birmingham City and Wrexham departed after securing promotion to the Championship last season. The blend of relegated sides, ambitious newcomers, and long-standing members ensures one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.

The sections below describe the format of League One, outline the way fixtures are scheduled, and detail the key dates that define the 2025/26 League One campaign.

What Is the Format of the League One 2025/26 Season?

The League One 2025/26 season follows the standard EFL (English Football League) structure of 24 clubs playing each other home and away for a total of 46 matches per team and 552 fixtures overall. Three points are awarded for a win and one for a draw, with final standings determined by total points, goal difference and goals scored.

Promotion and relegation shape the League One competition. The top two clubs at the end of the regular season secure automatic promotion to the Championship, while teams finishing third to sixth contest the play-offs to determine the final promotion place. At the other end of the table, the bottom four places are relegated to League Two. This format has remained consistent for years and is designed to maintain the balance of long-term endurance and high-stakes play-off drama at the season’s conclusion.

What are the Start & End Dates for League One 2025/26?

The League One calendar for 2025/26 runs from 1 August 2025 (opening weekend 1–3 August) through the final regular-season round on 2–3 May 2026. Play-offs follow, with the League One play-off final on Sunday 24 May 2026 at Wembley.

After the regular-season round, promotion play-offs extend the competition into late May. The League One play-off final is scheduled for Sunday 24 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium, a date that traditionally closes the third-tier season. Alongside league fixtures, clubs participate in the Carabao Cup, which began in mid-August, and the Vertu Trophy, whose group stage kicked off in September.

How are League One Fixtures built up?

League One fixtures are structured to balance fairness, logistics, and broadcasting commitments across a 46-game season. Each of the 24 clubs plays 23 home and 23 away matches in a double round-robin system, which means that every team faces each opponent twice — once at home and once away. Fixture Release Day, held on 26 June 2025, unveiled the full League One calendar at midday, alongside the Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy draws.

EFL scheduling for League One takes into account local policing needs, ensuring nearby rivals are not both at home on the same weekend and that high-profile derbies receive appropriate safety planning. Bank Holiday weekends and midweek rounds are used to spread the 46 matchdays across the season, while international breaks are observed to avoid clashes. With Sky Sports now broadcasting more than 20 games for every League One club, television demands also become a central factor in how the fixture list is shaped.

The overall structure of the League One fixture-scheduling process is a season-long calendar that ensures both weekend and midweek balance with expanded broadcast coverage, while ensuring all clubs follow the same rhythm of home and away matches in pursuit of promotion or survival.

Which are the Best Bookmakers for League One Betting?

The best bookmakers for League One betting are those that combine competitive odds, diverse League One–specific markets, and robust promotions tailored to this tier, alongside reliable in-play tools and easy-access mobile platforms. On those criteria, our selections for the best League One bookmakers are Bet365, Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Unibet.

More information about the 4 best bookmakers for League One betting follows below.

• Bet365. Bet365 stands out as a top choice for League One betting thanks to its market-leading range of match and season-long options, from match result and goal totals to outright promotion and relegation odds. Their Bet Builder tool allows bettors to craft accumulators with League One selections, while in-play interfaces, live match stats, and an agenda of free-to-play features remain valuable for navigating the unpredictability of League One promotion races. Overall, Bet365 offers one of the most complete betting environments for following League One.
• Ladbrokes. Ladbrokes is particularly well-suited to League One betting due to its deep selection of relevant markets and promotional support. Punters get to back League One match outcomes, both-teams-to-score, and outright bets like top goalscorer and play-off finish. Regular promotions (such as accumulator boosts and Bet Builder+) add extra value to League One multiple bets. With dedicated League One previews and team-by-team analysis, Ladbrokes provides functionality and context for navigating League One betting.
• William Hill. William Hill remains a solid option for League One wagers, noted for its broad market coverage and promotional features that align well with the league’s structure. William Hill’s odds include long-term bets like promotion and relegation, plus in-play markets tied to standard outcomes and player props (e.g., first goalscorer). Live statistics and partial Cash Out help bettors manage League One bets during tight matches, while their established reputation gives additional confidence when engaging with third-tier markets.
• Unibet. Unibet brings a feature-rich experience to League One betting thanks to its smooth interface and emphasis on live data. The platform offers broad League One coverage (from result and goal-line markets to player stats and BTTS – Both Teams to Score – betting). Unibet’s bet-while-live tools, accompanied by occasional League One–specific promotions, make it easier for bettors to stay agile in a league known for its weekend surprises.

Related Leagues We Cover

Stay on top of Europe’s biggest football competitions with our expert predictions for other leagues including the ones below.

• Premier League Predictions. Our Premier League forecasts analyse England’s top flight, tracking form, goals, and title contenders.
• Championship Predictions. Championship predictions focus on promotion chases and survival battles across England’s demanding second tier.
• League Two Predictions. Our League Two insights spotlight the teams aiming for promotion and the key fixtures shaping the table.
• Scottish Premiership Predictions. We provide coverage of Scotland’s top division with analysis of the leading clubs and weekly results.
• FA Cup Predictions.Our FA Cup forecasts follow England’s oldest competition from the early rounds to the Wembley final.