The EFL Football League season is officially underway, with several entertaining matches across the English football pyramid so far. League One has proved to be one of the most challenging divisions across Europe over the last few years, with the potential for relegation looming over four teams, and the gulf in quality between the third tier and the Championship proving all the more significant.
Indeed, the busy schedule of league games, combined with the EFL Cup, EFL Trophy, League Cup, and FA Cup, provide interesting insight when it comes to League 1 relegation odds, with sides constantly dipping in and out of form throughout the nine-month campaign.
So far, it’s been hard to gauge just where things could be decided come the business end, however, the summer transfer window and opening day of the season have showcased which teams we think will be exciting to watch this term.
In this article, we take a look at the best teams to watch across League One this season. Read on to find out more.
Huddersfield Town
Relegated from the Championship in 23rd last season, Huddersfield managed just nine wins in the second tier, but look like a new side under Michael Duff.
The 46-year-old was sacked by Swansea in December, and returns to the John Smith’s Stadium, integrating a new 3-5-2 system that proved successful in a 2-0 away win over Peterborough United on the opening weekend.
The likes of Josh Koroma and veteran midfielder Johnathan Hogg will be pivotal if the Yorkshire outfit want to earn promotion on the first time of asking.
Birmingham City
Another side that fell victim to relegation was Birmingham City, who are expected to earn automatic promotion this season, as favourites in the League 1 betting odds.
Chris Davies was appointed the Blues’ new manager in June, bringing in the likes of Christoph Klarer and Eredivisie duo Emil Hansson and Willum Thór Willumsson.
Despite several key departures, Birmingham should have too much quality to miss out on a return to the Championship, and a consistent run could be enough to win back the St. Andrew’s crowd after years of frustration.
Stockport County
The League Two Champions Stockport Country showed that life can go on without last season’s top scorer Paddy Madden. They began their season emphatically as they look to be the entertainers under Dave Challinor.
Edgeley Park could become a fortress if the Manchester outfit can continue to score goals, with some exciting players amongst the squad like ex-Barcelona and Aston Villa man Louie Barry, as well as Kyle Wootton, who opened his account for the campaign in the 2-0 win over Cambridge United.
Wrexham
The other newly promoted side that will catch people’s attention is Wrexham. Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are chasing a third consecutive promotion, having laid the foundations for a squad that could compete in League One even when they were playing in the National League.
Paul Mullin is likely to compete for the Top Scorer award – his 27 goals last term were pivotal in securing promotion and reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup.
New signings George Dobson, Ollie Rathbone and Dan Scarr, alongside the likes of James McClean and Andy Cannon, bring experience in the third tier, and given their sizeable budget, expect Wrexham to be in and amongst it come the playoffs later this season.
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