League One is back and after Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday all hit new heights in terms of points totals, this season feels a bit more open. We’ve got new blood in Reading joining the party, while Blackpool and Wigan Athletic are all too used to performing well at this level. Here’s our League One tips and betting picks.
Outright winners
Derby County are the 4/1 favourites for the league title, and even though Paul Warne has shown his credentials their squad doesn’t convince me as one that could go all the way. They just missed out on the play-offs last term and will be stronger this time around, but a title charge seems a little ambitious in my opinion.
Portsmouth are 9/1 and a tempting option under John Mousinho, who should lead Pompey closer to the Championship than they have been in recent times. However, my pick is Bolton Wanderers at 7/1. In Dion Charles they have a goalscorer who could potentially carry them all the way to the title. I’m far stronger on the chances of Ian Evatt’s side, who were excellent for the majority of last term, than Derby especially given the Rams have lost the influential David McGoldrick this summer.
Tip: Bolton Wanderers to win League One at 7/1
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Top goalscorer
Having scored 27 times last season, market leader Jonson Clarke-Harris would have been a simple bet, however he was transfer listed by Peterborough United at the end of the campaign. With his future uncertain, it is worth steering clear for now. Colby Bishop at Portsmouth hit 20 goals and, with his side likely to challenge at the top end of the table, he looks like an incredibly safe bet at 8/1.
The aforementioned Dion Charles is 11/1 and given we think Bolton will go on to win the title, Charles is expected to score a hell of a lot of goals. However, I just can’t shake the feeling that Alfie May will have a profitable season after his move to Charlton Athletic. At Cheltenham Town, he scored 20 league goals and was absolutely sensational, and now he is playing for a stronger side who should finish in the top six, so the goals can flow.
For an outside pick, how about Tyler Walker at 50/1?
Promoted
We’ve mentioned a lot of the key contenders so far, and Portsmouth are set to be right up there, but let’s have a look at the other candidates. Reading don’t fill me with any confidence after their relegation and Peterborough’s continuous progression is likely to keep them in the play-off picture. However, they may suffer a slight hangover after throwing away a 4-0 lead in the play-off semi-final, and the turnover in players makes me think they might not be top-six certainties this time around.
I’m going for a slightly longer shot here in the form of Blackpool. Last season didn’t quite work out as they had hoped, but it did end with them going back to former boss Neil Critichley. We remember how spectacular they were under his management last time, and the signs are they might be able to do something equally as special this time around. It might take some time for them to get going, but once they do, they can be contenders once again.
Tip: Blackpool to get promoted at 4/1
Top-six finish
The top-six market is a time to look for those clubs with an outside shot at a play-off finish, and I think we have found one. Lincoln City conceded just 47 league goals last season, the same as champions Plymouth Argyle. As they attempt to build upon that strong defence under Mark Kennedy, they have made some shrewd additions including the return of Tyler Walker on a permanent deal.
The former Coventry City man scored 14 goals in 29 games the last time he was at the club and now is looking to find his feet again after struggling in the Championship. He just needs regular starts to score goals, and if he does that, Lincoln could be on course for a top-six finish.
Tip: Lincoln to finish in the top six at 7/2
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