2026/27 EFL League Two Predictions
The 2026/27 EFL League Two season promises to be another fascinating campaign, with four clubs arriving from League One and two more promoted from the National League.
Rotherham United, Port Vale, Northampton Town and Exeter City were relegated from League One, while Rochdale and York City earned promotion from the National League. York return to the EFL after a dramatic final day of the National League season, while Rochdale return after a year away.
There are also several clubs with genuine promotion ambitions. Salford City reached last season's play-off final, Chesterfield also made the play-offs, while Rotherham United and Port Vale arrive from League One with squads containing considerable experience.
At the other end, Newport County, Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood Town all enter the campaign after difficult periods, while Accrington Stanley will be hoping their relatively comfortable 16th-place finish last season can provide a platform for further progress.
So, who will win promotion, who will reach the play-offs and who will suffer relegation?
Here are my predictions for the final 2026/27 EFL League Two table, starting from 24th.
24th – Newport County
Newport County are my prediction to finish bottom of League Two.
The Exiles survived last season, but they have experienced a managerial change after Christian Fuchs decided not to continue at Rodney Parade. Chris Todd oversaw preparations for the new campaign.
Newport have attempted to add experience to the squad, with Harrison Biggins and Christian Doidge among their summer arrivals.
However, the managerial uncertainty and the need to build a cohesive squad make this another difficult campaign.
I think Newport will be involved in the relegation battle from the opening weeks and ultimately finish bottom.
Prediction: 24th
23rd – Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley are my biggest relegation call.
Stanley finished 16th last season, comfortably clear of the relegation places, so there is certainly a case for expecting another mid-table campaign. However, their recruitment has not convinced me that they have made enough progress to move away from the lower reaches.
John Doolan remains in charge and Accrington have added players including Cole Stockton, who joined on a free transfer, while Joseph Anderson also arrived during the summer.
Stockton gives them an experienced attacking option, but the club continue to operate with considerably fewer resources than many of their League Two rivals.
After two consecutive seasons of mid-table finishes, I think Accrington finally fall into trouble.
Prediction: 23rd
22nd – Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town finished 17th last season and Steve Cotterill remains in charge.
Cotterill revitalised the club after arriving almost a year ago, but the summer recruitment has raised questions. Five of Cheltenham's first six summer signings were players whose previous clubs had been relegated in May.
That does not necessarily mean the players will struggle at Whaddon Road, but Cheltenham will need several of them to perform immediately.
Cotterill's experience is a significant advantage, but I think the Robins could find themselves pulled into the relegation battle.
Prediction: 22nd
21st – Crawley Town
Crawley Town narrowly avoided relegation last season and Colin Kazim-Richards now has the responsibility of taking the club forward.
Crawley have enjoyed one of their traditionally busy summers, attempting to build a squad capable of avoiding another relegation battle. Former Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone was an eye-catching addition, while Malcolm Ebiowei has also arrived with the opportunity to rebuild his career.
Those additions provide genuine reasons for optimism.
However, Crawley's recent record and the strength of the division leave them facing another difficult season.
I expect Mannone's experience to help, but not quite enough to keep Crawley comfortably clear of danger.
Prediction: 21st
20th – Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood Town are entering an important season under Matt Lawlor.
Lawlor is relatively inexperienced and faces his first full season in charge, having previously worked within the club's coaching structure. The Cod Army have strengthened with the signing of Andy Cannon from Wrexham.
The concern is whether a young manager can establish enough consistency across a full League Two campaign.
Fleetwood have the infrastructure to compete at this level, but I think they will spend much of the season looking over their shoulders.
Prediction: 20th
19th – Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town avoided relegation last season after a significant improvement under Gavin Cowan.
Cowan transformed Shrewsbury from a side that appeared destined for trouble into one that eventually stayed up comfortably. He now faces the challenge of proving that improvement was sustainable.
There are encouraging signs within the squad, including the emergence of young midfielder Will Gray, who made four starts last season and signed his first professional contract during the summer.
However, I think Shrewsbury will again be involved towards the bottom of the division.
Prediction: 19th
18th – Colchester United
Colchester United finished 18th last season and begin the new campaign with considerable uncertainty surrounding the club off the pitch.
A proposed sale of the club has been ongoing, with the ownership situation still unresolved during the summer.
That uncertainty inevitably creates difficulties when attempting to plan for the long term.
Colchester have enough experience to remain competitive in League Two, but I do not see enough evidence of a major transformation to predict a significant improvement.
Prediction: 18th
17th – Rochdale
Rochdale return to the EFL after winning promotion from the National League.
Their return is a positive development for the club, but they have already experienced disruption in the managerial department. Jimmy McNulty left the club after guiding Dale back into the EFL, meaning Rochdale have had to adapt to another change at an important moment.
Recruitment has nevertheless provided some encouragement, with Cian Hayes returning to the club.
The squad has enough to compete, but promoted clubs traditionally face a difficult transition.
I think Rochdale will survive but remain towards the bottom half.
Prediction: 17th
16th – Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere survived by only a couple of points last season and have responded by appointing Darrell Clarke as their new manager.
Clarke has brought considerable experience to Prenton Park, while the club have made several interesting additions. Will Vaulks and former Watford winger Tom Ince are among the most notable arrivals.
Tranmere's recruitment suggests an attempt to add experience and quality to a squad that struggled last season.
I expect the new manager to make Tranmere more competitive, although I do not see them pushing towards the play-offs.
Prediction: 16th
15th – Walsall
Walsall finished 13th last season but have made a managerial change, with former goalkeeper Lee Grant taking charge.
Grant previously had a short spell as Huddersfield's manager and now has the opportunity to establish himself at Walsall. The Saddlers have also made several additions, including Andy Dallas, Lewis Simper, Sven Sprangler and James Connolly.
The club began the new campaign positively by knocking Championship side Bristol City out of the EFL Cup, providing an early indication that Walsall can compete against stronger opposition.
I expect a steady season but think the play-offs will remain beyond their reach.
Prediction: 15th
14th – Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season after an end-of-season slump.
The Railwaymen have retained an emphasis on developing young players, but the returns of Luke Offord and Joe White provide additional quality and experience.
Patrick Mlynarski is another player worth watching. The Wales youth international made his EFL Trophy debut last season and is now beginning his first year as a professional.
Crewe have enough quality to compete in the top half, but I think another late-season dip could prevent them from mounting a serious promotion challenge.
Prediction: 14th
13th – Swindon Town
Swindon Town finished ninth last season but I am predicting a significant drop down the table.
Ian Holloway remains in charge and has been particularly vocal during pre-season, including strong criticism of the team's performance in a friendly against Bristol City.
Swindon still have attacking quality, with Aaron Drinan having scored 22 league goals last season. The club have also added players including Mitch Clark, Stephan Negru, Matty Virtue and James Debayo.
There is enough ability in the squad to avoid serious trouble, but I expect Swindon to finish well below last season's ninth-place position.
Prediction: 13th
12th – Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic made a steady return to League Two last season and have strengthened ahead of their second campaign back in the division.
The Latics have added the goals of Elliott Nevitt, while Oliver Norburn has arrived after being part of the Notts County side that won promotion from League Two.
Those additions provide both attacking quality and experience.
Oldham should be capable of competing around the top half, but I think the strength of the promotion contenders will prevent them from making a serious play-off challenge.
Prediction: 12th
11th – Northampton Town
Northampton Town return to League Two after relegation from League One.
Chris Hogg joined the club in May for his first managerial role, giving the Cobblers a relatively inexperienced manager as they attempt to rebuild following relegation.
The departure of Cameron McGeehan is a significant loss and leaves Northampton with work to do in midfield.
There is enough experience at Sixfields to avoid another difficult relegation battle, but I think Northampton will need time to adjust to the division.
Prediction: 11th
10th – Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town are one of the clubs I expect to challenge towards the top half.
David Artell remains in charge and Grimsby have added experienced striker Andy Cook, whose influence could prove important if he can stay fit and play regularly.
Maldini Kacurri is another interesting player. The defender impressed after stepping up from National League football with Morecambe to League Two with Grimsby last season.
Grimsby have enough quality to remain competitive, but I think they will narrowly miss out on the play-offs.
Prediction: 10th
9th – Exeter City
Exeter City are back in League Two after relegation from League One.
Their relegation was accompanied by considerable uncertainty, and the club have been described as being on a downward spiral following relegation and off-field problems.
The Grecians will therefore be looking to stabilise the club and rebuild.
They have the infrastructure and recent experience of competing in League One, but the squad needs to improve further if they are to challenge for an immediate return.
I expect Exeter to finish in the top half but fall just short of the play-offs.
Prediction: 9th
8th – Gillingham
Gillingham have appointed Gareth Ainsworth and will be looking to build on a season in which they showed enough quality to suggest they can challenge higher up the table.
Ainsworth wants his side to play with a high press, but the major challenge will be maintaining the energy levels required to play that way throughout the season.
Gillingham have a manager with extensive EFL experience and should be competitive.
I think they will just miss out on automatic promotion but secure a place in the play-offs.
Prediction: 8th
7th – Rotherham United
Rotherham United are one of the strongest candidates among the four clubs relegated from League One.
The Millers have appointed Alex Bruce as head coach and brought former England manager Steve McClaren into the club as director of football. The intention is clearly to revitalise the club following relegation.
The departure of striker Sam Nombe is a blow, but his transfer fee should give Rotherham scope to reinvest in the squad.
With McClaren's experience and a club determined to bounce back, Rotherham should be involved in the promotion race.
I think they will reach the play-offs.
Prediction: 7th
6th – Port Vale
Port Vale are another relegated club with realistic promotion ambitions.
Jon Brady remains in charge after being unable to prevent relegation last season, but the Vale have arguably assembled one of the strongest squads in League Two.
Max Watters and Kyle Dempsey are among the most notable summer additions and give Port Vale significant experience and quality.
After relegation, the expectation will be to challenge for an immediate return to League One.
I think they will do exactly that, although the automatic places may just escape them.
Prediction: 6th
5th – Barnet
Barnet's return to the EFL last season was impressive, and they finished only two points outside the play-offs.
Dean Brennan remains in charge and the club have largely kept the developing squad together. Ryan Glover's move to Stockport was one of the notable departures.
Barnet have also strengthened with players including Zac Williams, Craig Farquhar, Brandon Comley, Charlie Lakin and Taye Ashby-Hammond.
That continuity and recruitment should allow the Bees to improve on last season.
I think Barnet can finish fifth and give themselves a genuine opportunity of promotion.
Prediction: 5th
4th – Chesterfield
Chesterfield are one of my leading promotion candidates.
The Spireites reached the play-offs last season but fell short, and Paul Cook remains in charge. Cook is one of the most experienced managers in League Two and has already demonstrated that he can build competitive teams at this level.
The major concern is the loss of Armando Dobra, whose departure removes an important attacking threat.
Nevertheless, Chesterfield have enough quality and experience to remain among the leading contenders.
I expect them to finish fourth and enter the play-offs.
Prediction: 4th
3rd – York City
York City return to the EFL after winning promotion from the National League.
The Minstermen's return is one of the stories of the season, but their preparations have been complicated by a managerial change. Stuart Maynard was dismissed midway through pre-season, a decision that caused considerable frustration among supporters.
York have nevertheless been diligent in their recruitment and have a squad capable of competing at League Two level.
Their opening fixture is particularly appealing, with Bristol Rovers visiting the LNER Community Stadium on the opening weekend.
I think York will adapt quickly to the EFL and could be one of the surprise packages of the season.
Prediction: 3rd
2nd – Salford City
Salford City are my prediction to finish second.
The Ammies came agonisingly close to promotion last season, reaching the League Two play-off final before losing to Notts County.
That defeat brought an end to Karl Robinson's time at the club, with Peter Cklamovski appointed as his replacement. The Australian has extensive coaching experience and previously worked alongside Ange Postecoglou for 15 years.
Salford have also made one of the most significant attacking signings in the division by bringing in Macaulay Langstaff, whose job is to provide the goals required to finally take the club into League One.
Luke Molyneux is another notable arrival.
The club's ambition remains clear and the combination of Cklamovski's high-pressing approach and Langstaff's goals makes Salford one of the teams to beat.
I expect them to finish second, but the title race could go right down to the wire.
Prediction: 2nd
1st – Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers are my prediction to win the 2026/27 League Two title.
The Gas finished only 14th last season, so this is undoubtedly one of the more ambitious predictions in my League Two forecast. Steve Evans is now in charge and brings considerable experience of managing in the lower divisions.
Rovers have also been active in the transfer market.
Richie Smallwood, Kofi Balmer, Ben Purrington, Tommy Leigh, Tom James, Ciarán Kelly, Bobby Kamwa and Jack Aitchison are among the club's summer arrivals.
That represents a significant attempt to reshape the squad after last season's disappointing campaign.
The combination of Evans' experience, the number of new players and the club's resources makes me think Rovers can dramatically improve on 14th.
Their opening fixture could hardly be more interesting, with Bristol Rovers travelling to York City on the opening weekend.
I expect Bristol Rovers and Salford City to establish themselves as the two leading sides and fight for the title throughout the campaign.
It could go either way, but I am backing Bristol Rovers to edge it.
Prediction: 1st – Bristol Rovers
My final 2026/27 EFL League Two table
| Position | Club |
|---|---|
| 1st | Bristol Rovers |
| 2nd | Salford City |
| 3rd | York City |
| 4th | Chesterfield |
| 5th | Barnet |
| 6th | Port Vale |
| 7th | Rotherham United |
| 8th | Gillingham |
| 9th | Exeter City |
| 10th | Grimsby Town |
| 11th | Northampton Town |
| 12th | Oldham Athletic |
| 13th | Swindon Town |
| 14th | Crewe Alexandra |
| 15th | Walsall |
| 16th | Tranmere Rovers |
| 17th | Rochdale |
| 18th | Colchester United |
| 19th | Shrewsbury Town |
| 20th | Fleetwood Town |
| 21st | Crawley Town |
| 22nd | Cheltenham Town |
| 23rd | Accrington Stanley |
| 24th | Newport County |
