EFL League One has delivered unforgettable moments so far this season as its 24 sides have aimed to succeed in potentially the most competitive division in the EFL. Now, with game-week three taking place today, five of our writers have predicted a game of their choosing.
Let’s find out what they said.
League One Predictions
Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
Barnsley and Bolton are two sides becoming extremely familiar with one another, having faced off in two of the last three League One play-off semi-finals. On both occasions, promotion proved elusive for either side, leaving them to regroup and go again in the relentless hunt for Championship football.
Now, with a fresh campaign underway, the two promotion hopefuls meet early in South Yorkshire, both carrying the same ambition but with renewed determination to finally escape the seemingly tight clutches of third division football.
Barnsley, under the leadership of Connor Hourihane, sit second in the league having won both their opening games in dramatic fashion. Down to ten men, the Reds grinded out a 3-1 win against Plymouth on opening weekend. This was followed by a comeback from two goals down at Oakwell last week against Burton.
Under Hourihane, Barnsley look to be a tight knit unit with cohesive pressing patterns and a willingness to run themselves into the ground. With 6 goals already this season, Bolton may struggle to keep out a Barnsley attack littered with talent.
Having lost to Stockport in their opening fixture, Bolton will be looking to build momentum on the back of an impressive 2-0 win against Plymouth last weekend. With a young and hungry core, I expect a fast-paced aggressive approach from the visitors on Saturday that has the potential to disrupt and unsettle a Barnsley back line prone to mistakes.
This fixture has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. Barnsley’s newfound resilience under Connor Hourihane could just give them the edge, but Bolton’s pace and directness will ensure the hosts are pushed all the way.
Despite all my talk about both teams’ attacking danger, I believe whoever controls the midfield in this game will likely come out on top; and with their current form, it’s hard to bed against the Barnsley duo of Phillips and Connell.
Myles’ Prediction: Barnsley 3-2 Bolton Wanderers
Burton Albion vs Port Vale
Burton Albion are at home to league rivals Port Vale who find themselves back in League One contention, as both sides look to gain the crucial 3 points at the beginning of their season in the early kick off at the Pirelli Stadium.
Burton Albion have started their season at home in superb style where they faced Mansfield Town and came out on top, running out 2-1 winners thanks to a Charlie Webster brace. A first win for the Brewers and a perfect start to the campaign, despite a late scare from Mansfield managing to get back into the game.
Additionally, things certainly went to plan in their following game last weekend where they faced Barnsley at Oakwell, as they found themselves 0-2 up at half time, Jake Beesley opened the scoring in the early stages of the game, slotting home a penalty. Tavares then doubled their lead in the 34th minute.
It seemed the Brewers were really enjoying the start of their new campaign. However, the tables quickly turned when Barnsley managed to score in quick succession at the start of the second half to bring the game level and they looked like the team who had the most momentum.
This was rewarded in the 90+3rd minute as David McGoldrick slotted it home to give them a 3-2 win over the Brewers as Burton lose their first game of the season at the second time of asking.
New promotion winners Port Vale earnt their spot in League One and are also looked to sustain their status as they started their season away to Rotherham United looking to get their season off to a flying start.
Despite high hopes from the Valiants, this was short-lived as Sam Nombe grabbed a brace for the home side and within 30 minutes, the Valiants found themselves 2-0 down and things got worse as a bad challenge from Jaheim Headley saw the away side go down to 10 men and look destined for defeat.
Despite the horrendous start to the game, momentum and spirits were still high from Vale as they started the second half brilliantly and got their reward in the 60th minute as Connor Hall swept home to get them back into the game, however it wasn’t enough despite coming close twice to level the game.
In their next league game, they played Cardiff City at home which was deemed to be a difficult one, however in the end it was the Valiants looked the more challenging side and deserved three points.
Creating some brilliant chances and dominating the game, they just couldn’t find their quality in the final third despite hitting the crossbar and eventually finding the net which was ruled out by the linesman. The game ended 0-0 as it was a well deserved point for the home side over the Bluebirds.
Overall, I believe Burton Albion who are placed 11th in the division facing 17th placed Port Vale will be a very tight affair with lots of chances, and both sides managing to break the deadlock as I predict the game to end in an empathic 1-1 with the away side slightly edging the game.
Furthermore, I finally predict Jake Beesley to be the star of the show for the home side, and Lorent Tolaj to bring venom and threat for the away side.
Ashley’s Prediction: Burton Albion 1-1 Port Vale
Bradford City vs Luton Town
New boys Bradford City host recently relegated Luton Town, in what looks like could be a
highly entertaining game in Yorkshire. With both sides unbeaten in their first two games,
confidence will be high across Valley Parade.
City kicked off their season with an impressive 2-1 win at home to Wycombe Wanderers,
before a goalless stalemate at Northampton – pair these results with another 2-1 win in the
Carabao Cup at Championship side Blackburn Rovers in midweek, The Bantams will be
backing themselves to keep up this successful run in front of a lively home crowd.
Meanwhile, Luton have two wins from two in the league – beating AFC Wimbledon on the
opening night coupled with a win at Peterborough United last weekend.
They had different fate in their midweek cup fixture, however, losing 1-0 at Coventry City. Despite falling at the first hurdle on Tuesday night, The Hatters are yet to concede a goal in the league and will be wanting to protect that 100% start.
Bradford is seen as one of the toughest places to visit in League One with a mix of home
form and a strong following creating somewhat of a fortress, but Luton won’t shy away from
the challenge with the quality they have in their side.
It could easily turn into one of the games of the weekend in League One, but I can see both sides strengths cancelling each other out.
Jamie’s Prediction: Bradford City 1-1 Luton Town.
Cardiff City vs Rotherham United
Both teams come into this game having made a modest start to the season. Cardiff sit in 8th on four points, whilst Rotherham United are in 15th with three, having lost last time out to a Stevenage side enjoying a strong start to the season.
Both sides have progressed midweek into the second round of the EFL Cup, seeing off lower league competition to do so. Cardiff defeated Ian Holloway’s Swindon Town 2-1 at home, whilst Rotherham needed penalties to overcome Salford at the Peninsula stadium.
Cardiff are the team fancied by the bookies and I would tend to agree. Rotherham’s unconvincing end to last season, coupled with their lack of strikers and Cardiff’s strong start at home means I feel the Bluebirds should just be able to edge this tie.
Joe’s prediction – Cardiff City 2-0 Rotherham United
Stevenage vs Northampton Town
Stevenage and Northampton Town are two teams that have had contrasting starts, with the
Boro sitting in fifth place after beating Blackpool away 2-1 and Rotherham at home
1-0.
Meanwhile, Northampton have started the season slowly sitting in 18th after a 3-1
away loss to Wigan Athletic and a 0-0 home draw to newly promoted Bradford City.
Considering both teams’ form so far, and Stevenage’s record at home, I’m going for a
2-1 win for Stevenage.
Owen’s Prediction: Stevenage 2-1 Northampton Town
Thank you for reading our League One predictions.
