AI makes one big 2026 prediction for all 24 EFL League One clubs | OneFootball

AI has come up with some bold claims regarding the fortunes of those in the third tier

League One has provided plenty of intriguing storylines as the 2025/26 season heads into the New Year, with the hectic and unrelenting period of action so often definitive when it comes to the short-term aims of many clubs.

In terms of the clubs which currently reside in the third tier, there are a strong mix of ex-Premier League clubs who are desperate to at least get one step closer back to the top-flight after years of decline and uncertainty, whilst others are hoping to prove the doubters wrong when it comes to potentially achieving an unexpected promotion or play-off spot.

It perhaps wasn't the greatest of surprises when Birmingham City and Wrexham earned promotion last term, with Charlton Athletic following suit in the post-season lottery. However, the race for promotion and the battle against the drop into League Two is already shaping up nicely in terms of further drama between now and May.

As such, it is hard to fully call which sides will be promoted or relegated after 46 games, adding to the beauty of the division.

However, at Football League World, we have enlisted the help of AI-based chatbot, ChatGPT, with the computer issuing a BOLD prediction of any kind regarding each of the 24 clubs in League One right now.

AFC Wimbledon

AI predicts that AFC Wimbledon's main focus as a club relates to their stadium, Plough Lane, rather than on-pitch developments under Johnnie Jackson.

The algorithm believes last season's play-off winners in League Two will look at innovative ways to increase their revenue streams, in turn, allowing for a later push up the standings through an improved transfer budget.

Barnsley

In what would be a damning blow to their promotion hopes, AI predicts that Barnsley will sell a star performer for a club-record fee.

At present, it is hard to look past Davis Kiellor-Dunn on this front, with the forward already in double-figures in terms of goals after summer interest from Charlton and Middlesbrough.

Blackpool

AI is predicting a much more positive 2026 for Blackpool, who are hoping to steer themselves clear of the relegation battle under Ian Evatt.

It claims that a calmer environment will be created by owner, Simon Sadler, after a period of turbulence, regardless of whether the Lancashire side are successful in their short-term aim.

Bolton Wanderers

The first overly positive New Year prediction from AI is that Bolton Wanderers will return to the Championship for the first time in seven years.

It hints that Steven Schumacher will not overhaul his squad, having already done so in the summer, and such work will see them overpower their current promotion rivals in the coming months.

Bradford City

AI has claimed that Bradford City will end the season with the best home average attendance in League One, having done the same in the fourth tier by some margin last term.

However, the algorithm claims this could work against Graham Alexander's team as pressure may mount on the Bantams to deliver back-to-back promotions after their strong first half of the campaign.

Burton Albion

However, the same cannot be said for Burton Albion, who are predicted to fall into League Two after years of near misses.

AI states that years of limited investment and sourcing free transfers and loans will eventually catch up with the Brewers, who will be forced into a long-term rebuild.

Cardiff City

After showcasing their credentials with a run to the EFL Cup quarter-finals, AI claims that Cardiff City's promotion charge will be spearheaded by a sudden ownership change.

Vincent Tan has overseen matters in South Wales since 2010, in what has been a chaotic 15-year period for the Bluebirds.

However, after previous links of a takeover fronted by Gareth Bale in the summer, which failed to materialise, new investment could soon be on the horizon.

Doncaster Rovers

However, such fortunes will not apply to Doncaster Rovers, according to AI.

It has been predicted that, in a bid to halt a recent slide down the standings, the Reds will part company with Grant McCann and appoint a high-profile name instead.

However, this will not guarantee success, says the computer, and a difficult remainder of the season looks likely to be in store.

Exeter City

Given the club's precarious financial situation, AI believes that Exeter City will look to secure the immediate future of the club above all else.

With the Grecians well-known for producing stars such as Ethan Ampadu, Ollie Watkins and Jay Stansfield, further hefty sales, which will count as pure profit, are expected.

Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town supporters have given mixed opinions on Lee Grant's reign at the Accu Stadium, and based off AI's bold prediction for 2026, the 42-year-old could become a sudden managerial casualty.

That's because it has been claimed that the Terriers will restore their on-pitch identity under a manager known for utilising a progressive style of play, which has been a major criticism of Grant's since his appointment in June.