Predicting all 12 EFL League Two opening weekend results | OneFootball

EFL League Two is almost upon us and FLW have predicted all 12 fixtures on opening weekend ahead of the 2026/27 season...

Arguably, there has rarely been a better time to follow League Two. England's fourth tier has always had a reputation for unpredictability, but the 2026/27 campaign looks set to take that to another level.

There are genuine promotion contenders spread throughout the division and very few League Two sides expected to be cut adrift at either end of the table. Relegated clubs are desperate to bounce back at the first attempt, ambitious long-term projects continue to gather momentum, and newly-promoted teams arrive believing they can upset the established order.

AI has had a go at predicting League Two, but it is ultimately a division which is the EFL's most unpredictable of all. Some League Two sides are more likely to get promoted than others, of course, but that combination should produce one of the most fiercely contested seasons in recent memory.

Big crowds, historic clubs, and exciting football are all part of the package, while the financial landscape of the EFL means the gap between many teams has never been smaller. One smart signing, a productive loan addition, or an inspired managerial appointment can completely transform a campaign.

Every point matters, every away trip presents a different challenge, and momentum can swing dramatically over the course of 46 games.

For supporters of clubs in the division, that unpredictability can be agonising. For neutral observers, however, it is precisely what makes League Two so compelling.

With promotion hopefuls scattered across the league, exciting young players eager to make names for themselves, and clubs investing more intelligently than ever, the 2026/27 season has all the ingredients to be one of the best League Two campaigns in years; and the season is set to kick off imminently. Here, we have taken a look at the opening day fixtures and predicted them.

Action Images

Rochdale may have experienced disruption following promotion with a managerial change, but they still appear to have plenty of momentum behind them after an outstanding National League campaign. Confidence can often carry teams through the opening weeks of a new season, and Newport may find themselves facing a side full of belief. Having only narrowly preserved their League Two status last term, County still have plenty to prove. Rochdale's attacking quality could make the difference as they announce themselves back in the EFL with an impressive away victory.

Oldham Athletic 1-1 Port Vale

Action Images

Few opening-day fixtures are as eye-catching as this one. Oldham finished last season in excellent form to fall just short of the play-offs and they will believe they can carry that momentum into 2026/27, while Port Vale have every reason to expect an immediate response after relegation from League One but under Jon Brady's control now. Both clubs possess squads capable of challenging towards the top end of the table, making this an intriguing early test. A draw would represent a respectable start for two sides with genuine promotion ambitions.

Accrington Stanley 1-1 Colchester United

Action Images

Both Accrington and Colchester will be aiming for far more comfortable campaigns after inconsistent seasons last time around. With the overall standard of League Two appearing stronger following the arrivals of ambitious clubs like York City and Rochdale, neither side will want to make a slow start. This feels like one of those opening-day contests where avoiding defeat is almost as important as chasing victory. A competitive draw would provide a solid platform for both teams to build upon.

Action Images

This has all the ingredients of one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend. Barnet arrive with continuity after an outstanding campaign back in League Two after promotion, while Salford have assembled one of the division's most eye-catching squads during the summer. However, new signings often need time to settle, particularly away from home. Barnet's understanding, attacking chemistry, and confidence under Dean Brenna could give them the edge in what promises to be an entertaining contest between two sides expected to feature prominently in the promotion race.

Cheltenham Town 0-2 Rotherham United

Action Image

Rotherham United remain something of an unknown quantity heading into the new campaign, but their objective will undoubtedly be an immediate return to League One. On paper, this represents one of the more favourable away fixtures they will face during the opening weeks, and they should have enough quality to capitalise. Cheltenham are capable of making life difficult for opponents, but the Millers' superior individual talent could ultimately prove to be decisive as they make a winning start.

Chesterfield 1-0 Fleetwood Town

Action Images

Paul Cook has transformed Chesterfield into one of the division's most consistent promotion challengers since returning to the Football League, and the SMH Group Stadium has become a notoriously difficult place for visiting teams. Fleetwood Town should be organised and competitive throughout the season, but this feels like a fixture where Chesterfield's home advantage could be crucial. It may not be a classic, but one goal could be enough to hand the Spireites all three points.

Crawley Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra

Action Images

Crawley Town face what could be a difficult campaign, making a positive start especially important. Home form is likely to be vital if they are to avoid being dragged into trouble, while Crewe Alexandra will be hoping to improve significantly after a disappointing season of their own. Both teams have enough quality to create chances but also enough question marks to prevent them from taking full control. A draw feels like a fair reflection of two evenly matched sides.

Gillingham 2-0 Walsall

Action Images

There is growing hope that this could finally be the season everything comes together under Gareth Ainsworth at Gillingham. The Gills have strengthened well and possess the foundations to compete much higher up the table. Walsall, meanwhile, may still be feeling the effects of two seasons' worth of disappointment at this level, and recovering mentally can often take time. If Gillingham begin with intensity and confidence, they have every chance of securing a comfortable opening-day victory.

Grimsby Town 4-1 Exeter City

Action Images

Grimsby Town head into the new campaign after an impressive play-off finish and look capable of mounting another serious promotion challenge. Goals were rarely a problem last season, which is why they appear well-equipped to trouble almost any defence in the division. Exeter City, meanwhile, arguably arrive with more concerns than any of the relegated sides and could find adapting to League Two more difficult than expected. A high-scoring home win would send an early statement to the rest of the league.

Northampton Town 1-3 Swindon Town

Action Images

Like Exeter, Northampton Town look set for a challenging campaign following relegation, while Swindon Town have enough attacking quality to punish teams if they can find greater consistency. Although there remain a few uncertainties surrounding the Robins, this fixture offers an excellent opportunity to begin positively against a side still adjusting to life back in League Two. If Ian Holloway's men click in the final third, they could leave Sixfields with a convincing away victory.