Football League World
·18 August 2026
Supercomputer makes new 2026/27 EFL League One final table prediction after first matches

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·18 August 2026

The third tier's opening weekend was certainly full of drama
The EFL season got underway this weekend, and right throughout the Championship, League One and League Two, plenty of drama was served up.
The third tier, in particular, this season is in a rather intriguing state when assessing the mix of club sizes, which has been emphasised at length by the likes of Leicester City and Bromley, who, just a matter of years ago, were worlds apart in terms of divisions, and to an extent, still are in terms of facilities and finances, but will meet as equals on the pitch.
As many as 38 goals were scored across the opening weekend of League One matches this season, with the standout result seeing Jack Wilshere's Luton Town outfit come back from 3-1 down to defeat Reading 4-3 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium through Gideon Kodua's stoppage-time winner.
Of course, it is still hard to predict the outcome of an entire 46-game season after just one game, as things can change right up until the final minute of the campaign next May.
However, the Opta Supercomputer appears to never have one day of rest throughout the seven-month campaign, and even after 90 minutes of action, a new predicted League One table has been revealed based on data from the opening day.

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After just one round of matches, the supercomputer is predicting that AFC Wimbledon will finish rock-bottom of League One.
Johnnie Jackson's side finished 19th in their first season at the level since 2022 last term, but it has been claimed that the South London club will suffer from the infamous 'second season syndrome' following a 3-0 loss at Huddersfield Town.

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A surprising prediction is that, following a 1-0 loss to Bromley - a home game in which they dominated - the computer believes Daniel Stendel's return to Barnsley will not be a good one overall.
The Tykes have regressed massively since the German's first spell in charge, and it is being suggested they could be relegated to League Two for the first time since 1979 if negative trends continue.

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Peterborough United endured an inconsistent 2025/26 season, and the Cambridgeshire side are now being tipped for relegation in Luke Williams' first full term at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Last season, Posh were strongly reliant on the goals of Harry Leonard, Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Kyrell Lisbie, but with the latter duo now elsewhere, creativity could be lacking this time around.

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Leyton Orient only just survived last season, and after a mix of campaigns in the third tier, the supercomputer currently has the East London side finishing 21st.
Richie Wellens has added several players to his squad who have experience of featuring at higher levels, though, so it could come as a surprise if the O's are in a similar position next summer.

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The first newly-promoted side on this list are Notts County, who would certainly take survival in their first season back at the level since 2015.
Martin Paterson's Magpies will also take great encouragement from their display against Leicester at Meadow Lane on Saturday moving forward, with Conor Grant netting a late equaliser.

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One place in front are MK Dons, who also drew 1-1 against a side that were two divisions above them last season in the form of Oxford United.
Paul Warne is a seasoned operator at this level with promotion experience to prove that, and he also has an experienced squad to call upon in a bid to consolidate their place back in League One.

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Gary Caldwell is now in his first full season back at Wigan Athletic, but after guiding the North West side to safety last term, they are predicted to come 18th based on their opening-day loss at Cambridge United.
That said, it has been a summer of high turnover at the Brick Community Stadium, so an inconsistent start to the campaign, at least, may not be unexpected.

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Bromley are predicted to come 17th by the supercomputer at present, with Andy Woodman's side continuing to defy the odds even after their League Two title-winning season.
However, if their impressive defensive record continues, they are certainly capable of continuing such a recent positive trajectory, whilst the likes of Michael Cheek will always possess a goal threat.

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Burton Albion found themselves featuring heavily in pre-season relegation predictions, but after a 1-1 draw versus Stevenage to get the league season underway, the supercomputer believes the Brewers will do enough to stave off the drop zone yet again.
That is in spite of the fact their star winger, Tyrese Shade, is expected to leave the club after Football League World exclusively revealed interest from Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.

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Under Neil Harris, Cambridge United are projected to be the best-performing newly-promoted side and end 15th after 46 games.
As previously mentioned, the Yellows got off to a winning start on their return to the third tier after one season away, and they will hope that form at the Abbey Stadium continues to be positive, although they will also wish for more comfortable victories along the way.







































