Continuing our 2025/26 fixture analysis, let’s look at the League One teams with the most and least advantageous fixtures between Gameweek 1 to 5, determined on our Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR).

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The dynamic nature of Fantasy EFL, allowing weekly team adjustments unlike FPL, means early fixture planning is crucial. Understanding which clubs have a favourable start can provide a significant advantage for both player and club selections.

We’ll delve into the Championship once it unlocks in-game after Gameweek 1’s opening match.

Luton Town will host AFC Wimbledon in League One at Kenilworth Road on August 1, marking the start of this EFL season.

We’ll also highlight potential player targets from these clubs, including new signings, to give you fresh options beyond just last season’s XI.

Don’t forget that this season, FFScout are creating the ultimate EFL fan panel. We’re looking for influencers, fanzine contributors, podcasters, or simply super passionate fans of various EFL clubs. No matter if you’re a devoted Championship supporter or a fan of a newly promoted EFL team in Barnet or Oldham Athletic, we want to hear your thoughts! Click here to find out more.

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BEST OPENING FIVE – LEAGUE ONE

ROTHERHAM UNITED

In a turn that might surprise many, the Millers’ first six matches (five Gameweeks) are rated as the easiest, according to our FDR.

Matt Hamshaw’s side have two newly-promoted sides from League Two in that time, opening their campaign against Port Vale (H), while they face Doncaster Rovers (A) in Gameweek 5. Notably, their opening game is a “dark blue” fixture.

They also take on Burton Albion (H) and Wigan Athletic (H) in Gameweeks 3 and 4, who both finished in the bottom half last campaign. The former narrowly avoided relegation.

The only “red” fixture in this period is away to newly-relegated Cardiff City in Double Gameweek 3.

Assets to consider

• Joe Powell (M) – Provided nine goal contributions and 44 interceptions, scoring 240 points. He also provided 98 key passes, the most of any EFL player. However, the transfer mill is turning.
• Reece James (D) – Scoring 187 points in 43 appearances, he was the highest-scoring defender at the club.
• Sam Nombe (F) – He will lead the line following Jonson Clarke-Harris’ sale. He bagged 20 goal contributions in 43.

MANSFIELD TOWN

After a tough previous season where they narrowly avoided relegation by eight points, winning only six of 26 games in a disappointing second half, the Stags are looking for a fresh start.

This season’s fixture list offers a decent opening, though the final three games listed might raise some eyebrows.

Their campaign kicks off in Gameweek 1 with a “tasty” away match against last season’s relegation rivals, Burton Albion. This is followed by a home tie against Doncaster Rovers.

While Blackpool and Leyton Orient will undoubtedly be challenging opponents, playing them in front of their home fans at One Call Stadium provides an ideal opportunity for the Stags to gain some crucial points.

With manager Nigel Clough having recently extended his contract and receiving the full backing of the owners, there’s a strong sense of hope for a much-improved performance this season.

Assets to consider

• Ryan Sweeney (D) – A top addition from Burton, the centre-back scored 270 points in 42, notably making 337 clearances, providing four goal contributions too.
• Adedeji Oshilaja (D) – The highest-scoring Fantasy asset last season for Mansfield, scoring 188 points, making 187 clearances, alongside three goals.
• Will Evans (F) – 16 goal contributions in 40 for a struggling attack, will lead the line once again

LUTON TOWN

The Hatters are preparing for life in League One under Matt Bloomfield, following their disastrous back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One. Thankfully for the Bedfordshire outfit, the opening schedule is fantastic.

They kick off their EFL season with a home fixture against AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road on August 1.

Following this, they face away ties against Peterborough, who shipped the most goals last season, and newly promoted Bradford City.

Further attractive matchups include home games against Wigan and an away game against Burton. The only “red” fixture appears to be at home against Cardiff, who were also relegated. However, the team will likely feel confident playing in front of their home crowd.

With lots of incomings and outgoings as Bloomfield starts to shape his own squad, the Hatters have a great start.

Assets to consider

• Hakeem Odoffin (D) – the centre-back was the highest-scoring defender for Rotherham last season, banking 265 points in 44, alongside 261 clearances.
• Nakhi Wells (F) – The latest talisman to join, he provided 14 goal contributions in 41 for Bristol City last season.
• George Saville (M) – the Northern Ireland international provided seven goal contributions and 58 interceptions in 45 for Millwall last season.

WORST OPENING FIVE – LEAGUE ONE

AFC WIMBLEDON

Much like Peterborough, the Dons kick off their first League One campaign since 2022 with a tough run of fixtures.

Their season opens with an away trip to Luton Town, a team aiming to set the pace in the division after their relegation from the Championship. As a result, the fixture is ‘dark red’.

The challenging schedule continues into Gameweek 3 with another match against a recently relegated opponent, Cardiff City (H).

The Dons will have to wait until Gameweek 5 for what appears to be their easiest fixture, an away game against fellow promoted side Bradford (A). However, history isn’t on their side, as they haven’t secured a win at Bradford since 2018.

In fact, Johnnie Jackson’s side won’t face a team that finished outside last season’s top 12 until Gameweek 7.

Regardless, the Dons will be focused on navigating this tricky opening period and getting their League One season off to a stable start.

Assets to consider

• Ryan Johnson (D) – Key to their promotion campaign. 17 clean sheets in 43, 287 clearances, 259 total points.
• Alistair Smith (M) – His impressive loan spell has culminated in a free transfer move. Scored their promotion-winning goal, a highlight among his 12 goal contributions and 34 interceptions across 48 appearances.
• Matty Stevens (F) – 19 goal contributions in 49 games, returning 209 points. Will continue to lead the line.

PLMYOUTH ARGYLE

Many fans eagerly watch how newly relegated teams begin their season, and for Plymouth Argyle, it’s looking like a demanding start.

They face two tough away games early on: Bolton in Gameweek 2 and Cardiff in Gameweek 5.

Their home schedule offers little respite either, with matches against Barnsley, Leyton Orient, and Blackpool. While these aren’t considered the toughest fixtures, they’re far from easy wins for a team adjusting to life back in the division.

Fortunately for the Pilgrims, their luck appears to turn from Gameweek 8 to 13, where they have a more favourable run with no red fixtures.

Still, this challenging start won’t be ideal for newly appointed manager Tom Cleverley as he looks to make his mark at Home Park, especially given the player exodus.

Assets to consider

• Brendan Wiredu (M) – A new addition, the 25-year-old scored two goals and made 41 interceptions for Fleetwood last season.
• Xavier Amaechi (F) – nine goal contributions in 25 for 1. FC Madeburg last season. Handed the number 10 shirt.
• Bali Mumba (D) – a dynamic force on both flanks, leading the team in progressive carries and contributing with two assists and 264 final-third passes, taking 22 shots last season.

BOLTON WANDERERS

After a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, 10 points shy of the play-offs, the Trotters are looking for a fresh start under Steven Schumacher. While Schumacher has had half a season to settle in, the opening five Gameweeks won’t bring many smiles at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

The Trotters face a demanding start with away trips to Stockport and Blackpool, and a home fixture against Plymouth. All three teams are expected to be strong contenders for a top-six spot.

The schedule doesn’t ease off with home games against Reading and Lincoln; a trip to Barnsley adds another tricky fixture to the mix. Apart from the home tie against mid-table Lincoln, there isn’t a standout “easy” game in the initial run.

However, the fixture list becomes considerably more favourable for Bolton from Gameweek 6 onwards.

Assets to consider

• Aaron Morley (M) – 14 goal contributions and 26 interceptions in 38, scoring 203 points.
• George Johnston (D) – 195 points banked at Fleetwood last season, the wing-back scored defensively, making 273 clearances.
• John McAtee (F) – The talisman provided 14 goal contributions in 45, and has opened his account in pre-season.