We reached out to fans from all 24 Championship teams in Fantasy EFL, and they truly delivered!
The aim is to hear directly from the heart of each fanbase: whether you’re a devoted home-and-away supporter, a podcast host, a magazine editor, a FEFL fanatic, and everything in between.
Your incredible participation has provided us with an exclusive and invaluable look at what real fans think about the season ahead, covering crucial categories such as:
- Prospects this season
- Top-three potential Fantasy assets
- Best fixture runs
While some thoughts are still being updated, the full insights will be available before the Championship season kicks off on August 8. A Friday-night blockbuster awaits, as Birmingham City take on Ipswich Town in Gameweek 2.
Huge thanks also to @DanDave1989, @ScottyFEFL and @NateThegFantasy for providing some of the responses from their threads on X.
CHAMPIONSHIP FANS’ VERDICTS
- Birmingham City: promotion charge on the cards?
- Blackburn Rovers: Play-off push
- Bristol City: Drop-off following 24/25
- Charlton Athletic: 12th-18th expected
- Coventry City: Home advantage for the play-offs – fourth or fifth
- Derby County: Relegation battle avoided
- Hull City: Glass “half-full” over half-empty attitude
- Ipswich Town: Division winners
- Leicester City: Promotion inbound regardless of potential points deduction
- Middlesbrough: Play-Offs the aim, expectations vs reality
- Millwall: Fantastic momentum under Alex Neil
- Norwich City: ‘Most optimistic in years’
- Oxford United: Mid-table finish, avoiding relegation
- Portsmouth: Mid-table would be welcomed
- PNE: Stale atmosphere
- QPR: Improvements expected under new manager, top-half finish
- Sheffield United: Title charge, top-six minimum
- Sheffield Wednesday: Relegation scrap inevitable
- Southampton: Division winners or bust – must-win
- Stoke City: Mid-to-low table
- Swansea City: Renewed life in the Swans
- Watford: Dark horses for the play-offs
- WBA: Top-six challenge
- Wrexham: Mid-table finish
BIRMINGHAM CITY – @DanDave1989
Prospects this season
“After the success of last season winning League One and the investment we have in the club, expectations will be high this season. I do expect the team to be competitive so I would predict us to be in the play-off picture, somewhere between fourth and eighth.
“We have already signed the likes of Kyogo (F), Damarai Gray (F), Bright Osayi-Samuel (M) who will all hopefully give us some more exciting options in attack with extra pace added. Doyle (M) and Neumann (D) are also solid additions. More ins/outs are expected before the start of the season.”
Top-three assets
- Christoph Klarer (D) – Managed 20 clean sheets in 43 league starts last season. The Birmingham defensive unit were impressive, especially at home, only conceding 11 home goals all campaign.
- Kyogo Furuhashi (F) – The talisman has come in to improve the attacking output of this Birmingham side. He managed 63 goals in 116 Scottish Premiership games.
- Phil Neumann (D) – Neumann feels nailed alongside Klarer. Could be a nice differential route into an impressive defence.
Favourite fixture run
“I think Gameweeks 12-18 have some nice fixtures for targeting Birmingham assets. We have two nice Doubles: in Gameweek 12 we take on Hull (H) and Preston (A). In Gameweek 14, we have Portsmouth and Millwall at home. We don’t face a relegated Premier League sides or Sheffield United in this period.”
BLACKBURN ROVERS – @marcslats07
Prospects this season
“Although there remains uncertainty oof the pitch, there is a belief around the supporters that we can push for the play-off places. (6th-10th) After having a promising end of the 24/25 campaign. The signings look promising, including Ryan Alebiosu (D) and Dion de Neve (M) are very attacking. However, losing Tyrhys Dolan (M), Andreas Weimann (F) and Danny Batth (D) is a blow.”
Top-three assets
- Dominic Hyam (D) – Played every minute in the league season. Chipped in with four goal contributions, also making 352 clearances and 15 clean sheets.
- Yuki Ohashi (F) – Really impressed last season, his first in England, scoring nine goals and three assists in 36 appearances, despite already playing half a season in Japan.
- Todd Cantwell (M) – Despite a quiet start, he ended up with 10 goal contributions in 37 appearances, showing flashes of his potential. There’s a strong feeling that he’ll be a key player for us this upcoming season.
Favourite fixture run
“Gameweeks 17-25 look promising for Rovers as we face QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Wrexham at home, alongside Wrexham, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday away. If we have top-six hopes, these are all must-wins.”
BRISTOL CITY – @EFLFANTASYJOSH
Prospects this season
“Under the new management of Gerhard Struber, it is hard to gauge how we might do. Realistically reaching the play-offs last season was probably an overachievement and normally 68 points would not suffice for this. I estimate a slight drop off to around ninth or 10th, as we transition with a new gegenpressing front foot playing style.
“Losing Nahki Wells (F), injuries to Max O’Leary (GK), Cam Pring (D) and key Luke McNally (D) are big blows. Rob Dickie (D) is suspended for the opener too. Interception magnet and set piece specialist Adam Randell (M) is a solid addition in midfield and Emil Riis (F) will be tasked with filling the void left by Wells.
Top-three assets
- Ross McCrorie (D) – Goal-scoring right wing-back who attacks frequently from the right, often targeting the back post or cutting in to shoot. He proved his scoring touch last season with five goals in just 18 starts.
- Emil Riis (F) – The forward will be the main man up top playing lots of minutes, quite probably on penalty duty and the focal point of our new attack. Has a habit of getting on a run of goals and with some early favourable fixtures could be worth throwing into your side. 12 goals and two assists last season in a poor Preston side.
- Mark Sykes (M) – Three goals and four assists last season from just 21 starts, returns in almost 33% of matches, he’s very underrated. Also likes to intercept the ball in the press, so extra bonus points there.
Favourite fixture run
“In Gameweeks 2 to 7, we face Charlton (H), Derby (A), Hull (H), Sheffield Wednesday (A), Oxford (H) and Preston (A). On paper, these are all sides we would be expected to do well again. I would hope we can collect at least two points-per-game here.”
CHARLTON ATHLETIC – @Dale_S_R
Prospects this season
“The mood is very positive/optimistic, with promotion being followed by some proper backing in the transfer window. Realistically survival is the number one aim, but if we finish the window well, then being in the ‘top 6’ of the bottom-half of the table feels achievable.”
Top-three assets
- Kayne Ramsey (D) – Jones (D) got the plaudits last year, and Gillesphey (D) got the points, but the lad is a top player. I expect him to step up.
- Charlie Kelman (F) – If his League One form translates he’ll be a top option.
- Thomas Kaminski (G) – I see us building a solid base again this year. He’s got a strong defence in front of him, and his experience should cope with the step up in quality.
COVENTRY CITY – @FplShakenbake
Prospects this season
“The hangover from the cruel play-off defeat has led to a few frustrations with the fans, some of whom seem to want wholesale changes, but personally I think were in decent shape. No key outgoings as of yet in terms of first team regulars, and a couple of impressive signings added which should improve us further. Once Lampard came in, our form was up there with the top teams in the division, and we should be aiming to compete there again.. I think we’ll finish third or fourth, and have home advantage for the second leg of the play-offs.“
Top-three assets
- Jack Rudoni (M) – Top-scorer last season.
- Bobby Thomas (D) – Nailed-on starter, defensive lynchpin, scores goals
- Haji Wright (F) – Once fit he’s our main forward
DERBY COUNTY – @LukeThrower45
Prospects this season
“Despite being a Championship stalwart for much of recent history, Derby had no guarantee of survival last season and managed to scrape their way to securing that second-tier status on the final day. After a summer of recruitment, the Rams will be keen to avoid making it quite as nervous towards the end of the season.
Injuries to players such as Sondre Langas (D), Ryan Nyambe (D), Curtis Nelson (D), Patrick Agyemang (F) and Lars-Jorgen Salvesen (F) may make it tough for the side to have such a quick start, though the recruitment of Danny Batth (D), Carlton Morris (F) Andreas Weimann (F), and Owen Beck (D), should bolster the side.”
Top-three assets
- Carlton Morris (F): Likely to lead the line, with injury crisis. 11 goal contributions last year, but did bag 11 goals in the Premier League the year before. Likely to be the scoring outlet.
- Ebou Adams (M): Midfield general who the team runs through. 99 tackles won, 76 blocks, 56 interceptions, 44 appearances.
- Kane Wilson (D): An attacking full-back who is a real threat going forward. Only three returns last season, but top percentiles for progressive carries.
Favourite fixture run
“GW8-9 includes matches against Preston, Wrexham and Charlton – the latter two being part of a double gameweek – which could prove fruitful.
GW12-14 includes some decent potential matchups with Oxford, Norwich, QPR and Hull, alongside one ‘red’ fixture against Sheffield United.”
HULL CITY – @hcafcjoe
Prospects this season
“Tipping towards positive on the scales. A wave of negativity and frustration towards the owner, Acun Ilicali, and the club has soon mellowed and many fans are excited with what this new squad of players can achieve this season. The club still seemingly has some financial issues to deal with which are at the back of many fans’ minds no doubt.”
Top-three assets
- Oli McBurnie (F): Predicting 15-20 goals for the Scotsman, not to mention assists too.
- Abu Kamara (M): The winger provided five goals and three assists in his first season last year.
- Charlie Hughes (D): An everpresent in the heart of the defence, he should play (and start) nearly every game this season. He also provided a goal and an assist in his debut season last year.
IPSWICH TOWN – @feflmakar
Prospects this season
“The team is fight-ready and hungry, and the aim for the season is to get straight back into the Premier League from the autos and maybe win the Championship. The owners are giving maximum support to McKenna and the team. The club is very ambitious.”
Top-three assets
- Leif Davis (D): six goals and 34 assists in three years at Town. Huge upside at both ends.
- Sammie Szmodics (M): Impeccable goalscoring record at Championship level, showed well in pre-season.
- Jaden Philogene (F): Excellent pre-season, could have 20+ goal involvements if regularly plays.
LEICESTER CITY – @BlueTintedLCFC
Prospects this season
“Despite the looming threat of a potential points deduction, Leicester remain one of the strongest sides in the Championship this season. On the pitch, I expect the Foxes to win a lot of games – the underlying quality in the squad is still above second-tier standard. If we remove off-field issues from the equation, I’d confidently back Leicester to finish in the top two. In fact, without any sanctions, I’d fancy us for second-place.
When it comes to Fantasy EFL, that’s good news. Points deductions might affect final league position, but they don’t impact the actual performances in individual games. Leicester assets will still be right up there for returns – expect a steady stream of clean sheets, goals, and attacking contributions throughout the campaign.”
Top-three assets
- Abdul Fatawu (F): Two seasons ago, he brilliantly transitioned into the Championship, finishing like a freight train with six goals and 13 assists in 40 games, becoming a top contributor for chances created, goals, and assists as others tired. Now returning from an ACL injury, if he quickly regains form, he’s proven at this level and capable of explosive hauls.
- Jeremy Monga (F): A confident and creative 16-year-old, has been Leicester’s pre-season standout, unfazed by senior football and set to get significant minutes. As an ultra-differential, he has the talent to rack up chances and chip in with goals/assists—a potential breakout star to watch closely.
- James Justin (D): Looks rejuvenated in pre-season under new boss Martí Cifuentes, deployed in an advanced “free man” role, getting into attacking areas for goals and assists, alongside our strong defensive upside.
Favourite fixture run
“Gameweeks 1–5 look ideal for Leicester assets – Sheffield Wed, Preston, Charlton, Birmingham, and Oxford is a great run against newly promoted and mid-table sides.
Morale may dip later if a points deduction hits, so front-loading on Foxes early could be the play.”
MIDDLESBROUGH – @danamalt
Prospects this season
“A little bit of concern and an awful lot of impatience. Everyone’s waiting for significant movement in the transfer window I think, so whilst that’s yet to happen, there’s just general disgruntlement. As for the aim, I think that should be play-offs. Whether we’ll get there though is a different debate.“
Top-three assets
“Finn Azaz (M), Tommy Conway (F) and if you’re willing to believe the 2023/24 version of him will come back, then Morgan Whittaker (F).”
MILLWALL – @ThatMillwallPod
Prospects this season
“The mood around the club is fantastic right now! With the signing of Alfie Doughty (M), a player with proven talent in both the Premier League and Championship, and our key stars staying put, there’s a lot of excitement. After finishing strong and just missing the play-offs, the team will have a full pre-season under manager Alex Neil to build on that momentum and fully embrace his philosophy.“
Top-three assets
- Casper De Norre (M): finished second in the Championship for interceptions, proving to be one of the best CDMs in the division
- Mihailo Ivanovic (F): 13 goals last season in his rookie year. A full pre season and a better supporting cast. Could easily double that.
- Alfie Doughty (M): 11 Premier League assists and likely Millwalls new set-piece taker. One of the best at creating chances and with dangerous crosses should see some assist points.
NORWICH CITY – @TheCanaryGuys_
Prospects this season
“The mood around the club is the most optimistic I have seen it for a very long time. It’s all been change as the new owners are starting to make an impact, the new management is in place and ready to start work and a wealth of new signings have come through the door. With the amount we’ve invested and the confidence the club has, top-six has to be the aim.”.
Top-three assets
- Josh Sargent (F): guaranteed goalscorer
- Mathias Kvistgaarden (F): exciting talent and high attacking output
- Marcelino Nunez (M): goals and assists threat, set-piece taker
OXFORD UNITED – Jack_Matt1209
Prospects this season
“Staying up last season was massive for Oxford as a club after being promoted, as we look to cement our place in the Championship. I think the aim for this year has to be to do this and, optimistically, with a few more incomings, I’d expect us to achieve a mid-table finish and avoid a relegation scrap.
“We’ve so far notably added Brian De Keersmaecker (M) and Brodie Spencer (D), who are top signings so that indicates the owner’s intent and ambition. On the other hand, we have lost Ruben Rodrigues (M) and Idris El-Mizouni (M) who perhaps didn’t have the quality to match the ambitions of the club and therefore make sense as long as they are replaced appropriately.”
Top-three assets
- Michal Helik (D) – Nailed unless we sign another centre back. Gary Rowett likes to prioritise defence first, so we’re likely to start keeping more clean sheets as he builds his squad and continues implementing his style. Helik offers lots of attacking threat and is actually a clinical finisher when given the opportunity, which he often does at the end of games. 43 tackles, 265 clearances, 34 blocks and seven goals last season, although have of that was in League One with Huddersfield.
- Ciaron Brown (D) – Famous for his 38-point haul in Triple Gameweek 21. Like Helik, he should start seeing some more clean sheets under Rowett. He’s 100% nailed and offers good attacking threat, scoring 4 goals last season alongside 3 assists, 28 tackles, 267 clearances and 49 blocks.
- Mark Harris (F) – This is with the caveat that we haven’t yet signed a striker, which I think and hope we will. But, for the time being, with Ole Romeny (F) injured with what looks like a pretty bad ankle injury, Harris is only competing with Tom Bradshaw (F), who is very much second choice, and Gatlin O’Donkor (F), someone who is likely being sent out on loan. Six goals and three assists last year but very much a confidence player. He scored in each of his first four games last season.
PORTSMOUTH – @PompeyNewsNow
Prospects this season
“The mood around Pompey at present, is the best it’s been for years. The Blues are experiencing a real high since John Mousinho took over in 2023. The aim for this season, will be quite similar to last. Survival is the minimum expectation, and with the division seemingly looking more competitive this time round, a similar 16th place finish would be welcomed. Hopefully with more consistency, better away form, and more of a push for mid-table.”
Top-three assets
- Josh Murphy (M): Seven goal and 14 assists last season, looking to better those numbers.
- Connor Ogilvie (D): key left-back, threat from set-pieces. Five goal contributions should’ve been higher.
- Callum Lang (F): Season cut short due to injury. 12 goal contributions until then.
PNE – @TheButterPiePod
Prospects this season
“The current mood is pretty stale at the moment, although PNE have brought in a vast majority of players we have left ourselves short without bringing in the main signings in the attacking areas which leaves creativity and goal scoring minimal as seen in pre-season.”
Top-three assets
“Odeluga Offiah (D), Thierry Small (D) and Mads Frökjaer-Jensen (M).”
QPR – @QPR_DS
Prospects this season
“I expect QPR to improve on last season, perhaps finish top-half. New head coach Julien Stéphan plays a more attacking play-style than his predecessor, and two up-front has so far been utilised in pre-season on occasion. Kwame Poku (M) is a very promising signing who will likely be a starter on the right wing. A big loss will be Kenneth Paal (D) departing, we are currently without a perceived starting left-back.”
Top-three assets
- Karamoko Dembelé (M) – Improved end product already after recovering from injury. Will likely be deployed as a #10. 23 appearances, four goals, three assists last season, exceeded his xG/A.
- Kwame Poku (M) – Talisman for Peterborough last season before his injury, and will be a key starter for QPR. 166 Fantasy points, 20 goal contributions in 27 for Posh last season.
- Jimmy Dunne (D) – Club captain for 25/26. 45 appearances, eight goal contributions, 244 clearances, 114 tackles, 24 blocks. 273 points.
Favourite fixture run
“Our first eight fixtures aren’t bad on paper, as we only face one team who finished above 12th last season, plus two newly promoted clubs. In that period, we’re against Preston, Charlton, Stoke and Oxford at MATRADE Loftus Road.
“In the run-in to the end of the season, three of our last five games are at home, as we face Bristol City, Swansea and Derby.”
SHEFFIELD UNITED – @AllThingsBlades
Prospects this season
“After last season’s Wembley heartbreak and also the end of Wilder’s Sheffield United return, the Blades are ready to go, this time under Ruben Selles. I expect us to once again compete at the top of the Championship and at the very least finish in the top six.
“Vini Souza (M), however, will be a huge loss for the Blades as he was a key part of United’s midfield defensively. Nevertheless, Tyler Bindon (D) will likely slot straight into the team as Selles utilised him well at Reading and had solid defensive numbers.”
Top-three assets
- Gustavo Hamer (M) – 18 goal contributions last season, however will be playing slightly deeper this season. Rotates on set pieces with Harrison Burrows.
- Harrison Burrows (D) – 43 games in the Championship last season with eight goal contributions – also four in the play-offs. Selles’ system should allow him to flourish more, alongside his penalties.
- Michael Cooper (GK) – 21 Clean Sheets in 43 games last season with 111 Saves.
Favourite fixture run
“Our stretch from Gameweeks 40 to 46 certainly looks favourable and will hopefully allow us to have a strong end to the season. We are usually strong at Bramall Lane and four of these games are played there.”
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY – @Joe_1867
Prospects this season
“After two seasons of progress under the immensely talented German Danny Röhl, financial trouble and the farcical mismanagement of the club has meant that Championship survival would be a miracle in the eyes of most Wednesdayites.
“With the club still under embargo and facing a three-window transfer restriction, there have been no new signings and there is no clarity on who will be playing or managing Wednesday. As a result, many young players such as Sean Fusire, Gui Siquera and Gabriel Otegbayo may have key roles to play this season.”
Top-three assets
- Barry Bannan (M) – Even at 35, the Scotsman racked up the most minutes (3,500+) in a Wednesday shirt last season and will always produce moments of magic for a goal or assist throughout the season, nine in total for 24/25.
- Pierce Charles (GK) – The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international is in for a busy debut season. Despite only 25 senior appearances for club and country, the young shotstopper is regarded as one of the best ball-playing keepers in the league and will likely be a starter.
- Bailey Cadamarteri (F) – Following the departure of five of Wednesday’s main attacking assets, the 20-year-old is set to lead the line for the Owls. He scored five league goals in an injury-curtailed loan at Lincoln and has previous championship goal-scoring experience.
Favourite fixture run
“Every fixture for the Owls this season will be a challenge. However, the Christmas and New Year period between Gameweeks 22 and 26 is a run against Hull, Blackburn, Preston, QPR and Portsmouth, all of whom the Owls have a relatively good recent record against. If last season is anything to go by, Wednesday will be a stronger force on the road than at home, given the toxic atmosphere surrounding Hillsborough at present.”
SOUTHAMPTON – @FPL_ElStatto
Prospects this season
“I would say generally pretty good, largely based on how we did last time we were in the championship. The aim has to be instant return to the Premier League. Anything less will be deemed a failure in my opinion. It won’t be easy as it’s a good division and plenty of teams will fancy a promotion challenge.”
Top-three assets
- Cameron Archer (F): top finisher and poacher. Starting striker.
- Liam Manning (D): starting left-back, expected to attack. Will Still loves an attacking full-back, expect lots of crosses.
- Shea Charles (M): great numbers last year at Sheffield Wednesday.
STOKE CITY – in-house experts
Prospects this season
“Since their relegation from the top-flight in 2018, the Potters have failed to finish higher than 14th-place in the Championship.
However, is there any more optimism this campaign? After a turbulent campaign last year, which eventually saw sporting director Jonathan Walters appointing Mark Robins, it’s slightly more positive at bet365 Stadium. They’ve recruited positively, including the signings of Maksym Taloverov (D) and Aaron Cresswell (D) who assure the backline, while Man City loanee Divin Mubama (F) will be fancying his chances. The Sale of Wouter Burger (M) felt inevitable but leaves a hole in midfield. Mid-table feels inevitable once again.”
Top-three assets
“Viktor Johansson (G), Maksym Talovierov (D) and Million Manhoef (F).”
SWANSEA CITY – @onlyswanss
Prospects this season
“Mood around the club is good. After years of poor and mostly uninspiring ownership the mood around the club is good again. Luka Modric arrived late in the season and Snoop Dogg invested over the summer contributing to at the very least intrigue around the city. Having a positive early transfer window was key too as we have a perception around the club that all business is left late.”
Top-three assets
- Josh Tymon (D): Our standout asset.
- Lawrence Vigouroux (G): Our number one, expect lots of save points.
- Liam Cullen (F): Main talisman at the club.
WATFORD – @SamHarding03
Prospects this season
“This season feels different to others, with many of us Hornets actually fairly optimistic of a promising finish this season. For that reason, I am going to be ambitious and back the boys to scrape a place play-off spot.
We’ve been aggressive in signing new players, as well as the likes of Chelsea loanee Caleb Wiley (D) and one of the 24/25 standout performers, James Abankwah (D), extending their stays.
“The club has managed to retain their star performers of last season, despite rumours of Imran Louza (M) and Giorgi Chakvetadze (M) looking likely to leave. With extra squad depth, there is certainly a feeling that the play-offs could be achievable.“
Top-three assets
- Kwadwo Baah (F) – You could certainly see the difference that the young winger made to the Hornets under Tom Cleverley last season. He ended last campaign with four goals and three assists, but his season quickly came to an end after suffering a serious injury towards the latter stages of the season. If he can reach full fitness, then he could pose a serious threat.
- Imran Louza (M) – The Moroccan midfield maestro was crucial last season. He ended with two goals and five assists and is looking very sharp, already bagging a goal in the first pre-season game against Boreham Wood.
- Giorgi Chakvetadze (M) – He ended last season with two goals and six assists. He is expected to improve his finishing and become a more viable Fantasy option. This is reinforced as several top clubs are monitoring the midfielder during the current transfer window.
Favourite fixture run
“Gameweeks 17 to 20 look like a very promising period for the Hornets. They take on Derby County and Preston North End in Double Gameweek 17 – two sides you’d expect to overcome. The Gameweek 19 double against Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday also looks promising.”
WBA – @Gemmabaggies
Prospects this season
“WBA arrive into 2025/26 with quiet confidence. After a ninth-place finish last season – just four points off the play-offs – Ryan Mason’s side boasts the fifth-best defensive record in the division, conceding 47 goals all season. Add in a few smart summer moves, the emergence of real attacking talent and a more fluid tactical system and the Baggies look primed to mount a serious top-six challenge.“
Top-three assets
- Tom Fellows (M) – Fellows was WBA’d most creative outlet last season by some distance, providing 16 assists – more than anyone else in the EFL. Capable of a big haul.
- Isaac Price (M) – Expect his minutes to increase under Mason, plays advanced RCM or tucked in as an inside forward. Since joining in January, he made two goal contributions in 13 games.
- Nat Phillips (D) – A new signing from Liverpool, brings vital composure and experience to an already solid backline. He’s a guaranteed starter for a team that prioritises defensive solidity, excelling in headed clearances.
Favourite fixture run
“Gameweeks 3 to 7 offer the perfect opportunity to invest: Wrexham (A), Portsmouth (H), Stoke (A) and Derby (H). This run is ideal for attacking returns and clean sheets. With potential low ownership, this is the moment to jump in early.”
WREXHAM – @RedDataDragon
Prospects this season
“As of writing this, a lot of our fanbase will simply be feeling excited at the prospect of playing Championship football for the first time since the 1981/82 season, over 40 years ago. With the current position of the squad, I would expect the club to finish in the range of 11th to 16th, a comfortable spot in mid-table with no involvement with either end of the extreme in this division.
“As for our two new signings: Ryan Hardie (F) and Danny Ward (GK), I feel like they’re suited for a steady rise up the Championship, rather than an immediate push for promotion like the media likes to suggest.”
Top-three assets
- Max Cleworth (D) – A young right-sided centre back, this is the most obvious first choice that most Wrexham fans would think of, thanks to his performances in the 2024/25 campaign, which saw him earn appraisal by the fans and the players. He was the third-highest scoring player overall, with 310 points, 21 clean sheets, and seven goals scored, making him the outright top scoring defender in League One, alongside two assists.
- Oliver Rathbone (M) – Our Fans’ Player of the Season. Rathbone was another key part in our third successive promotion, and a solid pick in last season’s game. In total, he racked up 11 goal contributions with eight goals and three assists, alongside 32 interceptions, resulting in him becoming a joint top-scorer for the club in the League, tied with Elliot Lee (M) and Steven Fletcher (F). With the change in how Shots on Target are rewarded, this could be an even more popular pick.
- Eoghan O’Connell (D) – Partnering Max Cleworth in defence to promotion last season, O’Connell was often seen as the heart of the back-line for the majority of the season, starting 38 games and keeping 21 clean sheets, giving him a higher clean sheet ratio than Cleworth, just simply without the added goal threat that Max offers to managers.
Favourite fixture run
“Gameweek 3 to 9 has West Bromwich Albion (H), Sheffield Wednesday (H), Millwall (A), BLANK (International Break), Queens Park Rangers (H), Norwich City (A) and Derby County (H).
“Then, from Gameweeks 30 to 33, it’s Ipswich Town (H), Portsmouth (H), Charlton Athletic (A), Watford (A), Hull City (H) and Swansea City (H).”
