We reached out to fans from all 24 League One 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 League One season kicks off on August 1.
Huge thanks also to @DanDave1989, @ScottyFEFL and @NateThegFantasy for providing some of the responses from their threads on X.
LEAGUE ONE FANS’ VERDICTS
- AFC Wimbledon: Frustrating to promising prospects
- Barnsley: Rebuild is underway, optimistm is growing
- Blackpool: Excellent transfer window, excitement is brewing
- Bolton Wanderers: Automatic promotion hopes
- Bradford City: Top-half finish
- Burton Albion: Renewed optimism under Gary Bowyer
- Cardiff City: Brian Barry-Murphy excites fans
- Doncaster Rovers: Mid-table finish would be a success
- Exeter City: Staying up would be a success
- Huddersfield Town: Automatic promotion on the cards
- Leyton Orient: Richie Wellens is signing of the Summer
- Lincoln City: Just shy of the play-offs
- Luton Town: Promotion expected
- Mansfield Town: Steer clear of relegation
- Northampton Town: Survival is essential
- Peterborough United: Survive and make progress from last season
- Plymouth Argyle: Play-Offs would be a success
- Port Vale: Darren Moore to guide them to safety
- Reading: Play-Offs incoming
- Rotherham United: Low expectations
- Stevenage: Underdogs, don’t write them off
- Stockport County: Dreams to reality – top-two
- Wigan Athletic: Top-10 feels achieveable
- Wycombe Wanderers: Manager Mike Dodds continues to impress
AFC WIMBLEDON – @EFLFantasyTips
Prospects this season
“After a slow start to the summer that saw us lose key wing-backs Neufville and Tilley, the recent signings have injected some much-needed optimism. Bringing in Nathan Asiimwe (D) to fill a crucial gap and adding Danilo Orsi (F) and Antwoine Hackford to bolster the attack has fans feeling positive. On top of that, holding on to the core of the squad and bringing back Ali Smith (M) are seen as smart moves. The shift from a frustrating start to a promising week is a huge relief for supporters.”
Top assets
- Ryan Johnson (D) – defensive machine, clearance magnet
- Joe Lewis (D) – defensive machine, clearance magnet
BARNSLEY – @ScottyFEFL
Prospects this season
“The atmosphere at the club is a mix of caution and excitement as a rebuild takes shape under new manager Conor Hourihane. There are naturally some questions about his lack of experience, but many fans are optimistic for an improved season and a potential outside shot at the playoffs. The team has made some promising signings, including a key free transfer for David Mcgoldrick (F) and loan deals for Murphy Cooper (G) and Caylan Vickers (F). However, the squad still needs a right-back and a right-winger, which fans hope will be addressed after a few player exits. Crucially, keeping hold of star players like Davis-Keillor Dunn (M), Jon Russell (M), and Luca Connell (M) will be vital to our success. Additionally, the return of highly-rated centre-half Jack Shepherd from his loan spell feels like a new signing.”
Top-three assets
“Id say the star man Davis Keillor-Dunn (M), David Mcgoldrick (F), and young starlet Caylan Vickers (F) will all be amongst the points this year.”
BLACKPOOL – @NotOrangePod
Prospects this season
“There’s been some excellent additions such as George Honeyman (M), Niall Ennis (F) and Daniel Imray (D), Fraser Horsfall (D) and Jordan Brown (M). However the lack of wingers now fit and the loss of Rob Apter (M) has currently left us short. Bruce reportedly wants four more, two wingers and two strikers, let’s hope they’re incoming. Overall, Good business so far, some excitement out-wide and up-top will make it an excellent window.”
Top-three assets
“Oliver Casey (D), Niall Ennis (F) and Albie Morgan (M) will be amongst our top-scorers this season.”
BOLTON WANDERERS – @FPL_Wanderers
Prospects this season
“Current mood around the club is very positive. Schumacher’s first proper transfer window, has seen him clear a lot of the old players out and brought in a fresh wave of players with completely different attributes, and things we were missing last season. Aim for the season has got to be promotion, and for most of us that’s the automatic positions.”
Top-three assets
“Amario Cozier-Duberry (M), Aaron Morley (M) are the two current standouts. If we sign a striker they’d be my third-pick”.
Favourite fixture run
BRADFORD CITY – @tommksn
Prospects this season
“After finally escaping League Two, after what seems to be an age back down there, I would say that most Bradford fans would bite your hand off for survival in this upcoming season.
“However, the approach from the club seems the opposite and with the signings they have made, it seems as though we could well and truly be in and around the top-half of the table. We will, however, have to see the impact of losing our player of the season and captain, Richie Smallwood (M).”
Top-three assets
- Josh Neufville (F): AFC Wimbledon’s Player of the Year, 11 goal contributions last season. Impressed in pre-season so far.
- Joe Wright (D): Kilmarnock’s Player of the Year, by all accounts a stalwart at-the-back who will put his head where it hurts. Really good attacking returns for a centre-half, amassing 10 goals in his last three seasons at Kilmarnock.
- Stephen Humphrys (F) – Another new signing, 12 goal contributions last season for Barnsley in only 26 starts, one of the highest calibres of players in our squad, and has experience under manager Alexander.
Favourite fixture run
“Avoid our players early on due to tough fixtures, until mid-October. Target Double Gameweeks 22-23 for four promising fixtures, including home games against Wigan and Port Vale, and winnable away matches at Mansfield and Blackpool.”
BURTON ALBION – @adamdrew1988
Prospects this season
“A sense of renewed optimism surrounds the club, largely fuelled by Gary Bowyer’s new contract – our biggest signing this summer. Despite losing key players like Max Crocombe (G), Ryan Sweeney (D), Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, and Rumarn Burrell (F), a positive pre-season has instilled confidence in the fans.
Jordan Amissah (G) has looked solid in goal, a welcome sight as he fills the large void left by Crocombe. Up front, Jake Beesley (F) and Fabio Tavares (F) have forged a promising partnership, though it remains to be seen if they can replicate the success of last season’s Bodvarsson/Burrell duo. The return of Jasper Moon (D) from his Harrogate loan is also a significant boost, feeling like a new signing after Bowyer’s unsuccessful attempts to recall him in January.”
Top-three assets
“Charlie Webster (M) in midfield will be an interception wizard who gets a few shots away. Jasper Moon (D) could follow up his clearance haul of last season in a Burton defence with lots to do. I also think Jake Beesley (F) could shine under Bowyer.“
CARDIFF CITY – @ccfcinsiderr
Prospects this season
“I think the current mood around the club is a mixture of excitement and nerves. Obviously we haven’t been in this division for a long time and far bigger clubs have found themselves stuck here for years and years. However, Brian Barry-Murphy has had us playing an exciting way in pre-season. So I’d say generally people are excited, but some are understandably wary and not so confident.”
Top-three assets
“Yousef Salech (F), Callum Robinson (F) and Rubin Colwill (M) will be our best assets”.
DONCASTER ROVERS – @Rambling_rovers
Prospects this season
“I think everybody is excited about the new season. I’ve still got the buzz from being League Two champions, but I think most Rovers fans will settle for a mid-table finish this season.
I think our transfer business this summer has been good , we’ve added League One experience and a bit of promising youth which complements the core of the group well.”
Top-three assets
“Luke Molyneux (M), Brandon Hanlan (F) and Matthew Pearson (D) are our standout assets”.
EXETER CITY – @csalterr / @stfcsam09
Prospects this season
“The overall mood at the club seems to be fairly ambitious looking to build upon an ok finish (16th) to push for mid table/top-half. Overall just to stay up would be lovely.
Our business in the transfer window has seen us bring in some great talent, retaining Joe Whitworth (G) for another year. The standout has to be Jayden Wareham (F) this year for me though. However, with the departures of Caleb Watts (M) and Demetri Mitchell (D), it’s hard to call the window a successful one by any means.“
Top-three assets
Reece Cole (M) has a great ability to create chances and on set-pieces. Josh Magennis (F) is on penalties, and Whitworth who can get the save points.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN – @john_angood
Prospects this season
“The mood is optimistic following a raft of summer signings. The target has to be automatic promotion.
We have signed an entire new team, including three FEFL legends in Alfie May (F), Owen Goodman (G) and Joe Low (D). However, we have let go a number of former favourites including Josh Koroma (F).“
Top-three assets
“Joe Low (D) and Owen Goodman (G) are our best assets. Alfie May (F) is also viable if he scores regularly.”
LEYTON ORIENT – @LOFC_Dan
Prospects this season
Positive mood around the club despite the play-off final loss. We have had a new owner come in over the summer, along with recruitment that the fanbase is happy with for once. Most importantly however, is manager Richie Wellens signing a new contract. He is the most valuable asset we have and to keep him is amazing.
We have made 10 new signings this windowI’d say our best business has been getting Idris El Mizouni (M) on a permanent. He was pretty much our POTS in 22/23 and 23/24 on loan so to have him on a permanent is amazing. The big name striker is Aaron Connolly (F), who has a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove!”
Top-three assets
- Idris El Mizouni (M) – Box-to-box midfielder, will tally up interceptions along with goals and assists
- Omar Beckles (D) – Proper centre-half, loves a clearance and even with the points scoring changing, should still be excellent
- Tommy Simkin (G) – young keeper coming in on loan after success at Walsall. I’d trust him to both keep clean sheets and tally up save points.
LINCOLN CITY – @FF_Centre
Prospects this season
“For the 25/26 season, I predict we’ll finish 7th-10th. There’s some tough competition with teams like Luton, Cardiff, Huddersfield and Plymouth. Lincoln have lost Sean Roughan (D) and Paudie O’Connor (D), who were both key players, and the Imps recently conceded three goals to Bromley in pre-season.“
Top-three assets
- Ethan Erhahon (M): proved to be a brilliant asset for interception points last season, averaging 2.11 interceptions per-90. Erahon keeps the team ticking in possession and is one of the best holding midfielders in League One
- Reeco Hackett (F): one-to-watch. He managed seven goals and six assists in all competitions last season, averaging two shots per 90. He’s our most dangerous attacker from wide areas and can drift central to link play
- James Collins (F): main talisman, 11 goal contributions in 37 last season, penalty-taker
Favourite fixture run
We have a brilliant fixture run to start next season – our first five games include Reading, Wimbledon, Burton, Mansfield and Port Vale.
LUTON TOWN – @UncleReegs
Prospects this season
“Current mood around the club is positive, we believe promotion is possible and expected! Currently, Matt Bloomfield is looking to play the ball on the floor, which really compliments the current team we have. We’ve had a massive rebuild, with only four players left from our Premier League promotion winning side. It’s the best pre-season we’ve had in recent years.”
Top-three assets
“Millenic Alli (F) he is an absolute cheat code in League One and will get a lot of goal contributions – he’s my early prediction Player of the Season for us. Josh Keeley (G) he will get a few assists this year, but most importantly will get multiple clean sheets as our defense looks impenetrable. Club-captain Kal Naismith (D) will play every game, a goal scoring centre back that may get a few assists from set pieces!”
MANSFIELD TOWN – @FPLTom_
Prospects this season
“The mood around the club is largely positive. Last season really was a tale of two halves — we started strong and were firmly in the play-off mix, but the second half saw us hit a rough patch, including winless runs of six and ten games. That said, there’s a real sense of renewal going into this season. We’ve rejuvenated the squad with a fresh group of younger players who bring energy and hunger, and the hope is that they’ll make a real impact. The aim is definitely to push on from last year and hopefully be clear of the drop zone.”
Top-three assets
“Ryan Sweeney (D) is an easy lock. I think our defence will be rock solid this season, and as club captain, he’s going to be central to that. He also has the potential for bonus points and the odd goal from set pieces. If he’s given the freedom to play a more advanced or a roaming role, I genuinely Keanu Baccus (M) could be our best player this season. He ended last season strongly and could rack up a good number of goal involvements if things click.”
NORTHAMPTON TOWN – @CobblerFPL
Prospects this season
“The first aim, as in the last two seasons since promotion, is to stay up. The likes of Birmingham and Wrexham may be gone, but there’s still a lot of money in the division which makes it as difficult as ever for us to compete. The mood is okay after Kevin Nolan came in and rescued a flagging season last December. But there’s been a lot of big characters departing this Summer so it could go either way!”
Top-three assets
“Sam Hoskins (F) is usually reliable in front of goal, Nesta Guinness-Walker (D) likes to bomb on from left-back and could pick up assists. Cameron McGeehan (M) was top-scorer last time out from midfield so may be one to punt on in decent fixture.”
PETERBOROUGH UNITED – @maxstairs
Prospects this season
“Not great, a lot of the fans are divided on whether we have invested correctly after losing Kwame Poku (M), Ricky-Jade Jones, Hector Kyprianou (M) and Malik Mothersille (F). Pre-season has looked up and down but only time will tell. The aim is to survive and make progress on last season, so realistically mid-table. I think that’s at best.”
Top-three assets
- Bradley Ihonvien (F) – a real powerhouse but can be a risk when it comes to red cards with his attitude
- Harley Mills (D) – a technical genius and one that will provide attacking returns for a left-back. He’s one-to-watch
- Sam Hughes (D) – If you want a defender that is going to win a lot of headers, clear a lot of balls and get defensive points. He’d be my go to player in this format for sure
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE – @Fpl_thomas / @FPL_Jack15
Prospects this season
“The mood around the club is mixed. We’re looking forward to the new season and having a fresh start after a tough and unavoidable relegation. There’s been a lot of key players who have left alongside new players coming in the squad, and some exciting signings, but overall not feeling confident. We’d be happy with the play-offs. We know we’re still short in a few areas especially another creative midfielder, a winger, and a strong centre-half.”
Top-three assets
- Xavier Amachei (F) – Number 10, on all set pieces, gets loads of shots away. Looks like our main man
- Brendan Wiredu (M) – Good for interceptions and key passes alongside a real set-piece threat
- Bali Mumba (D) – Listed as a defender but plays as a left winger Likes to take players on and shoot, a high-risk, great upside pick
PORT VALE – @KPVFC10
Prospects this season
“I’d say it’s a quite balanced mood across the fanbase. We are buzzing to be back in League One. Any newly promoted side’s aim is to stay away from relegation and I think with the quality we’ve got in particular areas we’ll be ok in doing that. Darren Moore is known for having success at most clubs and he has brought that winning mentality back to Vale Park, and I hope that can carry on in League One.”
Top-three assets
- Conor Hall (D) – 299 points last season, third-most in League One/Two
- Lorent Tolaj (F) – 174 points, can only see him improving
- Ryan Croasdale (M) – 181 points, ball-winning skills are incredible
READING – @MartinConaghy
Prospects this season
“Coming seventh last season was a massive over-achievement with all the background noise with the ownership. We lost our best winger, Ameez, best striker, Sam Smith (F), and our manager, Ruben Selles, yet managed to miss out on play-offs last game of the season.
“The core of our squad is the one of the best in the league with a solid foundation at the back and midfield. We currently have two attackers so need to add to that but if we do add some of the people we are linked with, I believe the play-offs are achievable this season.”
Top-three assets
- Lewis Wing (M) – Best midfielder in our team and the captain, played every minute last season and got 9 goals, 10 assists, 48 interceptions and 74 key passes. Also on our set-pieces.
- Paudie O’Connor (D) – A recent signing, 254 points for Lincoln last campaign. Clearance machine (339) also made 44 tackles and 18 blocks.
- Harvey Knibbs (F) – Out-of-position playing as an eight, scoring 14 goals and getting six assists in 43.
ROTHERHAM UNITED – @FPL_Dean
Prospects this season
“There’s mixed feelings around the fanbase this season, but nobody is expecting too much. Signings have been young, hungry players as opposed to 30 year old free agents, but pre-season results have slightly concerned some fans. Matt Hamshaw is a local bloke so fans will get behind him.”
Top-three assets
“Denzel Hall (D), Joe Powell (M) and Sam Nombe (F) are best. Hall will be playing as an attacking wing back and could offer a good threat. Powell’s creative numbers speak for themself. Nombe scored 14 goals last season, and I expect that number to improve this time round.”
STEVENAGE – @ReeceDSport
Prospects this season
“Positive. Last season we battled and battled hard with some good and bad bits to finish in mid-table which we werre all delighted with. This season is all about improvement in how we play. The business is all positive, and we’re looking forward to playing the underdog again this season.”
Top-three assets
“Carl Piergianni (D) was an absolute machine last season and I don’t expect that to change this season. Louis Thompson (M) will rake in those interception points when he is back from injury and playing. I expect Jordan Roberts (F) numbers to fly this season after last season with a lack of bodies running past him.”
STOCKPORT COUNTY – @_HannahJBrown
Prospects this season
“We outperformed expectations and budget in 2024/25, finishing third in our first season in League One. For the last 11 seasons, across four divisions, our league finishing position has been higher than the season before, and are the only club in the world with this claim.
“So it’s second or higher for The Hatters in 25/26. The off-season has seen key long-serving departures but has been bolstered by club record signing Malik Mothersille (F) and ex-Doncaster rising talent Joseph Olowu (D), who are both expected to play key roles this season.”
Top-three assets
- Benony Andresson (F) – At 19, ‘Beno’ was described as County’s best finisher by manager Dave Challinor, and his xG of 0.52 is evidence of that. Arriving at Christmas 2024, he only played 350 minutes in 24/25 but is expected to play a key role this season.
- Kyle Wootton (F) – Overlooked as a key player, Wootton’s total goal contributions (18) for last season, combined with stellar key stats, make him a solid choice, especially with 4135 minutes of play in 24/25.
- Malik Mothersille (F) – Joins County from Peterborough as the club’s record signing, and 21 goal contributions in 24/25. His pre-season performances have looked strong.
Favourite fixture run
“No teams took six points off us last season, and we don’t meet any of the relegated teams until Gameweek 6 (Plymouth). Gameweeks 2 and 3 bring games against fellow play-off teams Wycombe and Leyton Orient, so it’ll be a good early indicator of how we’ll stack up.”
WIGAN ATHLETIC – @CentralWigan
Prospects this season
“After five turbulent years, Wigan Athletic has finally found stability under new owners and manager Ryan Lowe. Despite a rollercoaster of promotions, relegations, and near-extinction, the mood is now optimistic. While a top-six finish may be a season or two away, the hope is for a steady climb up the table from last season’s 15th-place finish, with a top-half or even top-10 finish feeling achievable. As long as the team shows progress and plays an enjoyable style of football, the fans will be happy.”
Top-three assets
- James Carragher (D) – helped us keep 12 clean sheets in 33 games last season, scoring 2 and assisting 1. We conceded just 17 goals while Carragher was on the field and I expect him to have a breakout season.
- Christian Saydee (F) – Arrived from Championship side Portsmouth this summer and came with plenty of praise, netted seven and assisted three for Shrewsbury Town in 35 League One games the year before he joined Portsmouth
- Dara Costelloe (F) – Impressed with a handful of goals under his belt in pre-season
WYCOMBE WANDERERS – @FEFLTips
Prospects this season
“A positive Summer was imperative for Wycombe, and supplying that has buoyed us after a tricky end to last season. Dodds seems to have acquired the majority of targets he wanted, and won over plenty of fans in the process. Retaining Richard Kone (F) (so far) is the best piece of business we could’ve done, and his pre-season form looks as if he may be back to his best.
The signing of Taylor Allen (D) looks to be an ample Caleb Taylor (D) replacement – with clear attacking threat (and potentially set pieces too), with Dan Casey (D) expected to step into the Joe Low/Sonny Bradley role of being our clearance specialist too.”
Top-three assets
- Taylor Allen (D): Moved from a MID to DEF, potentially a set-piece + penalty-taker and a huge attacking threat: 10 goals and seven assists for Walsall last season.
- Richard Kone (F) – 18 goals last season, scored two in last pre-season match and attacking signings should benefit his number of chances.
- Junior Quitirna (M) – various routes to points, eight goals and one assist for relegated Crawley last season, already scored in pre-season and looks to be favoured for minutes by Dodds.
Favourite fixture run
“DGW3 (Doncaster A and Exeter H) looks strong for Wycombe assets, and the stretch to GW6 (including Stevenage A and Mansfield H) looks solid for Wycombe assets – especially the Mansfield fixture. DGW23 and DGW26 are both also double home fixtures for Wycombe, so I’m certain plenty of eyes will be on us for those.”
