Early Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff and Luton predictions made

Wanderers are aiming to build on their eighth-place finish <i>(Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)</i>
Wanderers are aiming to build on their eighth-place finish (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)
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Wanderers’ hopes of bettering their eighth-place finish in League One next season have been assessed by the bookmakers.

With Wimbledon securing the final promotion spot after beating Walsall at Wembley, early predictions are being made.

Steven Schumacher is preparing for his first full season in charge at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, having succeeded Ian Evatt several months ago.

The Whites finished two places and 10 points off the play-off places this term – failing to improve their previous position for the first time in four years.

Luton are the early favourites for promotion. The Hatters were playing Premier League football in 2023/24 but have suffered back-to-back relegations.

Cardiff and Plymouth – one of Schumacher’s former clubs - also make up the top three following relegation from the Championship.

Wanderers are joint-fourth in the list with Stockport. Dave Challinor’s side finished in third place but lost out against Orient in the play-off semi-final.

Huddersfield are also tipped to finish in the top six next season. The Terriers ended up in 10th place and are still searching for Michael Duff’s successor.

Wycombe, who finished fifth before losing against Charlton in the play-offs, are predicted to narrowly miss out next term.

READ MORE: Harkin explains Bolton 'potential' and what new recruits must 'buy into'

Reading, who missed out on a top six spot on the final day, also make the top 10 along with Rotherham and Reading.

At the other end of the table, Wimbledon are predicted to struggle following their Wembley delight on Monday.

Burton are tipped for another tough season after pulling off a great escape under Gary Bowyer to beat the drop this term.

2025/26 League One table based on the early promotion odds

  1. Luton
  2. Cardiff
  3. Plymouth
  4. Bolton
  5. Stockport
  6. Huddersfield
  7. Wycombe
  8. Rotherham
  9. Reading
  10. Blackpool
  11. Leyton Orient
  12. Barnsley
  13. Bradford
  14. Wigan
  15. Lincoln
  16. Peterborough
  17. Doncaster
  18. Stevenage
  19. Mansfield
  20. Port Vale
  21. Burton
  22. Exeter
  23. Northampton
  24. Wimbledon

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