New boss Peter Cklamovski takes charge of Salford in a league fixture for the first time when the Ammies visit Barnet on Saturday.
York City will play their first Football League fixture in ten years this weekend when they host Bristol Rovers.
Crewe are targeting a third successive victory over Crawley when the teams collide on Saturday.
The new 2026/27 EFL League Two campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 15th, amid talk of fresh starts, clean slates and new beginnings, but as far as the betting is concerned, value remains the watchword.
Saturday’s 12-game slate is split between two lunchtime and ten afternoon fixtures, and with all 24 participants keen to make the most positive start possible, the competitive edge should be keen.
Below, we’ve published previews for each match, with snapshot analysis and free betting tips included for all 12 contests. Remember to browse the latest League Two odds on LiveScoreBet for the best prices.
Newport County vs Rochdale (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
There isn’t much optimism in Exile country ahead of the new campaign. Newport beat the drop last season, though another year of struggle is anticipated under recent hire Hayden Mullins. County’s squad looks weak after an uninspiring summer and they could be vulnerable against Rochdale. The newly-promoted visitors have also changed managers, though the Dale did some interesting recruitment under Ian Watson, including loanees Kaiden Wilson and Nils Ramming from Chelsea and Brighton. Rochdale were dangerous on the road in the Nations League last term and they can prove their mettle again here.
Score prediction: Newport County 1-2 Rochdale
Oldham Athletic vs Port Vale (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
Oldham had the second-best home defensive record in League Two last season (18 conceded in 23 games) and they should be stable at the back again this term, especially with manager Micky Mellon signing on for two more years. It’s been a summer of change for relegated Port Vale meanwhile, who start with a new-look squad. It might take them time to develop chemistry with so many fresh faces on board, so back Athletic to frustrate them at Boundary Park.
Score prediction: Oldham Athletic 1-0 Port Vale
Accrington Stanley vs Colchester United (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
With summer pickup Cole Stockton, who is a proven goal-scoring force at this level, in tow, Accrington Stanley should be able to improve on last season’s 1.02 goals-per-game average, though it might take a while before the centre-forward finds his stride. Colchester, who beat the Accies 2-1 in April, look like tricky opening-day opponents and they are good enough to leave the Wham Stadium with a point.
Score prediction: Accrington Stanley 1-1 Colchester United
Barnet vs Salford City (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Barnet finished last season with a bang (7 wins in 8) and are plotting a run at the title from the outside lane this year. They have a chance to prove their credentials against last term’s beaten Playoff finalists Salford. The Ammies have a new manager, Peter Cklamovski, in charge and have gone big in the transfer market again, however, this Barnet team is more settled and are easier to back.
Score prediction: Barnet 2-1 Salford City
Cheltenham Town vs Rotherham United (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Cheltenham lost double-figure games (10) at home in League Two last season and their knack for generous hosting could be on show again on Saturday. Visiting Rotherham have dropped down a division, but they added goals over the summer in Tom Bradshaw and Paul Mullin, and if those two click, they could do some damage. The Millers can get points on the board early here.
Score prediction: Cheltenham Town 1-2 Rotherham United
Chesterfield vs Fleetwood Town (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Chesterfield have already come up short against Fleetwood this season, losing 1-0 to the Fishermen in the Carabao Cup in Lancashire. However, the Spireites dominated 70% possession and won the shot count (15-5) in that narrow reverse. With home advantage to harness in Saturday’s rematch, Paul Cook’s side can gain some revenge. Chesterfield reached the Playoffs last term and only lost four home matches across the campaign. Back them to shine on their own patch again.
Score prediction: Chesterfield 2-0 Fleetwood Town
Crawley Town vs Crewe Alexandra (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Crewe beat Crawley home and away last term (1,0, 1-0) but that was before Town appointed Colin Kazim-Richards. They Red Devils been better since and they can prove that on Saturday. The goals dried up for Crewe towards the end of last season and they did little to improve their striking options over the summer. With that holding them back, they might have to be content with a point at Broadfield Stadium.
Score prediction: Crawley Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
Gillingham vs Walsall (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Gillingham lost eight of their final 12 fixtures of the previous League Two season and despite a transfer-market upheaval over the summer, the Gills looked just as poor in last weekend’s 3-0 cup defeat at home to Luton. Walsall meanwhile, impressed in a surprise 1-0 triumph at Championship side Bristol City in the same competition, and building on that, the confident Saddlers could be worth backing again.
Score prediction: Gillingham 0-1 Walsall
Grimsby Town vs Exeter City (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Exeter were relegated last season and their summer recruitment was limited by the club’s sketchy financial situation. Grimsby meanwhile, look primed for another playoff push. The Mariners were League Two’s joint-second-highest scorers last term (74 goals) and they’ve strengthened in the attacking department since. Exeter’s spirits would also have been dampened by last weekend’s Devon Derby loss at Plymouth, so back City’s early slump to continue.
Score prediction: Grimsby Town 2-0 Exeter City
Northampton Town vs Swindon Town (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Swindon only just missed out on a playoff spot last season and though they look ready to go again in 2025/26, securing an opening-day victory at Northampton looks like a big ask, with a point a more reasonable target. The Cobblers, who were relegated from the third tier last term, have the inexperienced Chris Hogg in the hotseat after his summer appointment, but with a takeover in the works, the club is in a state of flux. Swindon can take advantage to avoid defeat here.
Score prediction: Northampton Town 1-1 Swindon Town
Tranmere Rovers vs Shrewsbury Town (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
Two of last season’s prime relegation candidates face off at Prenton Park, where goals could be in short supply. Shrewsbury collected 27 points in their final 19 games under January appointment Gavin Cowan, but restricted by a transfer ban, they haven’t strengthened and look short of goals. Tranmere meanwhile, have Darrell Clarke in charge, a manager who had a very tough time of it in his last gig with Bristol Rovers. With quality lacking in both camps, an early-season damp squib could be on the cards.
Score prediction: Tranmere Rovers 0-0 Shrewsbury Town
York City vs Bristol Rovers (Saturday, 3:00 pm)
York amassed 108 points and scored 114 goals when winning the National League last season but still parted with manager Stuart Maynard. Scott Lindsey is in charge instead and it will be interesting to see if City’s gamble pays off. Lindsey didn’t start well, overseeing a 2-0 loss to Crawley in the cup last weekend, so Bristol Rovers will fancy their chances here. The Pirates finished the previous campaign in searing form, winning ten of their final 12 league fixtures. Their summer business looked sharp and they could spoil their hosts’ party on York’s return to the Football League for the first time in a decade.
Score prediction: York City 1-2 Bristol Rovers
