After narrowly missing out on the League One playoffs in 2023-24, Lincoln City are gunning for promotion in 2024-25. Just two points separated Lincoln from sixth last term, and it’s no surprise they are fancied as one of the favourites for a top-six finish this time around.
Whilst Lincoln won’t be in the conversation for betting on Premier League games this season, they’re currently priced at 11/4 to finish in the top six this season. Eleven teams, including the three relegated from the Championship, have a shorter price than Lincoln.
All of the upper-echelon League One sides will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys, who finished second in League One just two seasons ago, were runners-up in the Championship in 2023-24. Despite being in the third tier as recently as 2023, there are two teams with shorter Premier League relegation odds than Ipswich.
It’s inevitable the relegated teams are going to be among the main challengers for promotion. Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town are the two betting favourites, with the pair priced just ahead of Bolton, who lost the playoff final to Oxford United earlier this year.
Relegated Teams
Birmingham and Huddersfield have widely been tipped for promotion. Rotherham are much trickier to evaluate after reappointing Steve Evans at the end of last season and overhauling their squad during the summer.
Getting their transfer business done early will have helped Rotherham prepare for the new season, but time will tell if such significant investment in the first team was a sensible decision.
You can't beat that 𝙉𝙀𝙒 striker feeling. 🤩
Let's go, Lyndon. pic.twitter.com/nmTyfh2JMZ
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) August 28, 2024
Powered by their American owners, Birmingham have had another busy summer. A raft of exciting signings surely make the Blues the favourites to top the League One table.
Despite selling midfielder Jack Rudoni to Coventry, Huddersfield are bound to be in the mix. Their summer business stands them in good stead in the third tier. The Yorkshire club massively underachieved their expected goals metrics last season.
Watch Out For Bolton and Wigan
Bolton have suffered playoff heartbreak in consecutive years. They finished just five points off automatic promotion last time around, as they continue to build under new ownership. The signings of Chris Forino and Luke Southwood provide necessary squad depth after injuries hampered their promotion push earlier this year.
Taylor’s in town. ✊#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/waSIAHyUM4
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) August 28, 2024
Wigan were deducted eight points last season and still finished in the top half. If they had avoided the points deduction, they would have only been a few points off the playoffs. The Latics have bolstered a squad which already had plenty of young talent. Dion Rankine and Tyrese Francois have penned permanent deals, while Michael Olakigbe and Calvin Ramsay have joined on loan.
Summary: Fierce Promotion Battle Expected
Lincoln had the second-best defensive record in League One last season. Even after losing Lasse Sorensen, the Imps have had a strong summer transfer window.
Birmingham, Bolton, and Huddersfield are all going to be very competitive this season. Look out for Wrexham, Peterborough, and Charlton to be in the mix, too.
Even with lots of strong teams, a playoff spot is well within Lincoln’s reach.
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