'Hotshot' 'Lowest state' 'Look serious': League One experts on Sheffield Wednesday's 2026/27 opponents - Part One
Sheffield Wednesday's latest League One campaign is just around the corner, and they face some tough fixtures in England's third tier.
Plenty has changed since Wednesday were last in this division,and there are several teams that the Owls will face that - while they aren’t exactly unknown quantities as clubs - are in different circumstances to previous meetings.
With that in mind, and in order to get ourselves better acquainted with those that Henrik Pedersen and his side will face in 2026/27, we’ve tracked down journalists and experts from all 23 clubs that will make up the division.
In part one, which consists of A - L, there’s a mixture of promotion hopefuls, relegation battles and maybe-men… All of whom are hoping to hit the ground running in August.
Welcome to our quick L1 guide…
AFC Wimbledon – Matt Singfield
I am expecting a very tough season in League One. Credit must go to Johnnie Jackson for keeping us safe on the penultimate day last season, but it will be a challenge to replicate that. With one of the smallest budgets in the EFL, surviving another campaign in the third tier would be a huge success.
Barnsley – Doug O’Kane
Barnsley will be looking to arrest a slide of five seasons in which they have finished in a lower place than the last. Daniel Stendel is hugely popular but this squad is nowhere near as proven, or complete, as when he arrived in 2018. Players are expected to be sold but the Reds are confident of a strong summer of incoming transfers.
Blackpool – Amos Wynn
Blackpool have a point to prove heading into the new season. They started the last campaign with ambitions of fighting for promotion, but ended up in a relegation battle.
While it was touch and go for long periods, the Seasiders ultimately ended up surviving comfortably, and will need to build on their strong form from the last nine games.
Having gone big last summer, this year could be about ensuring recruitment is more precise, and giving Ian Evatt the tools he needs to play a certain brand of football.
Bradford City – Nathan Atkinson
City will be buoyed after coming fourth in their first season back in League One for seven years… But losing in the play-off semis was a bitter pill to swallow, as is captain Max Power’s departure to Wigan.
However, they lacked a prolific goalscorer last season, which they may have already resolved by signing Burton hotshot Jake Beesley.
Bromley – Machel St Patrick Hewitt
As Bromley approach their inaugural season in League One, there is eager anticipation about the challenge that awaits. There is no doubt that Bromley will enter the new season with the same playing style that has served them so well and delivered two promotions in three seasons.
However, there will have to be upgrades if Bromley are to not face a season of struggle. Andy Woodman has a history of pulling rabbits out of the transfer bag. Expectation is the same again.
Burton Albion – David Wilson-Turner
Burton are heading into their 9th consecutive season as a League One club, the longest of any 2026-27 participant, and I am hopeful that we can begin to change the narrative of our many relegation battles in previous seasons.
Under Gary Bowyer, we have steadily improved since his appointment in December 2024, and despite the expected loss of some assets this summer, it is hoped we can continue our upward trajectory this season!
Cambridge United – Liam Apicella
Survival - that will be the first aim for Cambridge. But with a driven character like Neil Harris at the helm, there is a sense that they will be looking for a little more than that.
Recruitment will be key. Some big characters and leaders have left this summer, and they need replacing. Although unproven at the level, Callum Stead certainly looks a good start to their business
Doncaster Rovers – Ricky Charlesworth
Grant McCann’s second spell as Rovers manager, to date, has been constant improvement year-on-year but this season poses arguably the toughest challenge in replicating that feat.
If they can hang on to star men Bailey and Molyneux and add some oven-ready League One performers then a top 10 finish is more than achievable.
Huddersfield Town - Steven Chicken
This will be Huddersfield’s third season in League One after a pair of disappointing campaigns finishing several places short of the play-offs. Hopefully mid-season sporting director appointment Chris Markham – formerly of Bolton – and new head coach Martin Drury can make it third time the charm.
Adding more intensity, athleticism and consistency is a priority for a side that attacked well but couldn’t defend in the first half of last season, and vice versa for much of the latter half.
Leicester City – Josh Holland
Leicester find themselves in possibly their lowest state in their 142-year history. Relegation to League One after plotting an instant return to the Premier League means a rebuild is a must. Two months before the 26/27 season kicks-off and the wheels are slowly beginning to turn.
Russell Martin is the frontrunner to take over from Gary Rowett but the ex-Rangers boss hasn’t said yes just yet. His primary job, or whoever comes in, will be to trim the squad and reconnect with the fans.
Leyton Orient - Brendan Pitcher
The repercussions of Richie Wellens’ quite astonishing rant that followed Leyton Orient’s final day survival are still being felt around E10. A number of players remain on the transfer list with no sign of movement as yet. League One Player of the Season Dom Ballard is almost certain to follow them out the exit door.
It’s certainly going to be a challenge for Wellens and incoming Director of Football Scott Mitchell to knit things together ahead of the upcoming season with survival once again the key aim.
Luton Town – James Cunliffe
Luton look serious about mounting a promotion challenge. Securing Jordan Clark and Liam Walsh on new deals could prove their best business of the summer, unless they land Kasey Palmer permanently from Hull. Jack
Wilshere wanted recruitment done early and to hit the ground running when the season starts. With George Johnston signed from Bolton and some players already back training, they’re backing up their words.
Stay tuned right here on The Wednesday Word as we wrap up with part two with M - W, and we’ll also be touching base with all of our experts after the transfer window closes to see if their viewpoints have changed at all.
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