EFL League One & Two Betting Tips: 1–3 August 2025

It’s finally here – the opening weekend of the 2025/26 EFL season. Over the span of August 1st to 3rd, League One and League Two roar back into action, and you can almost feel the optimism in the air. Every club has a clean slate and a new story to write. Some have fresh faces at the helm or big summer signings ready to impress. Others carry momentum (or maybe some baggage) from last season.

We’ve got former Championship teams like Luton Town, Cardiff City, and Plymouth Argyle determined to bounce straight back up. On the flip side, newly promoted sides such as AFC Wimbledon, Barnet, and Oldham Athletic are itching to prove they belong at this level. There are tactical shake-ups too – take Cardiff City’s new head coach, Brian Barry-Murphy, who loves attractive, attacking football. That could mean more open, free-flowing games for the Bluebirds this year.

Now, early-season form can be unpredictable. Upsets happen. But fear not: we’ve sifted through the latest news and expert analysis (from Sky Sports, BBC Sport, Oddschecker, official EFL channels and more) to give you some confident betting angles for the weekend. In this preview, you’ll find analysis and tips for key matchups in both League One and League Two, plus a weekend accumulator (acca) and even a fun Bet Builder selection. Whether you’re eyeing BTTS bets (Both Teams To Score), over/under goals, or an ambitious opening-day acca, we’ve got you covered with up-to-date info and insights tailored for UK punters.

Before we jump in, a quick heads-up: you can always compare bookies’ odds on our bookmakers page to make sure you get the best price. Also, check out the latest sign-up bonuses if you fancy a free bet, and swing by our Betting Tips hub for more football betting advice.

League One Betting Tips

League One gets the ball rolling on Friday night and carries on through Saturday and Sunday, with all 24 teams in action this opening weekend. We’ve zeroed in on a few of the most intriguing clashes, complete with our analysis and betting tips:

Luton Town vs AFC Wimbledon (Fri 1 Aug) – A Baptism of Fire for the Dons

Newly relegated Luton Town begin life in League One under boss Matt Bloomfield. It’s been a whirlwind journey for the Hatters – Premier League in 2024, Championship in 2025, and now looking to regroup and push for promotion from League One. They still have a number of players with second-tier quality, so it’s no surprise Luton are seen as one of the promotion favourites this year. Expect a fired-up atmosphere at Kenilworth Road in their first home game after back-to-back relegations. The home fans will demand a response, and Luton will be keen to make a statement right out of the gate.

In contrast, AFC Wimbledon come into this fixture as newcomers to League One, and what a tough welcome they’ve got. The Dons earned promotion from League Two thanks to a rock-solid defence, but facing Luton on their own patch is a whole different challenge – a real baptism of fire. Wimbledon’s priority might be to keep things tight early on and maybe nick a point. However, it won’t come easy. There’s a clear gap in experience and squad depth here: Luton’s lineup is packed with players used to higher-level football, and Wimbledon haven’t seen an opponent of Luton’s caliber in quite some time. Add in Luton’s home advantage on a buzzing Friday night, and the scales tip heavily toward the Hatters.

Betting Tips:

• Luton Town to Win: The Hatters have the quality and motivation to kick off with a home victory.
• BTTS – No (Both Teams to Score – No): Luton’s defence, bolstered by Championship-level talent, could very well shut out Wimbledon. The Dons might struggle to create clear chances in this opener.
• Under 2.5 Total Goals: Opening games can be cagey. We’re thinking something like a professional 2-0 win for Luton – comfortable for the hosts but not an all-out goalfest.

Cardiff City vs Peterborough United (Sat 2 Aug, 12:30) – Fireworks at Cardiff City Stadium?

This Saturday lunchtime kick-off pits a relegated Championship side against a League One stalwart, and it has the makings of an entertaining showdown. Cardiff City, after tumbling out of the Championship, come into the season with big ambitions and a fresh face in the dugout. Their new manager, Brian Barry-Murphy, is known for encouraging attractive, attacking football – so Cardiff fans are hoping for some excitement on the pitch. Interestingly, the Bluebirds haven’t made any headline-grabbing signings over the summer; even so, they’ve retained plenty of players with Championship-level talent, making them one of the favourites to go straight back up. One concern? Midfield playmaker Alex Robertson picked up a nasty gash on his shin in preseason and might miss this opener, which could dent Cardiff’s creativity a bit. But overall, this squad still looks strong on paper.

Peterborough United, meanwhile, are looking to turn the page after an uncharacteristically poor campaign last year. Posh finished 18th – their worst League One finish in two decades – and you can bet that doesn’t sit well with them. They’re traditionally a team that battles for promotion, not one stuck in the bottom half. Bookmakers seem sceptical this season (SkyBet’s early odds only rank Posh around mid-table for promotion chances), but the club is using that as bulletin-board material to fire themselves up. Peterborough’s leading attacking threat this season is Gustav Lindgren, a Swedish striker signed in January 2025 from Degerfors IF. Lindgren has shown promising movement and plenty of goal threat — including hitting the bar with a header late in the EFL Trophy semi-final — making him the player to watch in the Posh frontline under Darren Ferguson. One potential issue for Posh is at the back: their new goalkeeper, Alex Bass, is an injury doubt. If he’s out, a backup keeper will have to step in, which is hardly ideal away at a strong side.

So, what kind of match can we expect? Probably an open, attacking affair. Cardiff, backed by their home crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium, will want to start fast and show they mean business under Barry-Murphy. Peterborough rarely shy away from a forward-minded game – it’s in their DNA to attack. Both teams have goals in them, but both also have a few question marks defensively (Cardiff adjusting to a new system, Posh potentially fielding a makeshift defence). This could easily turn into a bit of a shootout, and it wouldn’t be shocking if momentum swings back and forth.

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score – Yes: There’s plenty of firepower on both sides. Cardiff’s forward line should create chances at home, and Posh have enough attacking quality (Gustav Lindgren, we’re looking at you) to get on the scoresheet too.
• Over 2.5 Total Goals: Along the same lines, an open game could see 3 or more goals in total. Peterborough’s away matches often end up with high scorelines, and Cardiff will be pushing to score a couple themselves.
• Cardiff City to Win: Despite Peterborough’s threat, Cardiff have the edge in overall quality and they’re on home turf. With a point to prove after relegation, the Bluebirds can ride the new-manager bounce to a 2-1 or 3-1 victory.

Plymouth Argyle vs Barnsley (Sat 2 Aug, 15:00) – Two Promotion Hopefuls Collide

Here’s a clash that could easily be a playoff preview come season’s end. Plymouth Argyle return to League One after a one-year adventure in the Championship, and they’re intent on making it a short stay. There’s a real buzz around Home Park at the moment – not just because Argyle are back and aiming for promotion, but also due to some tantalising takeover talk involving Welsh legend Gareth Bale. On the pitch, Plymouth still have much of the core that lifted the League One trophy in 2024, so they know what it takes to succeed at this level. They’ll be desperate to turn Home Park into a fortress again, starting now.

Barnsley, for their part, are almost always in the promotion conversation when they’re in League One. The Tykes have been knocking on the Championship’s door and were even mentioned in preseason chatter (along with the likes of Bolton) as one of the stronger sides in the division. They’ve got a relatively settled squad and a bright young manager, which bodes well for a quick start out of the blocks. Barnsley will travel to Devon confident they can spoil Plymouth’s “welcome home” party. This fixture has all the ingredients of a cracker – it might even be the game of the weekend in League One.

What kind of contest are we looking at? Likely a fast-paced, hard-fought affair. Plymouth play a high-tempo attacking style, especially when roared on by the Devon faithful. Barnsley love to press and break quickly, so we could see chances at both ends. Each side has proven goal-scorers. On the flip side, Argyle’s defence took some lumps in the Championship and might still be ironing out the kinks, and Barnsley have been known to leak a goal or two away from home. Early-season games can sometimes be chaotic as defences haven’t fully gelled, so don’t be surprised if this one produces a few fireworks.

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score – Yes: Two attack-minded teams and plenty of attacking talent on display. It would actually be a surprise if one of them manages a clean sheet.
• Over 2.5 Goals: We’re anticipating an open game with both sides on the front foot. A 2-1 or even 2-2 scoreline could be in the cards given the offensive quality here.
• Draw (or Plymouth Draw No Bet): These teams are pretty evenly matched to start the season, and a scoring draw is a real possibility. If you want a safer play, you could take Plymouth in the Draw-No-Bet market to cover the chance of a home win with a bit of insurance.

(Other notable League One games this weekend include Rotherham United vs Port Vale – with Rotherham beginning life back in League One after relegation – plus Huddersfield Town vs Leyton Orient, and Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers on Sunday. Huddersfield’s summer spending and Bolton’s big promotion ambitions make them teams to watch as well. But for our purposes, we’ve focused on the matchups that offer the best betting angles above.)

League Two Betting Tips

All 24 League Two clubs are in action on Saturday 2 August, with a full slate of matches kicking off at 3pm. The fourth tier welcomes some new faces this season: Barnet, Oldham Athletic, and Bromley have arrived from the non-league ranks (it’s actually Bromley’s first time ever in the EFL!), while relegated sides like Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United, and Bristol Rovers will be plotting their road back up. Early odds from the bookies suggest MK Dons, Chesterfield, and Notts County are among the promotion favourites – in fact, one rival chairman cheekily claimed MK Dons “might win League Two by 15–20 points” because they look so strong on paper. Bold talk, but hey, that’s preseason chatter for you. The reality is, League Two is always fiercely competitive and unpredictable. Opening day often springs a surprise or two.

We’ve picked out three interesting matchups to explore, along with our betting tips for each:

Barnet vs Fleetwood Town – The Hive Is Buzzing

This is a classic “newcomer vs. relegated” battle. Barnet are buzzing (bee pun intended) after earning promotion and returning to the Football League. They kick off their campaign at home, at The Hive, and you can bet the atmosphere will be electric. Manager Dean Brennan has built a well-organised side that was hard to beat in the National League, and they’ll be eager to show they belong at this level. For Barnet’s fans, this match is a celebration years in the making – expect a party vibe, but also a determined team on the pitch.

Fleetwood Town find themselves in unfamiliar territory: League Two, after a rough season saw them drop out of League One. They’ve had a summer of soul-searching, with a new manager coming in and a squad overhaul to try and stop the rot. On paper, the Cod Army (as Fleetwood are nicknamed) have the resources, talent, and EFL experience to be promotion contenders. But it might take a little time for all the new pieces to gel. And let’s face it, a long away trip to a fired-up Barnet on opening day is a potential banana skin. Fleetwood will need to match Barnet’s energy and focus right from the off.

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score – Yes: Barnet played on the front foot in non-league and should carry that confidence forward, especially at home. Fleetwood, despite last year’s struggles, still have enough quality up front to get a goal. We see chances for both sides to find the net.
• Over 2.5 Goals: Openness at the back could be an issue for both teams here. Barnet’s defence will face a higher caliber of attack than they’re used to, and Fleetwood’s rebuilt back line might need time to click. A 2-1 or even a 2-2 thriller could be on the cards.
• Barnet Double Chance (Win or Draw): Don’t underestimate the new boys. Barnet will treat this game like a cup final in front of their fans. An outright Barnet win is possible, but to be safer, back them to at least get a draw. Fleetwood are the bigger name, sure, but a fired-up Barnet could absolutely grab a point or better.

Shrewsbury Town vs Bromley – Bromley’s Big EFL Debut

Talk about two clubs at very different ends of the experience spectrum. Shrewsbury Town were in League One last season and will be fancying themselves as one of the stronger outfits in League Two. They’ve kept a solid core of players who’ve operated at higher levels, and overall, the Shrews bring a level of physicality and professionalism that should serve them well. After the disappointment of relegation, they’ll be determined to start on the right foot and show they mean business about going straight back up. Playing at home in front of an expectant New Meadow crowd adds a bit of pressure – the fans will be looking for a convincing win here.

On the other side, we have Bromley, a club enjoying the biggest day in their history: their first-ever English Football League match. The Ravens earned promotion via the National League playoffs and are venturing into uncharted territory. Manager Andy Woodman will have drilled his side to stay compact, organised, and fearless. They know they’re the underdogs in every sense, and they’ll relish that role. Bromley had a strong defence in non-league, so their likely game plan will be to frustrate Shrewsbury, keep things 0-0 as long as possible, and maybe snatch a goal on a counter or set-piece. The key question is, how will they cope with the step up in class and the nerves of the occasion?

Betting Tips:

• Shrewsbury Town to Win: The home side’s experience and quality should shine through in the end. If Shrewsbury are serious about promotion, these are the games they have to win. A professional, workmanlike 1-0 or 2-0 victory is the most likely outcome.
• BTTS – No: Shrewsbury built a lot of their play on defence last year (even if results didn’t go their way in League One), and they’ll be very keen to keep a clean sheet to set the tone for the season. Bromley might find clear scoring chances hard to come by as they adjust to tougher competition.
• Under 2.5 Goals: Don’t expect a goal fest here. Shrewsbury aren’t typically free-scoring, and Bromley will be more focused on shape and discipline than on attacking flair. We could see a low-scoring game, something like 1-0 – unless an early goal forces Bromley to come out of their shell late on.

Milton Keynes Dons vs Oldham Athletic – MK Dons Mean Business

This one is a meeting of two clubs with big ambitions (and notable histories). MK Dons are looking to reestablish themselves after a couple of disappointing seasons. Remember, this team was in the Championship not so long ago (2015), and they’ve been rebuilding to climb back up the ladder. With one of the biggest stadiums and budgets in League Two, the Dons are under pressure to deliver – and many are tipping them as title favourites. They’ve bolstered their squad over the summer, reportedly bringing in some much-needed firepower to fix last season’s goal-scoring woes. You get the sense that MK Dons want to make a statement early, to show the rest of the league that this is their year.

Oldham Athletic, meanwhile, are a club with a proud history that fell on hard times. The Latics were founding members of the Premier League back in the early 1990s, tumbled all the way out of the EFL in 2022, and have now clawed their way back up. This match marks Oldham’s return to League football, and their fans will be over the moon. Expect a good number of noisy away supporters making the trip to Stadium MK, savouring every moment of being back in this arena. On the pitch, Oldham will be keen to prove they can compete with the division’s best. They might not have the star names of MK Dons, but they’ll have organisation, passion, and the “nothing to lose” mindset of a newly promoted side with a big chip on its shoulder.

Betting Tips:

• MK Dons to Win: It’s hard to look past the Dons here. If they truly are the juggernaut many expect, they should secure three points at home to kick things off. Their talent and depth give them a clear edge.
• Over 2.5 Goals: MK Dons have the firepower to put a couple past Oldham if things click, and Oldham could nick one themselves – perhaps via a set piece or a moment of chaos if MK Dons’ defence isn’t fully up to speed yet. A 3-0 or 2-1 scoreline sounds very plausible.
• MK Dons -1 Handicap: For a bit more value, consider backing MK Dons to win by at least two goals. If the Dons hit their stride, they could pull away (think a 2-0 or 3-0 victory). Just remember, early season games can surprise, but on paper this has the feel of a comfortable home win.

(Elsewhere in League Two, one of the promotion favourites Notts County head to Newport County – a match the Magpies will expect to win if they have title ambitions. Bristol Rovers, now managed again by former boss Darrell Clarke, host Harrogate Town at the Memorial Stadium. And Chesterfield celebrates their return to the Football League with a home fixture against Barrow. There are plenty of interesting storylines in every fixture, but we’ve zeroed in on the best betting angles above to kick off the season.)

Weekend Accumulator Tip (Acca)

If you’re looking to put together a multiple bet, we’ve got a four-fold accumulator that spans both League One and League Two. It combines a few strong favourites with a goals market for a bit of extra value. Here are the four selections:

• Luton Town to beat AFC Wimbledon: Luton’s home strength and quality gap should see them start the season with a win in League One’s curtain-raiser on Friday night.
• Shrewsbury Town to beat Bromley: The Shrews are at home against a newly promoted side making their EFL debut. Experience and class advantage here – we expect Shrewsbury to get the job done.
• Notts County to beat Newport County: Notts County are among the frontrunners in League Two and boast one of the division’s most potent attacks. Newport can be stubborn at home, but the Magpies’ class should shine through.
• Cardiff City vs Peterborough – Over 2.5 Goals: This League One fixture promises excitement (as we discussed above). Both teams have scoring prowess and some defensive uncertainty, which could lead to 3+ goals total.

Accumulator rationale: This 4-leg acca leans on a trio of likely winners (Luton, Shrewsbury, and Notts County) who each have a clear edge in their respective games. We then add the Cardiff-Peterborough “Over 2.5 Goals” pick to spice up the return, banking on that game being as open and high-scoring as it looks on paper. The idea is to ride home advantage and superior quality in the win selections, and the expectation of goals in Cardiff. If all four parts come in, we’re looking at a nice payout to kick off the season. Just remember, opening weekends can be unpredictable – so consider keeping the stakes sensible, or even hedge with an each-way acca if your bookmaker offers it. Good luck!

Bet Builder Suggestion

For a bit of extra fun, we’re turning to the Cardiff City vs Peterborough United match for a Bet Builder. A bet builder (same-game multi) lets you combine multiple outcomes from one game into a single bet. Here’s a tasty 3-leg combo we like for this clash:

Bet Builder (3 legs):

• Both Teams To Score (Yes)
• Over 2.5 Total Goals
• Gustav Lindgren to Score Anytime

Why we like it: With both teams expected to play attacking football and a few defensive vulnerabilities likely to be exposed, there’s every chance of a high-scoring game. Gustav Lindgren is Peterborough’s sharpest forward right now — and if they do get on the scoresheet, the Swede is the likeliest candidate. This combo keeps things fun, with goals on the menu and a player goal angle that’s both informed and realistic.

Conclusion

The first weekend of the EFL League One and Two season offers a feast of storylines and betting opportunities. We’ve highlighted key fixtures like Luton vs Wimbledon, Cardiff vs Peterborough, Plymouth vs Barnsley and more, with tips focusing on likely winners and goal-related markets that align with each matchup’s narrative. To recap a few of our top angles: we’re backing Luton and Shrewsbury to start strong with wins, expecting fireworks (and goals) in Cardiff-Peterborough, and keeping an eye on newcomers like Barnet who could spring a surprise or two. As always with early-season football, it pays to stake sensibly–surprises can happen while teams find their feet.

Enjoy the action this weekend, and may your bets land in the win column! For more expert football insight and daily betting picks, be sure to visit our Betting Tips page regularly throughout the season. And if you’re on the hunt for a great welcome bonus or free bet offer to boost your bankroll, check out our constantly updated bonuses section. Lastly, if you want to make sure you’re always getting the best odds, our bookmakers comparison page lets you see what various UK bookies are offering side-by-side. Here’s to a thrilling EFL opening weekend – good luck and happy betting!