Middlesbrough to win
Middlesbrough have spent the money this summer and after their showing in their previous campaign, they remain one of the contenders for promotion this season. The home side only lost five home games last season and managed to beat fellow Championship side Wrexham in the Carabao Cup last week. Will Lankshear should prove to be the difference-maker between the two sides; Lankshear had a great record in the Under-21s for Tottenham Hotspur. The former Oxford United man scored an incredible 23 goals in 23 games in the Premier League 2 for Spurs in 2023/24, and Lankshear is already off the mark for his new club with a goal against Wrexham.
Norwich City to win
Norwich City were one of the in-form teams in the division towards the latter stages of the campaign, but left it late for a potential playoff push. The two sides met on three occasions last season, with the Canaries winning twice - once at the Hawthorns in the league and more recently at Carrow Road in the FA Cup. The Baggies had one of the worst away records in the division last season, with only five wins from 23 matches and 14 defeats - only Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday had an inferior record.
Millwall to win
Bristol City head into their first league game of the season with no wins in their previous three matches. The home side were beaten by the visitors in both league fixtures last season and they head into this game following a cup defeat against League Two Walsall. As for Millwall, last season's playoff semi-finalists are unbeaten in their last three games, following their penalty shootout win against QPR. The Lions had the best away record in the league last season with 41 points gained from a possible 69 available.
Stevenage to win
Burton Albion have not had the best of pre-seasons with one win from five and they began their season with a 2-1 defeat to Blackburn at home in the cup. The Brewers have lost several players this summer including defender Alex Hartridge who has joined Plymouth Argyle on a free transfer. Stevenage have won their last three games, including their last win at Wycombe last time out. Last season, Stevenage took the spoils between the two sides, picking up four points from their two league meetings.
Bradford to win
Bradford City had the third-best home record in League 1 last season, only losing three of their 23 home matches, winning 15 and drawing five. Peterborough United lost 14 of their 23 games away from home last season and failed to beat the Bantams last season. The visitors are still in the process of recruiting signings and despite their recent activity which has brought in Ethan Williams from Manchester United, they are still light in a couple of defensive areas and are prone to conceding.
Chesterfield to win
Chesterfield finished inside the top seven places in League Two last season, only three points behind third-placed Cambridge United. The Spireites only suffered four defeats at home last season, winning 11 of their 23 home fixtures. Fleetwood Town lost nine of their 23 games away from home last season.
Grimsby to win
Grimsby Town finished inside the playoff places last season, and they had the sixth-best home record in the league with only six defeats from 23 at home. Exeter City suffered relegation last season, and the Grecians are without a win in their last three games, following their derby defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
