Every 'expert', 'pundit' and 'supercomputer's' favourite time of year, each fan will have their own views on where their team will finish.

With a strong pre-season behind them and an exciting end to last season, many have tipped the Royals for a good campaign.

However, if one was to read the Guardian then it would be almost nailed on for Ruben Selles' side to succumb to the drop into League Two for the first time in over 40 years.

Having said all that about predictions, I have decided to nail my colours to the mast and put my money where my mouth is.

Take a look below at my 1-24 for League One before a ball has been kicked.

  1. Birmingham City

A rare occasion where a club and fanbase feel more united in spite of suffering relegation, the feel-good factor twinned with incredibly deep pockets should ensure that the Blues bounce back at the first time of asking.

2. Rotherham United

Promotion expert Steve Evans has returned to South Yorkshire determined to get them back up and keep them up, in the Championship. Experienced heads have been brought in which should make the Millers’ bounce back to the second-tier easier.

 3. Bolton Wanderers

After two narrow failed attempts at promotion under Ian Evatt, it could have to be the play-offs again for the Trotters in what is a vastly improved League One line-up from last season. Among the top sides in the division, it could be another near miss.

4. Huddersfield Town

A side packed full of experience and now under the leadership of someone who knows what the third tier is all about, the Terriers could make a good fist of returning to the Championship at the first time of asking.

5. Charlton Athletic

It was certainly a coup to attract Nathan Jones to a relegation scrap in League One last year, one which he seemingly navigated with ease. Losing Alfie May will be hard to replace, but the Addicks are in safe hands with one of the most exciting young managers in the EFL.

6. Wigan Athletic

A decent side last year hit by points deductions, the Latics could surprise a few with a clean slate from day one. Looks to be some big exits before the end of the window though, which will need to be adequately replaced.

7. Peterborough United

Similar to Bolton, Posh have been so close to promotion in the last few years under League One expert Darren Ferguson. Ronnie Edwards and Ephron Mason-Clark will be tough, but as always, the London Road outfit will pluck a gem from nowhere and challenge again.

8. Lincoln City

The form team for most of 2024, the Imps would have snuck into the playoffs had they started their run a week or two earlier. A fun side to watch under Michael Skubala, the key will be replacing big impact loanees from last term.

9. Barnsley

Beaten by Bolton in the play-off last season, the Tykes endured a tumultuous campaign which included being booted out of the FA Cup and a coach fire. Sacking their manager with a handful of games remaining last term, they have turned to relegated Darrell Clarke who arrives with an enhanced reputation from his stint at Cheltenham Town.

10. Wrexham

Will the Hollywood train roll on into the Championship? Possibly- but I don’t think a year or two building in League One is the worst outcome for the Dragons. A manager who knows the league and a number of wise heads, they will be a team that many would love to beat.

11. Reading

Holding top 10 form for most of the season, continuity will be key for the Royals. Ruben Selles knows his squad and his squad know Selles, but injuries could really hold the club back. And that is even without mentioning whether the takeover saga rumbles on.

12. Wycombe Wanderers

A bit of an unknown, there is serious excitement amongst Chairboys following their recent takeover, training ground move and Academy progress. Perhaps too much to ask for a promotion tilt this time around; Matt Bloomfield’s side will be a dark horse to watch for.

13. Blackpool

Neil Critchley’s side looked like Jekyll and Hyde when home and away last season, seeing them miss out on the play-offs on the final day with defeat at Reading. Jordan Rhodes is another year older and Karamoko Dembele is no longer at Bloomfield Road, which could spell a drop-off for the Tangerines.

14. Stockport County

Flying under the radar with Wrexham, the Hatters are another that could easily rise higher than the mid-table finish predicted. With veterans Ollie Norwood, Liam Moore and Dwight Gayle on trial at Edgeley Park, it could be a star-studded side.

15. Bristol Rovers

One of the busiest sides in the transfer window to date, Matt Taylor’s Pirates have really given it a go this summer. On the beach for a few months at the back end of last season, it will be interesting to see Taylor’s summer work rub off on his players over the summer.

16. Leyton Orient

Riding a crest of a wave after promotion, Richie Wellens’ side looked comfortable in the top half when returning to the third tier. Now in their second season, I am predicting a drop-off but still a comfortable finish for the O’s.

17. Burton Albion

Another club under new ownership, it is a new dawn for Burton in League One. Signing names left, right and centre, who knows how they will gel under new boss Mark Robinson. Surviving on the final day last year, Brewers fans will breathe a little easier this time around.

18. Exeter City

Blowing hot and cold under Gary Caldwell, the Grecians were top when beating Reading in September but fell below the Royals and into the bottom four on New Year’s Day. Turning their form around to finish 13th, the Devon outfit could be in for a tough campaign.

19. Northampton Town

Similar to Leyton Orient, the Cobblers took to League One like a duck to water after promotion two years ago. However, losing key players and bringing in little in the way of replacements could signal a season of more struggle than last time around.

20. Stevenage

Enjoying a real ride under Steve Evans, taking the club from League Two strugglers to League One promotion candidates, Alex Revell has a tough act to follow. With a squad built in Evans’ image, it may prove difficult to reinvest the Boro.

21. Mansfield Town

Finally securing promotion after years of near misses, the Stags will give the third tier a good go. Nigel Clough oozes experience and will earn plenty of points, but in a tough nine-month slog they may fall just short.

22. Shrewsbury Town

Reading’s bogey team last season, Shrewsbury scored the least number of goals in the division (35) with six of them coming in two fixtures with the Royals. Only narrowly avoiding the drop last time out, I don’t think they will be as fortunate this time around.

23. Cambridge United

Another who only stayed up by four points, the U’s visited Reading in April with a chance to gain points over direct rivals and were hit for four. Garry Monk is a wily manager and will grind out results, but in a much stronger division time may be up for Cambridge this time.

24. Crawley Town

A real feel-good story to watch last season, the Red Devils have been hamstrung by player sales and have now entered League One with a weaker side than the one that secured promotion. Unless the window picks up, it could be a long slog for the play-off winners.