The Guardian's League Two preview assesses the promotion contenders, mid-table hopefuls and likely strugglers ahead of the 2026-27 season, following a summer of managerial changes and notable transfer activity across the division. Salford, freshly rebranded and managed by Peter Cklamovski after Karl Robinson's sacking, are tipped to challenge strongly with striker Macaulay Langstaff added to their attack, while Chesterfield under Paul Cook and Grimsby, Walsall and Rotherham are also flagged as sides capable of pushing for promotion.

Among the "hopefuls," Crewe, Barnet, Oldham and Crawley are highlighted as clubs with improved squads who could surprise, with signings such as Vito Mannone at Crawley and Elliott Nevitt at Oldham drawing attention. Conversely, clubs including Exeter, hit by relegation and off-field problems, and Swindon, criticised by manager Ian Holloway after a poor pre-season showing, are seen as likely to struggle, alongside newly appointed managers at Rochdale, York and Northampton facing challenges in their first seasons in charge.