Chaff and Dean's League Two predictions continue with our (no doubt rubbish) predictions of the teams sitting in the top half of the table right up to the final play-off place.

6th - Leyton Orient

Kenny Jackett has reams of experience in the lower leagues and his latest task is to try and take Leyton Orient to promotion from League Two. The former Millwall and Portsmouth boss has looked to make several changes to the squad this summer in order to try and mould it to his liking and the arrival of Harry Smith is certainly the kind of profile player that fits Jackett's distinctive style. This summer, it seems like a wind of change has blown through Brisbane Road this summer and we've seen before that the O's are the kind of club that can really ride the crest of a wave when momentum is with them.

5th - Newport County

Over the last few years, Newport have been one of the most recognisable teams in the lower leagues. Not only through their exploits against the likes of Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, but also through their League Two performances and attractive style of play and they've also managed to qualify for the play-offs in two of the last three seasons. Michael Flynn has been at the helm for quite some time now and the Exiles will be hoping that continuation can help them to battle for a play-off spot again here. The experienced Joe Day and Ed Upson have come through the door

4th - Exeter City

With their play-off hopes fading towards the end of last season, Exeter have looked to reshape their squad fairly extensively to return to the top 7 as a minimum target this term. As always, the Grecians will rely on talent coming through their academy and the likes of Joel Randell and Josh Key are among those that have established themselves in the side at St James' Park. Jevani Brown has arrived from Colchester with a handy reputation while Sam Nombe could see this as a potential breakthrough campaign following his move from Milton Keynes. Taylor is growing in experience and stature as a lower-league manager and will have learnt from the lessons of a difficult second-half to the last campaign. Turning draws into wins will be the key.

3rd - Mansfield Town

Since sacking David Flitcroft following play-off defeat in 2018/2019, Mansfield Town have finished in the bottom half in the last two seasons. But in Nigel Clough, they now possess a manager who knows all about winning promotion from League Two. Unsurprisingly, given the ownership model at Field Mill, the former Burton Albion boss has been given money to spend too, with Rhys Oates, Danny Johnson and Oli Hawkins all arriving to give the Stags a new look attack. Manchester United loanee Nathan Bishop is an interesting addition between the sticks and if these new signings can help get the best out of the likes of Ollie Clarke and Harry Charsley.

2nd - Salford City

Although they missed out on the play-offs last season, Salford showed their abilities at times last term and with their ambitious board looking to continue the club's trajectory towards the upper reaches of the football pyramid, anything other than automatic promotion will surely be seen as a failure at the Peninsula Stadium this term. Welsh international Tom King has arrived alongside the talented attacking duo of Josh Morris and Conor McAleny as well as former Dale star Matt Lund of course, so the Ammies have flexed those financial muscles once again and in Ian Henderson, they have a striker that Dale fans know all too well can be relied upon in front of goal.

1st - Bradford City

After the remarkable achievement of achieving promotion to League One with Morecambe last season, Derek Adams decided to remain in the fourth tier by leaving the Shrimps for Bradford City and Valley Parade. The former Plymouth boss has made some shrewd signings in the window too. Lee Angol and Andy Cook will provide an experienced and physical attacking thread, while Abo Eisa and Alex Gillead were among the better players in a poor season for Scunthorpe last time out and Yann Songo'o and Oscar Threlkeld are proven defensive options at this level. The last few seasons have seen inconsistency and indecision costing the Bantams, but Stefan Rupp will hope Derek Adams is the main to steady the ship and secure a return to the third tier in style.

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