See our preview of League Two
Brentford
Another London side with a new broom at the helm (seven of the capital's 14 clubs are managed by someone who wasn't in charge a year ago). This time it's Uwe Rosler, the former Manchester City striker who has promised fans, who have given him a cautious welcome thus far, that his side will play 'attractive' football, not always the best strategy to employ at this level. Yet supporters will probably welcome a more tumultuous season than last year's underwhelming 11th placing. Can the new German gaffer take the Bees onto the next level?
Prediction: Just below the play-offs
Charlton Athletic
Into their third season in League One, there should be a more optimistic outlook around The Valley this year. The club have been active in the transfer market, making 15 signings through the summer. Such ambition suggests that manager Chris Powell, a former player and fan favourite who took over in January, aims to take the club up in his first full season. A laudable goal, but his inexperience may prove a liability if things don't go according to plan. If the Addicks can retain their happy knack of scoring late in games (44% of their goals at The Valley last year came in the final quarter of an hour) and if the new squad settles in quickly, promotion is not unlikely.
Our prediction: Play-offs
Leyton Orient
Dominated by off-field concerns about West Ham's move into the Olympic Stadium, last year Orient nevertheless had one of the better seasons in their history on the pitch, finishing 7th and enjoying a lucrative FA Cup tie against Arsenal. The team will hope to improve on their strong position last year with a surge into the play-offs. Having pinched David Mooney on a free transfer to partner his former Norwich teammate Jamie Cureton, the O's could have an enterprising season in front of goal. The one concern may be manager Russell Slade, whose has been linked with Championship side Barnsley; Orient chairman Barry Hearn kyboshed any talks, and Slade says he's happy to stay, but he clearly fancies a tilt at managing at a higher level.
Our prediction: Play-off contenders
Tomorrow: Preview of The Championship.
