National League 2025/26 Preview: Odds, Predictions and Betting Tips
Last updated: by Leon Marshall
The 2025/26 National League season is underway, and there are several familiar names looking to return to the EFL. Below, we’ve broken down the latest outright odds, promotion favourites, top scorer market and predictions provided by betting sites for the campaign.
National League Winner & Promotion Odds
York City and Carlisle head the betting for the title, with Forest Green, Rochdale and Southend also considered play-off contenders. The likes of Scunthorpe and Hartlepool will be hoping for a bounce-back season after recent struggles.
Why they lead the market:
- York City are favourites at 7/4 to win the title and 8/11 for promotion. Excellent backing.
- Carlisle are close behind at 11/4 (title) and 1/1 (promotion). Relegated from League Two, expected to push.
- Forest Green and Rochdale sit at 7/1 and 8/1 for the title — both with experience at higher levels.
| Team | Winner Odds | Promotion Odds | Recommended Betting Site | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York City | 7/4 | 8/11 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Carlisle United | 11/4 | 1/1 | Betfred | Visit Site |
| Forest Green | 7/1 | 5/2 | 10bet | Visit Site |
| Rochdale | 8/1 | 7/2 | Spreadex | Visit Site |
| Southend United | 14/1 | 8/1 | NetBet | Visit Site |
| Scunthorpe United | 25/1 | 12/1 | Ladbrokes | Visit Site |
| Hartlepool United | 25/1 | 14/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Eastleigh | 40/1 | 22/1 | 10bet | Visit Site |
| Sutton United | 40/1 | 22/1 | Betfred | Visit Site |
| Altrincham | 33/1 | 16/1 | Spreadex | Visit Site |
National League Top Goalscorer Odds
Ollie Pearce and Regan Linney lead the top scorer betting market, with several others not far behind.
Leading contenders:
- Ollie Pearce – favourite at 7/4. Expected to start every game for York.
- Regan Linney – 2/1 to top the charts. Scored consistently last season for Altrincham.
- Daniel Creaney and Devante Rodney – both priced at 10/1, outside threats.
| Player | Odds | Recommended Betting Site | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ollie Pearce | 7/4 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Regan Linney | 2/1 | Betfred | Visit Site |
| Daniel Creaney | 10/1 | 10bet | Visit Site |
| Devante Rodney | 10/1 | NetBet | Visit Site |
| Mani Dieseruvwe | 12/1 | Spreadex | Visit Site |
Our Predictions
Find some of our tips and football predictions for the season below:
- Title tip: York City – short odds, strongest squad.
- Best promotion value: Rochdale (7/2) – experienced and battle-tested.
- Play-off contenders: Southend, Forest Green, Altrincham.
- Top scorer pick: Ollie Pearce – priced at 7/4 and leads a free-scoring side.
- Relegation: Aside from Morecambe who will probably get thrown out of the league, Aldershot may go down.
Predicted Final Table – National League 2025/26
Based on the latest betting odds, market movements and team strength, here’s our predicted finishing order for the 2025/26 National League season:
| Pos | Club | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | York City | Title favourites at 7/4. Strongest squad on paper with market support. |
| 2 | Carlisle United | Relegated from League Two, they have strong backing to go back up. |
| 3 | Rochdale | Consistent market backing. Top-three push expected. |
| 4 | Forest Green Rovers | Still quality in the squad. 7/1 winner odds. |
| 5 | Southend United | Capable of reaching play-offs. Strong support base. |
| 6 | Altrincham | Upward trajectory although losing Regan Linney is a blow. |
| 7 | Scunthorpe United | Rebuilt and re-energised. Play-off contenders. |
| 8 | Hartlepool United | Outside playoff chance if they find consistency. |
| 9 | Eastleigh | Dark horse for top 7. Market prices reflect growing confidence. |
| 10 | Sutton United | Relegated side still finding rhythm. Play-off push not ruled out. |
| 11 | Halifax Town | Stable mid-table side. Known for grinding results. |
| 12 | Brackley Town | Strong defensively. Could surprise teams. |
| 13 | Boston United | Strong end to last season. Likely top-half finish. |
| 14 | Braintree Town | Expected to hold their own. |
| 15 | Gateshead | Inconsistent latter half of 2024/25. Lower mid-table projection. |
| 16 | Solihull Moors | Regression in squad strength. Safety still likely. |
| 17 | Boreham Wood | Stalled progress. No major signings to lift expectations. |
| 18 | Wealdstone | Could flirt with danger but usually find just enough. |
| 19 | Truro City | Low expectations. Safety depends on home form. |
| 20 | Tamworth | Promoted from North. Likely to finish just above the drop zone. |
| 21 | Yeovil Town | Inconsistent last year. Needs a strong start to avoid trouble. |
| 22 | Woking | Struggled last season. Market drifting, could go down. |
| 23 | Aldershot Town | No market momentum. Vulnerable if they start poorly. |
| 24 | Morecambe | Ownership/financial crisis. Risk of expulsion from the league. |
Season Preview
York and Carlisle have been installed as the early favourites to return to the EFL, with both clubs dropping from League Two in recent seasons. York’s summer recruitment has impressed, while Carlisle are expected to benefit from some astute signings such as Regan Linney.
Forest Green and Rochdale also offer the strongest challenges beyond the two favourites. Rochdale in particular have built a squad designed to compete over a long campaign and could be a value pick for promotion. It remains to be seen how Robbie Savage can manage the Vegans.
Southend United will be looking to steady the ship and push for a top-seven finish, while Scunthorpe, Hartlepool and Altrincham will be hoping to cause a few surprises. Eastleigh and Sutton United round out the most competitive top half we’ve seen in years.
At the other end of the table, newly promoted Truro and Tamworth could struggle to bridge the quality gap. Solihull Moors, Gateshead and Wealdstone are also among the clubs expected to face a relegation battle. Morecambe might be thrown out of the league if their ridiculous ownership saga continues, which would leave only three places up for relegation.
Key fixtures: York vs Carlisle , Southend vs Rochdale and Eastleigh vs Altrincham will all give early signals on promotion and play-off credentials.
Other Previews
Explore our full set of betting previews and season predictions across the English Football League below: