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Hatters to make it second time lucky

Much of the pre-season talk in League Two has revolved around promoted duo Wrexham and Notts County, two big spenders who served up a thrilling finish in the National League last season as they amassed respective points tallies of 111 and 107.

Teams tend to cope well with the switch from the National League to League Two, so back-to-back promotions are within reach, but Stockport are a better bet.

Having been National League champions in 2021/22, the Hatters were expected to be one of the best teams in League Two last season, but they improved well from a slow start to finish fourth.

Dave Challinor’s side won only three of their opening 13 games but they finished with a real rattle, losing only five of their final 36 league fixtures to close within four points of automatic promotion.

It wasn’t to be in the playoff final at Wembley, where they lost on penalties to Carlisle, but they should be stronger as a result and they have kept the core of that squad while injecting quality in key areas.

Influential Nick Powell, who featured 26 times for Stoke in the Championship last season, will prove a cut above this level if kept fit, while flying full back Ibou Touray grabbed nine assists for Salford last season. Everything looks in place for a title challenge.

STOCKPORT TO WIN LEAGUE TWO

Fast-finishing Gills can throw their hat into the ring

Like Stockport, Gillingham were one of League Two’s fast finishers last season and big improvement is expected at the Priestfield Stadium this term.

Before the January investment of American owner Brad Galinson, Gillingham had been strong candidates for the drop, but a run of only six defeats in their final 23 matches saw them finish 17th - within six points of the top 10.

That form gives them promotion prospects and after the January arrivals of Tom Nichols, Timothee Dieng, Oliver Hawkins and George Lapslie, plus the summer additions of Jonny Williams from Swindon and Millwall’s Scott Malone, they now have one of the deepest squads in the division.

The Gills performed well at Priestfield at the back end of last season, winning nine of their final 12 home games.

Neil Harris’s side are expected to start this campaign in similar fashion to the way they finished the last, and they have plenty of appeal in this market.

GILLINGHAM TO WIN PROMOTION

Ammies eye another play-off spot

After securing a League Two play-off spot after four seasons in the EFL, Salford look well placed to at least repeat the feat.

Salford were the joint-highest scorers in League Two last season and have acted quickly to bolster what was a sometimes suspect defence with the arrival of Wigan’s Curtis Tilt and Blackpool’s Luke Garbutt.

The ambitious Ammies are one of the wealthiest teams in the fourth tier and have one of the strongest midfields with Ossama Ashley joining from Colchester to compete alongside Luke Bolton, Elliott Watt and Stevie Mallan.

Neil Wood did well in his first full season as a manager and, with that experience under his belt, he can guide Salford to another top-seven finish.

SALFORD TO FINISH IN THE TOP SEVEN

League Two outrights

Stockport to win League Two 

Gillingham to win promotion 

Salford to finish in the top seven