The strugglers
After such an emphatic promotion season, with an unbeaten run stretching across 28 games, Scunthorpe have struggled to adapt to the higher level. Having won just 2 games, against Coventry and Walsall, Russ Wilcox is under increasing pressure as fans look to rediscover the form that propelled them in to the Championship just a few years ago. Despite striker Paddy Madden having scored 4 goals, his finishing has rarely resulted in his team coming out on top. With a long injury list, the Iron may have to utilise the loan market in order to string a run of results together.
It is Crewe Alexandra who lie bottom of the table having won just 1 game all season. They have shipped a massive 27 goals already, losing 8 of their opening 10 games. It already looks to be a tough ask for the club to compete as they are already adrift by 5 points. If there is to be a turn around in the club’s fortunes, it will need to occur before the busy Christmas period. Barnsley fans will also be alarmed by how they have adapted to life in League 1, they may have only played 9 games, but a return of 9 points will not be good enough for a side boasting top players such as Conor Hourihane and Sam Winnall. Rarely do teams relegated from the Championship enjoy an easy ride in the third tier, but with a tricky trip to Rochdale up next, Barnsley’s squad need to reach their potential sooner rather than later to avoid a relegation dog fight.
Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Doncaster are also precariously looking over their shoulder, but at this early stage a few positive results will quickly propel these teams up the table, the question is who will put together the run they so desperately need?
It is certain that there will be many more surprises along the way as League 1 looks to be one of the most exciting divisions in the country due to its brilliant unpredictability.
