The National League returns with a full programme of fixtures kicking off at 3pm on Saturday August 8th, as another fiercely competitive promotion race gets underway.
Last season delivered a dramatic title battle before York City snatched the championship in stoppage time on the final day and Rochdale followed them into the Football League via the play-offs.
Their departures leave the National League looking more open, with Carlisle United aiming to go one better after last season's play-off disappointment, while ambitious clubs including Southend United, Hartlepool United, Forest Green Rovers and Boreham Wood all harbour realistic promotion ambitions.
As ever, expect one of English football's most competitive leagues to provide plenty of twists over the months ahead.
National League Tips Summary
Best Bet - Carlisle United to win @ 5/2
Alternative Bet - Southend United to be promoted @ 4/1
Alternative Bet - Regan Linney top goalscorer @ 7/2
National League Prediction
Best Bet: Carlisle United to win @ 5/2
Carlisle head the outright market for good reason after narrowly missing out on promotion last season.
They finished third with 95 points before suffering play-off heartbreak, but they have retained the core of that squad while strengthening in key areas.
The appointment of Rob Elliot as manager, who impressed with Gateshead, also looks like a major upgrade.
The Cumbrians have arguably the strongest attack in the division, led by Regan Linney, with Georgie Kelly, Luke Armstrong, David Ajiboye and Junior Luamba providing outstanding depth.
Midfield additions Harvey Bunker and Miguel Azeez further strengthen a squad that already looked promotion-worthy.
Crucially, the Cumbrians have kept around three-quarters of last season's squad together while improving in several positions, unlike many of their promotion rivals who have undergone significant rebuilds.
With champions York and play-off winners Rochdale both out of the division, the path to the title looks more open.
Elliot's progressive style should get even more from an already talented group and Carlisle look well placed to secure automatic promotion back to the Football League as champions.
Alternative Bet: Southend United to be promoted @ 4/1
Southend enter a new era under Kieron Dyer after consecutive play-off campaigns and an FA Trophy triumph.
While there has been significant turnover, the Shrimpers have recruited well, bringing in exciting young attacker Josh Popoola alongside experienced performers such as Jack Taylor, Jake Hartigan and Harry Cardwell.
Southend remain one of the biggest clubs in the division, backed by outstanding support and high attendances at Roots Hall and Dyer inherits a squad capable of challenging despite the changes.
Promotion at 4/1 looks like an attractive option for a club that has consistently been around the play-off places and, with experience winning at Wembley, brings fresh hope they can finally return to the Football League after a five-year absence.
Alternative Bet: Regan Linney top goalscorer @ 7/2
Regan Linney is the standout selection in the Golden Boot race.
The Carlisle striker has scored 42 National League goals across the last two seasons and now plays in what looks like the strongest attacking team in the division.
Head coach Elliot's front-foot approach should create plenty of opportunities, while Linney is surrounded by creative players capable of supplying regular chances.
With Carlisle expected to challenge for the title throughout the campaign, Linney is well placed to head the scoring charts.
Key National League Stats
Carlisle finished with 95 points last season, enough to have won the title in five of the previous eight National League seasons
Southend have reached the play-offs in each of the last two seasons
Regan Linney has scored 42 National League goals across the last two campaigns
Last season produced 1,610 goals in 552 matches, an average of 2.92 goals per game
Carlisle scored 83 league goals last season, the second-highest total behind champions York City
Southend United conceded just 38 league goals last season, the best defensive record of any side outside the top two
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
