2024-25 William Hill Scottish League One predictions: Montrose could delight each-way backers

The fate of Inverness is causing a headache or two on the eve of the William Hill Scottish League One campaign, though it may be safest to presume they are not a factor in the title fight.

The Highland side, relegated from the Championship, have been at the centre of administration talks all summer with question marks - still unanswered - whether or not they will even go to post.

Championship return could prove beyond Arbroath

Given Inverness's plight it will definitely make sense to look elsewhere for a title contender or two with Arbroath well-fancied despite accompanying Caley Thistle down with a paltry 23 points to their name.

They have certainly brought in plenty of new faces but this is a side who bowed out of the second tier on a ten-game losing streak and has managed to score just one goal in four League Cup ties.

Arbroath won't find an instant return straightforward and there are better alternatives for the title, with Queen of the South being talked up and preferred ahead of Alloa.

Alloa finished third last term, the best of the sides not promoted, but have lost a few influential players, including their 19-year-old top scorer Taylor Steven, who has gone off to St Johnstone. 

They will be hoping Luke Rankin, prolific for East Stirling last season, fills the void and three goals in the League Cup is certainly a promising start.

Queen of the South, who start their season at Alloa, have recruited extensively, starting at the top with the arrival of well-respected Peter Murphy as coach.

Only the bottom two scored fewer goals than Queens last season, who look tidy in defence and midfield but clearly need strengthening further forward. Reece Lyon and Josh Walker have been added to the group but there's a sense they still need another forward.

Cove Rangers had the ultimate goal-getter last season in 21-goal Rumarn Burrell but he has left to join Burton Albion which is a negative against the Toonsers. How they play the loan market over the coming weeks will be critical, a statement that applies to so many of these clubs.

Montrose poised to challenge for promotion

Montrose have been consistent challengers, including the season just gone in which they finished fourth to make the play-offs where they were beaten 1-0 by Inverness.

Stewart Petrie's men showed up well in the League Cup, losing 3-2 to Partick, drawing 1-1 with Motherwell before beating both Edinburgh City and Clyde.

There hasn't been a lot of player movement in or out of Links Park so far, maybe on the understanding that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

William Hill League One looks wide-open this season and a rich table laid for each-way chancers. And Montrose look more than capable of filling one of the top three places.