York City vs Crawley Town Predictions

• York City won 33 of 46 matches on their way to winning the National League last season
• The hosts are fourth-favourites for the League Two title
• Crawley finished third-bottom in League Two last season, losing eight of their visits to the top 10

York City can lay down early marker

National League champions York City aren’t returning to League Two expecting to battle against relegation. They’re fourth-favourites for the League Two title going into the new campaign, and this Carabao Cup qualifier against Crawley is an opportunity for the Minstermen to show their quality.

Crawley finished 22nd in League Two last term, avoiding the drop despite winning only twice from February onwards. They suffered 14 defeats in 23 league trips, including eight losses in their visits to the top 10.

The visitors have had limited preseason preparation, with their final friendly called off in order to stage this match. They’ve suffered defeats to Oxford United and Reading ahead of their first competitive clash of the season, and manager Colin Kazim-Richards will surely see this as part of their preparations for the new season.

York City have six matches under their belt, and they return to action after winning 33 of 46 matches in the National League last season. They have made plenty of new signings to strengthen themselves for another promotion tilt, so back York to prove too strong for an undercooked Crawley.