Pools tips for this weekend October 15-16

Treble chance: Norwich v Swansea, Stoke v Fulham, Coventry v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Blackpool, Yeovil v Carlisle, Accrington v Swindon, Crawley v Shrewsbury, Macclesfield v Oxford, Raith v Partick, Albion v East Fife.


Best draws: Norwich v Swansea, Stoke v Fulham, West Ham v Blackpool, Accrington v Swindon, Macclesfield v Oxford.


Aways: Crystal Palace, Notts County, Charlton, Preston, Hearts.


Homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Brighton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Hartlepool, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon.


Pick of the draws: Mid-table Swansea have lost all three of their away games in the Premier League so far, but they can stop the rot at another promoted club, Norwich, who sit one place above them with the same number of points. Fulham were terrific in their 6-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers two weeks ago and will be confident of at least a point at Stoke. In the Championship, West Ham are not clicking at home and I fancy Ian Holloway's Blackpool to come away with a share of the spoils. In League Two, Swindon's away form has held them back but they should do better at Accrington, who have been inconsistent. The other recommended draw features two in-form sides, Macclesfield and Oxford. Both had praiseworthy victories last weekend.


Away days: Crystal Palace, impressive 3-1 winners at Brighton two weeks ago, are a good bet to inflict more misery on Watford in the Championship. Martin Allen's Notts County can strengthen their League One promotion challenge by winning at promoted Chesterfield, while leaders Charlton will be hot favourites to prevail at Stevenage, who are sliding down the table. In-form Preston are expected to get the better of Walsall. Hearts should record their first away success in the Scottish Premier League at the expense of lowly Dunfermline, who have yet to win at home. 


Homes sweet homes: Manchester United, although still unbeaten, have not been as convincing lately and their fierce rivals, Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard poised to return, will relish springing a surprise at Anfield. Brighton are experiencing a blip after their heady start in the Championship, but I'm taking them to return to winning ways against Hull. Don't be surprised if Portsmouth arrest their slide when Barnsley come visiting, while in League One, Leyton Orient, despite being in the relegation zone, are aiming for their third consecutive win. They should get it against promoted Bury, who sit in mid-table.