Pools tips for this weekend October 8-9

Treble chance: Carlisle v Brentford, Wycombe v Walsall, Bradford v Torquay, Gillingham v Port Vale, Morecambe v AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham v Burton, Alfreton v Kettering, Staines v Dorchester, Truro v Basingstoke, Altrincham v Boston.


Best draws: Bradford v Torquay, Gillingham v Port Vale, Morecambe v AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham v Burton, Alfreton v Kettering.


Aways: Scotland, Southend, Darlington, Southport, Chelmsford.


Homes: Charlton, Huddersfield, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Aldershot, Plymouth, Shrewsbury, Swindon, York.


Pick of the draws: Bradford City have won only once in League Two and are struggling to stay out of the relegation zone. They cannot be confident of defeating middle-of-the-table Torquay. Inconsistent Gillingham (ninth) against inconsistent Port Vale (seventh) is one of the likeliest three-pointers on the coupon. AFC Wimbledon are thriving after their promotion to the Football League last season and good enough to take a point at Morecambe, who are one place and one point above them. Rotherham have faded  lately, whereas their visitors, Burton, have prospered and are equipped to hold the hosts. Alfreton and Kettering occupy two of the four relegation slots in the Blue Square Premier and the smart money should go on a stalemate.


Away days: Scotland need three points to have any chance of qualifying for next year's European Championship finals. They will probably get them against minnows Liechtenstein. Southend went to the top of League Two after their impressive win over Shrewsbury last weekend, which should stand them in good stead for Saturday's visit to lowly Crewe. In the Blue Square Premier I'm taking Darlington to increase Bath City's misery at the foot of the table and for Southport to gain their fourth consecutive victory on the road at the expense of ailing Newport County. Chelmsford's away record in the Blue Square Bet South is keeping them in promotion contention and I expect them to come away with maximum points from Maidenhead.


Homes sweet homes: Preston's surprising setback at Leyton Orient last weekend may make them even more determined to see off fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United in League One. In League Two Aldershot host Macclesfield, who are not half as formidable on their travels. The former should be backed. I have a hunch that bottom club Plymouth will enhance their chances of survival when Accrington come visiting. York should continue their improvement in the Blue Square Premier by beating Braintree, who are three places and two points above them.