Pools tips for weekend of September 8-9

Ten draws: Crewe v Tranmere, Hartlepool v Carlisle, Walsall v MK Dons, Bristol Rovers v Aldershot, York v Chesterfield, Cambridge v Wrexham, Ebbsfleet v Mansfield, Kidderminster v Southport, Macclesfield v Braintree, Colwyn Bay v Boston.

Best draws: Crewe v Tranmere, Walsall v MK Dons, Bristol Rovers v Aldershot, York v Chesterfield, Cambridge v Wrexham.

Five aways: Preston, Sheffield United, Gillingham, Fleetwood, Luton.

Nine homes: Denmark, Brentford, Coventry, Swindon, Northampton, Torquay, Wycombe, Gateshead, Tamworth.


Pick of the draws: Table-topping Tranmere have got off to a flyer in League One but promoted Crewe are adjusting well to a higher division, which suggests the points will be shared. Walsall have been punching above their weight so far and it wouldn't surprise me to see them deny MK Dons maximum points. There's a stalemate look to Bristol Rovers v Aldershot as both teams have started poorly in League Two. Relegated Chesterfield secured a well-deserved point at Gillingham last weekend and can do the same when they visit League Two newcomers York. Wrexham are beginning to thrive in the Blue Square Premier but Cambridge, traditionally sound at home, can match them.

Away days: Preston, 4-1 winners over highly-rated Swindon last Sunday, must be fancied to add to Bury's problems in League One. Sheffield United will be even stronger favourites to prevail at Scunthorpe, who are bottom and pointless after four games. League Two leaders Gillingham will surely make it three away league victories in a row when they travel to basement club Barnet and newcomers Fleetwood are worth a punt at Morecambe, who are less reliable at home than away. In the Blue Square Premier I expect goal-hungry Luton to record their fourth consecutive away win when they visit Alfreton.

Homes sweet homes: Denmark were never easy opponents in this summer's European Championships. If they can beat Holland then they can put the Czech Republic to the sword in the opening round of World Cup qualifying matches. Managerless Coventry are due a change of fortune in League One and I believe they will get it when higher-placed Stevenage come visiting. In League Two, Wycombe are capable of better than they have shown so far this season and they seem good value against inconsistent Cheltenham. Gateshead look like challenging for promotion from the Blue Square Bet Premier and should be backed against Dartford.