Pools tips for weekend of November 24-25

Ten draws: Charlton v Huddersfield, Hull v Burnley, Ipswich v Peterborough, Leyton Orient v Preston, Notts County v Swindon, Stevenage v Tranmere, Accrington v Gillingham, Plymouth v Chesterfield, Brechin v Forfar, East Fife v Arbroath.

Best draws: Hull v Burnley, Ipswich v Peterborough, Leyton Orient v Preston, Stevenage v Tranmere, Accrington v Gillingham.

Five aways: Reading, Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Port Vale, Bradford City.

Nine homes: Manchester United, Stoke, Blackburn, Blackpool, Middlesbrough, Wolves, Doncaster, Walsall, Southend.


Pick of the draws: Burnley's 10 men played with great spirit before losing to Charlton in the Championship last weekend and a repeat performance could see them hold high-flying Hull. Ipswich, in the relegation zone, have the worst goal difference of any team in the top four English divisions but they should still get something from the visit of fellow strugglers Peterborough. Leyton Orient's best League One wins this season have come away from home. They are not so hot at the Matchroom Stadium, which is why I think middle-of-the-table Preston will gain a point. Stevenage have continued last season's habit of drawing at home and that is the most likely result of their game against League One leaders Tranmere, especially as both sides have faltered recently. The signing of former England forward James Beattie has given League Two team Accrington a shot in the arm and I'm taking them to deny leaders Gillingham victory.

Away days: Last Saturday's win - their first in this season's Premier League - over highly rated Everton has got the monkey off Reading's back and I believe they will prevail at Wigan, who have only one home victory to their credit. The away record of Championship title challengers Cardiff is nothing to write home about but they will feel confident of success at Barnsley, who hover just above the relegation zone. Championship leaders Crystal Palace will take some stopping and I cannot see an off-form and injury-troubled Leeds doing it. Goals are flowing freely for League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who will surely defeat lowly Aldershot. A resurgent Bradford City will fancy their chances at Bristol Rovers.

Homes sweet homes: Stoke have not lost on their own ground in the Premier League this season and have conceded only one goal. That should encourage them against Fulham, who will be without their suspended centre-back stalwart Brede Hangeland. The abrupt departure of manager Ian Holloway adversely affected the Championship fortunes of Blackpool but they are showing signs of settling down again under new boss Michael Appleton. Expect them to take three points off Watford. Wolves will be anxious to halt their slide down the table and are worth a punt against inconsistent Nottingham Forest. Southend, eight goals in their past two matches, will be confident of adding higher-placed Rochdale to their list of League Two victims.