Pools tips for weekend of October 12-13

Ten draws: Coventry v Sheff Utd, Stevenage v Brentford, Fleetwood v Chesterfield, Oxford v Northampton, York v Scunthorpe, Nuneaton v Braintree, Salisbury v Grimsby, Southport v Kidderminster, Woking v FC Halifax, Alloa v Falkirk.

Best draws: Fleetwood v Chesterfield, Oxford v Northampton, York v Scunthorpe, Nuneaton v Braintree, Alloa v Falkirk.

Best away bets: Wolves, Walsall, Gillingham, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Hamilton.

Best home bets: Bradford City, Preston, Rotherham, Dagenham & Redbridge, Exeter, Gateshead, Lincoln, Luton, East Fife, Forfar.


Pick of the draws: I'm taking League Two leaders Chesterfield to recover from the shock of losing 4-3 at Morecambe after leading 3-0 last weekend and believe they will share the spoils with Fleetwood, their closest challengers. Oxford's home form is distinctly wobbly and I've a hunch they will drop more points against struggling Northampton, who gained a much-needed victory at AFC Wimbledon last Saturday. York have sprung into life recently but so have their opponents Scunthorpe, who have moved into the play-off places. Braintree's healthy position in the Skrill Premier is down to their away form, so they are my tip to hold Nuneaton, who have gone off the boil recently. In the Scottish Championship, I find it impossible to separate Alloa and Falkirk. 

Away days: I think Wolves will boost their League One promotion challenge by beating Carlisle. Walsall have had some good results on the road and I can see them getting another at Colchester, who are sliding down the table. Gillingham have climbed out of the danger zone with two wins in a row. Have a punt on them making it three at Shrewsbury, who have only won once at home. In League Two, Portsmouth have also won two on the spin and will be confident of taking maximum points at Plymouth. Cambridge United, leading the Skrill Premier by nine points, must be fancied at lowly Chester FC and the same can be said for Scottish Championship leaders Hamilton, who travel to bottom club Morton.

Homes sweet homes: Mid-table Gateshead can take advantage of Alfreton's poor away form in the Skrill Premier. Alfreton have already lost five away matches. I predict success for East Fife and Forfar, the two lowest clubs in Scottish League One. Bottom-of-the-table East Fife gained a creditable away point at Stenhousemuir last weekend and can build on that good result against Ayr. Forfar thrashed second-placed Dunfermline 4-0 last Saturday, so a visit from Stranraer should hold no fears.


Pools info: The matches at Bristol City (2 on the coupon), Notts County (7), Raith (40), Annan (45), Montrose (47) and Stirling (49) have been postponed and will be panel verdicts.

I scored five out of six with my recommended away bets last weekend.