Pools tips for weekend of January 4-5

Ten draws: Dumbarton v Morton, Stranraer v Ayr, Barnet v Alfreton, Forest Green v Salisbury, Wrexham v Aldershot, Gainsborough v Stockport, Harrogate v AFC Telford, Hednesford v North Ferriby, Bath City v Staines, Eastbourne v Eastleigh.

Best draws: Dumbarton v Morton, Barnet v Alfreton, Forest Green v Salisbury, Wrexham v Aldershot, Bath City v Staines.

Best weekend away bets: Hibernian, St Johnstone, Coventry, Manchester City, Leyton Orient, Chesterfield.

Best weekend home bets: Motherwell, Hamilton, Clyde, Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Southampton, Southend, Wigan, Newport.


Pick of the draws: Morton, bottom of the Scottish Championship and with only one away point, can at last get something on their travels when they visit Dumbarton, who are just two places above them.  Barnet, who had a pointless Christmas in the Skrill Premier, host third-placed Alfreton, who have yet to draw away in their 13 matches on the road. I believe that statistic will change on Saturday. Mid-table Forest Green have failed to build on their early-season promise and visitors Salisbury look good for a point. Despite having 10 points deducted before the start of the season, Aldershot are on course to avoid relegation and capable of sharing the spoils at inconsistent Wrexham. Although Staines have a terrible away record in the Skrill South, I have a hunch they will surprise Bath City. Staines beat Sutton United last weekend. 

Away days: Hibernian are thriving in the Scottish Premiership under the new managership of Terry Butcher and are worth a wager at Dundee United, who have recently faltered. St Johnstone must be fancied at Ross, who are at the wrong end of the table. Looking for upsets in the FA Cup third round this weekend, one should not overlook League One Coventry, who are in much better shape than their hosts Barnsley, who prop up the Championship. High-riding Leyton Orient, also of League One, are also worth a punt at struggling Championship side Yeovil. Manchester City, whatever team they put out, should be backed at Blackburn. In League Two, promotion contenders Chesterfield ought to have the edge over Cheltenham, who are poor at home.

Homes sweet homes: Continuing the FA Cup theme, reviving League One club Bristol City must be looking forward to their home tie against Watford, who are not the force they once were in the Championship. Middlesbrough are starting to find their feet after an unimpressive first half to the season and I'm tipping them to knock out Hull, who have only won once on their travels. There's a possibility of a giant-killing at Southend, who are seeking promotion to League One. They play Millwall, threatened by relegation from the Championship and without a manager after the sacking of Steve Lomas. 

Please note: Cambridge v Grimsby (match No 12 on coupon), Kidderminster v Dartford (15) and Macclesfield v Chester FC (17) will be decided by the pools panel.

Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections on Boxing Day.