Pools tips and bets for weekend of March 29-30

Ten draws: Sunderland v West Ham, West Brom v Cardiff, Birmingham v Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday v Watford, MK Dons v Wolves, Northampton v Bury, York v Burton, Aberdeen v Dundee United, Hearts v Hibernian, Alloa v Raith.

Best draws: West Brom v Cardiff, Birmingham v Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday v Watford, Northampton v Bury, York v Burton.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton, Wigan, Blackburn, Rochdale.

Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, Southampton, Stoke, Burnley, Derby, Yeovil, Leyton Orient, Notts County, Preston, Walsall.


Pick of the draws: West Brom and Cardiff are finding it increasingly difficult to claw their way to Premier League safety. They have changed their managers to their detriment and I cannot see either taking three points on Saturday. Birmingham gained a crucial victory at Millwall in midweek to ease worries over relegation from the Championship. Their home record, however, is dreadful (nine defeats) and they will struggle to beat Bournemouth, who are finishing the season in great style. Like Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday are rapidly climbing the table but Watford are no pushovers away and I fancy them for a point at Hillsborough. Northampton did their League Two survival hopes no favours by conceding a late equaliser when hosting AFC Wimbledon in midweek. I predict more disappointment for them against Bury, who, despite their lowly position, managed a creditable draw at Newport. Promotion contenders York are one of the most improved teams in the division but I'm backing fellow promotion hopefuls Burton to hold them.

Away days: Manchester City, eight goals scored and none conceded in their past two Premier League matches, have the title in their sights and will be confident of piling on the woe for a demoralised and injury-ravaged Arsenal. The claims of leaders Chelsea at relegation-haunted Crystal Palace simply cannot be ignored. Chelsea's 6-0 thrashing of Arsenal last Saturday will only have strengthened their belief. Everton are making a late charge for a Champions League spot and will be banking on maximum points at bottom-of-the-table Fulham. Wigan's steady progress in the Championship was halted by Queens Park Rangers in midweek but I'm taking them to bounce straight back at under-performing Bolton. Millwall's prospects of avoiding relegation are beginning to look bleak and Blackburn are equipped to take advantage of their plight. League Two leaders Rochdale look promotion certainties. Not even a trip to play-off candidates Fleetwood will worry them.

Homes sweet homes: Burnley are gaining ground on long-time Championship leaders Leicester. They meet on Saturday at Turf Moor, where Burnley are unbeaten. I believe Burnley will win again and close the gap even further. Relegation favourites Yeovil came within seconds of beating Leicester away in midweek. I've a hunch they will take out their frustration on Barnsley, who have the same number of points. Two consecutive victories have given Notts County a fighting chance of avoiding relegation from League One. They will be in a good frame of mind to take on Colchester, who are not safe from the drop themselves.


Betting info: I scored eight out of 10 with my home selections last weekend.