Pools tips for weekend of March 8-9

Ten draws: Blackburn v Burnley, Colchester v Coventry, Gillingham v Crawley, AFC Wimbledon v York, Wycombe v Hartlepool, Queen of South v Hamilton, Berwick v Montrose, Macclesfield v Grimsby, Tamworth v Aldershot, Valencia v Athletic Bilbao.

Best draws: Blackburn v Burnley, Gillingham v Crawley, AFC Wimbledon v York, Wycombe v Hartlepool, Macclesfield v Grimsby.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Huddersfield, Leyton Orient, Wolves, Stranraer, Stirling.

Best weekend home bets: Derby, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Yeovil, Brentford, Stevenage, Port Vale, Scunthorpe, Falkirk, Dunfermline.


Pick of the draws: Burnley have been one of the success stories of the season and enhanced their Championship promotion claims by beating fellow contenders Derby last Saturday. However, the Clarets seldom get favours from their fiercest rivals Blackburn. I'm backing the hosts to put last week's heavy defeat at Bolton behind them and gain a point. Gillingham and Crawley are next to each other in the League One table and I cannot separate them on Saturday. A few weeks ago I would have had this down as a home win but Crawley have markedly improved. York, in League Two, are another improved side and efficient enough to share the spoils at Wimbledon, whose form wildly fluctuates. Wycombe have moved five points clear of safety with good results against Exeter and Southend. But they'll probably have a harder task against Hartlepool, who have climbed into play-off contention. Grimsby have slipped out of the play-off places in the Skrill Premier but a point at Macclesfield should be within their grasp.

Away days: I'm tipping Manchester United to increase West Bromwich's relegation worries in the Premier League. United's frustration at being no higher than seventh is nothing compared to West Brom, who are still awaiting their first victory under their new manager. Huddersfield went goal crazy against Barnsley in the Championship last weekend and I expect them to collect another three points at Doncaster, who are right back in the relegation scrap. Leyton Orient deserve the highest praise for the way they've maintained their promotion push from League One. They will surely strengthen their position at bottom club Notts County. Leaders Wolves have won their past seven matches. I believe they'll make it eight when they make the short journey to Walsall. Stranraer are making steady progress in Scottish League One and a trip to Ayr should hold no fears. Stirling seem to be on an upward curve in Scottish League Two and are capable of taking maximum points at East Stirling.

Homes sweet homes: Seven games without a goal has scuppered Middlesbrough's chances of success in the Championship this season. They were out of luck at Hillsborough last Saturday when a perfectly good goal did not count, so perhaps a change of fortune is due when inconsistent Ipswich come visiting. Full marks to struggling Yeovil, who last Saturday drew at Reading despite finishing with only eight men. That result should give them the confidence to prevail over mid-table Sheffield Wednesday. Two wins and a draw have hauled Stevenage off the bottom of League One. They now have a fighting chance of avoiding relegation and must be fancied to continue the good work when they host Tranmere, who are only four points better off.

Pools info: Dundee v Raith (match No 19 on the coupon) will be adjudicated by the pools panel. Dartford v Chester FC (No 30) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.