Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 25-26

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Watford v Crystal Palace, Bolton v Sheffield United, Norwich v Leeds, Blackpool v Accrington, Doncaster v Portsmouth, Oxford v Burton, Crawley v Bury, Tranmere v Port Vale, Hibernian v Aberdeen.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Norwich v Leeds, Blackpool v Accrington, Oxford v Burton, Tranmere v Port Vale.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Manchester City, Sunderland, Peterborough, Barnsley, Rangers.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Fulham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Derby, Bradford City, Charlton, Luton, Newport, Lincoln.


Pick of the draws: Everton secured a well deserved draw at newly promoted Wolves on the first Saturday of the Premier League season, despite going down to 10 men shortly before half-time. If they can keep 11 players on the pitch I fancy them to share the spoils at Bournemouth, who have begun the campaign with two wins out of two. In the Championship, Norwich have not really got going yet but their 2-0 home win over Preston in midweek suggested that better days lie ahead. They can get something when they host Leeds, who lost their 100% record in a 2-2 draw at Swansea in midweek. Accrington keep punching above their weight, this time in League One. Their most recent victory, 3-2 at Oxford, should stand them in good stead at Blackpool, who are still hindered by problems off the field. Oxford are the only League One team without a point but they can get off the mark against relegated Burton, who have started the season disappointingly. Tranmere, back in the Football League, have had mixed fortunes so far in League Two. So have their opponents, Port Vale, and a point apiece is the most likely outcome here.

Away days: Chelsea have maximum points from their first two Premier League fixtures and although their win over Arsenal last Saturday was not without its flaws, I cannot see their hosts, Newcastle, causing an upset on Sunday. You have to feel sorry for anybody playing Manchester City at the moment. Pep Guardiola's side look unstoppable and they are strong favourites to take three points off Wolves in Saturday's early game. Sunderland are looking for an instant return to the Championship. A 4-1 triumph at Gillingham in midweek was just what the doctor ordered and they will be confident of more success at Wimbledon. Peterborough lead League One with a perfect record after four matches. I'm taking them to make it five in a row at Plymouth. High-riding Barnsley have yet to concede and I've a feeling they'll extend that run after visiting Scunthorpe on Saturday. Scunthorpe have just sacked their manager Nicky Daws. Rangers are higher than their fierce rivals Celtic after two matches in the Scottish Premiership. I think that will still be the case after Rangers have played bottom club Motherwell on Sunday.

Homes sweet homes: Although promoted Fulham are second from bottom of the Premier League and without a point, I expect them to rectify that on Sunday against Burnley, who may not be the force they were, especially as they are now involved in European competition. Charlton should be doing better than mid-table in League One and they are worth a punt against Fleetwood, even though Joey Barton's team have already recorded two away victories this season. Promoted Luton gained a much needed triumph at home to Southend in midweek and ought to cope with the challenge of Shrewsbury, who don't seem a patch on the Shrewsbury who just missed going up last season.