Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 11-12

Ten draws: Southampton v Burnley, Bolton v Bristol City, Derby v Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday v Hull, Gillingham v Burton, Luton v Sunderland, Carlisle v Northampton, Colchester v Port Vale, Lincoln v Swindon, Hearts v Celtic.

Best draws: Southampton v Burnley, Derby v Leeds, Gillingham v Burton, Luton v Sunderland, Lincoln v Swindon.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, West Bromwich, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Exeter, Mansfield.

Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, Wolves, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Stoke, Swansea, Charlton, Scunthorpe, MK Dons, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Burnley's season has already begun because of their involvement in the Europa League. That may make them more ready than their hosts for Sunday's Premier League visit to Southampton, who had a narrow escape from relegation last season and could struggle again this time. Derby and Leeds kicked off their Championship campaign with impressive victories (Derby 2-1 at Reading, Leeds 3-1 at home to Stoke). I believe they'll both be in the mix for promotion and a point apiece on Saturday will confirm they are well matched. Relegated Burton suffered a surprising 2-1 home defeat by Rochdale in League One last weekend but apparently played well. I suspect they'll have better luck at Gillingham, who began their campaign by winning 2-0 at Accrington. Sunderland are odds-on to return to the Championship at the first attempt but could have to settle for a point at Luton, who give little away at home and are expected to adapt quickly to life in a higher division. Swindon's two goals in added time when beating Macclesfield 3-2 was the comeback of last weekend and I'm backing them to get something at Lincoln in League Two.

Away days: Although Chelsea have experienced an unsettled close season, they should have too much in the tank for Huddersfield, who will do well to escape relegation again. West Bromwich Albion slipped up at home to Bolton last Saturday but recovered to hold Nottingham Forest to an away draw in midweek. I'm sure there's more to come from them and they are worth a punt at Norwich, who failed to set the Championship alight last season. I fancy Ipswich to obtain maximum points at promoted Rotherham, who had an uncomfortable introduction to the Championship when they were thrashed 5-1 by Brentford. Gary Bowyer was the first managerial casualty of the season, leaving after Blackpool's goalless draw at Wycombe in League One last Saturday. The seaside club are in turmoil off the pitch and Portsmouth, their opponents this weekend, are poised to take advantage. Exeter, at Morecambe, and Mansfield, at Yeovil, are two of my more confident selections. Exeter and Mansfield are likely to be front-runners for promotion in League Two, whereas their opponents will probably struggle.

Homes sweet homes: Promoted Wolves are even stronger now than when they were running away with the Championship last season. They'll be raring to go after making several signings this summer and in the mood to take it out on Everton, who have plenty to prove to their new manager. Only a late Ipswich goal deprived promoted Blackburn of an away victory in their opening game of the Championship season. Tony Mowbray's team are back at Ewood Park this weekend and well capable of defeating Millwall. Stoke's start to the season wasn't ideal (losing 3-1 at Leeds last Sunday) but I think they'll bounce straight back against Brentford, who are less assured on their travels.


Pools info: Manchester United v Leicester (No 6 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.