Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Jan 17-18

Ten draws: Brighton v Brentford, Leeds v Birmingham, MK Dons v Sheffield United, Notts County v Crewe, Bury v Wycombe, Mansfield v Exeter, Oxford v Southend, Portsmouth v Burton, Dundee United v Inverness, Ross v St Mirren.

Best draws: MK Dons v Sheffield United, Mansfield v Exeter, Oxford v Southend, Portsmouth v Burton, Ross v St Mirren.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Bradford City, Luton, Morton.

Best weekend home bets: Tottenham, West Ham, Norwich, Watford, Wigan, Wolves, Colchester, Rochdale, Cambridge, Aberdeen.


Pick of the draws: Sheffield United could be distracted by their upcoming League Cup semi-final tie against Tottenham but they are still playing well enough to gain a point at MK Dons, who have lost their past two home games and are experiencing a mini slump. This is a match-up between two of the most attractive sides in League One. Mansfield are slipping dangerously close to the League Two relegation zone but they should get something from the visit of Exeter, who have also gone off the boil. Southend's promotion hopes are being hindered by injuries, which gives 15th-placed Oxford the chance of parity. Portsmouth are much stronger at Fratton Park than on the road and I'm taking them to halt Burton's promotion charge. Ross and St Mirren are locked together at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, same points, same goal difference and six points away from the nearest club, Motherwell. Stalemate is the likeliest outcome.

Away days: Liverpool are in good nick and eager to challenge for a top-four Premier League place. They are strongly fancied to make further progress at Aston Villa, who have managed only 11 league goals this season and are only three points clear of the relegation zone. Liverpool should benefit from the unrest at Villa Park. Championship leaders Bournemouth lost at home to Norwich last Saturday but I believe they'll bounce straight back by winning at Rotherham, who are being dragged into a relegation fight. Despite being toppled from the League One leadership by Swindon, Bristol City are in great form. A 4-0 victory over Notts County and a 2-0 FA Cup win against Doncaster (both at home) sets them up nicely for a trip to Scunthorpe, who went out of the cup after extra time in midweek. Bradford City are doing better on their travels than on their own ground and must be backed at bottom-of-the-table Yeovil. Plymouth, seventh in League Two, have failed to score in their past two matches and may also struggle to do so against Luton, who give little away on their travels and are well worth a punt. Scottish League One promotion challengers Morton are recommended at lowly Ayr.

Homes sweet homes: Wigan's decline has been astonishing. Lying 23rd in the Championship, they are in desperate need of three points. However, they may well get them against Blackburn, whose promotion push seems to be fading. Colchester's surprising 2-0 success at Peterborough last Saturday improved their prospects of avoiding relegation from League One. Colchester host Walsall, who lost 4-1 at home to Scunthorpe last Saturday and could be on the slide. There is a buzz around Cambridge, who have drawn Manchester United at home in the FA Cup fourth round. Consecutive triumphs over Luton (FA Cup) and Carlisle have put them in the mood to dish out similar treatment to League Two promotion contenders Newport.

Pools info: Everton v West Brom (match No 3 on the coupon) is being played on Monday and will be decided by the pools panel. Preston v Leyton Orient (29) will take place on Friday and is therefore void.

Betting info: I scored eight out of 10 with my home selections last weekend. The successful teams were Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester, Birmingham, Brentford, Crewe, Burton and Brechin.



                                                                                    

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Jan 10-11

Ten draws: Burnley v Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace v Tottenham, Manchester United v Southampton, Bolton v Leeds, Cardiff v Fulham, Ipswich v Derby, Reading v Middlesbrough, Oldham v Doncaster, Carlisle v Cambridge, Stevenage v AFC Wimbledon.

Best draws: Burnley v Queens Park Rangers, Manchester United v Southampton, Ipswich v Derby, Reading v Middlesbrough, Oldham v Doncaster.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Liverpool, Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Inverness.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester, Birmingham, Brentford, Crewe, Leyton Orient, Burton, Brechin, Annan.


Pick of the draws: Queens Park Rangers have lost all nine of their Premier League away games this season. That wretched sequence has to end sometime and I believe QPR will salvage a point at Burnley, who are three places lower and two points worse off. Southampton's recent dip in form was only a blip and not the start of a decline. Normal service seems to have been resumed and I fancy them to get a point at Manchester United, who are being hit hard by injuries. Ipswich (2nd) v Derby (3rd) should be one of the best Championship matches of the season. Ipswich's home record is formidable but if any team can put a dent in it it's Derby, who are shrewdly managed by former England boss Steve McClaren. Reading looked more like their old selves when knocking Huddersfield out of the FA Cup last Saturday and can prevent promotion-chasing Middlesbrough from gaining maximum points. Oldham, mid-table in League One, have had a rotten time of it lately but I expect them to halt their slide against Doncaster, who have the same number of points and equal goal difference.

Away days: Manchester City are right back in the Premier League title race and could even find themselves top if they win at Everton on Saturday. I'm banking on the champions collecting all three points against a side whose confidence has disappeared and are only four points off the relegation zone. Liverpool appear to be on the upgrade and are recommended at Sunderland, who are short of firepower and have only one league win at the Stadium of Light. Championship promotion hopefuls Watford show no inferiority complex when playing away and should be too good for Huddersfield, who could easily be sucked into a relegation battle. Sheffield Wednesday's hopes of a lucrative FA Cup third-round replay were dashed by Manchester City's late winning goal at the Etihad last Sunday but their away form has held up well. They must fancy their chances of beating Nottingham Forest, who are slithering down the table. Although MK Dons, fourth in League One, had an indifferent Christmas, that should not deter you from backing them at Crawley, who are favourites for relegation. Inverness are worth a punt at inconsistent Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: There's a good chance Arsenal will have some of their injured players back when they host Stoke on Sunday. They will also be keen to avenge their defeat at Stoke last month and I think they will do just that. Their home form since losing to Manchester United has been exemplary. Bottom club Leicester have not won at home in the Premier League since defeating Manchester United in September. They have a wonderful opportunity of improving that record against a lacklustre and goal-shy Aston Villa. Crewe, third from last in League One, took seven points from nine over Christmas and a predicted win over fellow strugglers Gillingham will probably take them out of the relegation zone. Leyton Orient's poor home record has contributed to their lowly position but I believe they will start to put that right against Fleetwood, whose promotion challenge seems to be fading.

Pools info: Luton v Shrewsbury (No 40 on coupon) is void. Coventry v Swindon (27) and Hamilton v Dundee United (47) will be decided by the pools panel.

Pools guide and best bets for weekend of Jan 3-4

Ten draws: Partick v Dundee United, St Johnstone v Hamilton, Hearts v Hibernian, Dunfermline v Peterhead, Morton v Airdrieonians, Elgin v East Fife, Dartford v Kidderminster, Lincoln v Barnet, Chorley v Oxford City, Leamington v Bradford PA.

Best draws: St Johnstone v Hamilton, Hearts v Hibernian, Dunfermline v Peterhead, Dartford v Kidderminster, Lincoln v Barnet.

Best weekend away bets: Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Swindon, Bury, Aberdeen, Raith.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Doncaster, Preston, Rochdale, Port Vale, Walsall, Exeter, Queen of South, Albion, Arbroath.


Pick of the draws: St Johnstone are gradually closing the gap on Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership but I fancy Hamilton to pinch a point here. St Johnstone are also due a home draw, having not recorded one this season. Runaway Scottish Championship leaders Hearts have won all nine of their home games but Hibernian's recent form has been just as good. There is so much pride at stake in this Edinburgh derby that I wouldn't be surprised if Hibernian nick a draw. Dunfermline have lost their way in Scottish League One and could drop another couple of points to Peterhead, who are only four points behind them. Dartford are precariously placed in the Vanarama Conference and probably won't get much joy out of Kidderminster, who seem to be heading in the opposite direction. Lincoln have won six of their last seven matches and are rapidly climbing the table. They face a big test against clear leaders Barnet but I'm taking them to check Barnet's progress.

Away days: Promotion chasing Middlesbrough were desperately unlucky not to defeat Blackburn at Ewood Park last Sunday. The Championship side should have enough in their locker to repel the challenge of League One Barnsley in the FA Cup third round. Bradford City have made a clear statement of intent recently and a Cup upset is on the cards when they visit Millwall, who have dropped into the Championship relegation zone and are in disarray. Swindon, second in League One, have had a successful Christmas and will be confident of beating Fleetwood, who find life difficult at their Highbury stadium. Bury, of League Two, have rediscovered their mojo in their last two matches (both won) and are likely to make it three in a row at Dagenham & Redbridge, who are second from bottom. Second-placed Aberdeen are the surprise packet in this season's Scottish Premiership and I believe they will prevail at struggling Motherwell. Raith, of the Scottish Championship, gained a much-needed fillip by winning at Falkirk last Saturday. They weaker opposition in Cowdenbeath on Saturday and should take advantage.

Homes sweet homes: Those who are looking for FA Cup third-round upsets could do worse than bet on Doncaster, Preston and Rochdale. Doncaster, who have a terrible home record, host League One leaders Bristol City but the Cup often turns the form book upside down and Doncaster won at high-flyers Swindon recently. Preston's consistency has put them in the League One promotion shake-up and I don't envy Championship side Norwich having to go to Deepdale. Little is going right for Stuart Pearce's Nottingham Forest in the Championship and they won't relish a trip to League One Rochdale, who can be irresistible on their day. 

Pools info: Kilmarnock v Celtic (No 3 on coupon), Dover v Grimsby (25), Gateshead v Wrexham (28), Macclesfield v Woking (30) and Southport v FC Halifax (32) will be decided by the pools panel.

Boxing Day bonus: I scored five out of six with my away selections. The successful teams were Liverpool, Manchester City, Bradford City, MK Dons and Stevenage.

Pools forecast & best bets for Dec 28-29 & Dec 31-Jan 2

                                 December 28-29

Ten draws: QPR v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v Manchester United, West Ham v Arsenal, Cardiff v Watford, Reading v Norwich, Bradford City v Notts County, Coventry v Chesterfield, Stevenage v Cambridge, Inverness v Aberdeen, St Johnstone v Dundee United.

Best draws: Tottenham v Manchester United, Cardiff v Watford, Coventry v Chesterfield, Stevenage v Cambridge, Inverness v Aberdeen.

Best away bets: Leicester, Rotherham, Bolton, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Wycombe.

Best home bets: Stoke, Blackburn, MK Dons, Sheffield United, Swindon, Accrington, Plymouth, Southend, Tranmere, Dundee.


Pick of the draws: Manchester United, in terrific form of late, have a wonderful record at Tottenham but they may have their work cut out this time as Spurs are also on a winning streak. Victories over Wigan and Reading have moved Watford back into the Championship play-off positions and they should have enough about them to hold Russell Slade's Cardiff. League One Coventry have not done as well as expected on their return to the Ricoh Arena and they might struggle to overcome Chesterfield, who won well at Gillingham last weekend. Stevenage and Cambridge are next to each other in League Two's mid-table and I wouldn't like to separate them. Although Inverness Caledonian Thistle are faltering in the Scottish Premiership, they have lost only once at home and can stop the progress of third-placed Aberdeen, who have yet to draw away this season.

Away days: Leicester, the Premier League's bottom club, are worth a punt at Hull, who are in free-fall and just one place above them. Rotherham moved three points nearer safety in the Championship by winning at Wigan last weekend and another away success looks on the cards at Blackpool, who seem doomed to relegation and were trounced 6-1 at home by Bournemouth last Saturday. Neil Lennon's Bolton are becoming more confident by the week and can prevail at Huddersfield, who appear to have slipped back into their bad old ways. Championship leaders Bournemouth have already scored 50 goals this season and I can see them adding to that total at relegation-threatened Millwall. League One leaders Bristol City suffered a shock reverse at Crewe last Saturday but I believe they'll recover at Gillingham. If any team can inflict Shrewsbury's first home defeat this season it's League Two leaders Wycombe, who have already won seven times on the road. 

Homes sweet homes: Blackburn are tough nuts to crack at Ewood Park and I'm taking them to damage Middlesbrough's promotion prospects in the Championship. Boro were desperately disappointing when losing 2-0 at Ipswich last weekend. Mid-table Accrington held Wycombe last Saturday, so don't be surprised if they go one better against League Two promotion contenders Burton. Remember Accrington gave League One Yeovil a good run for their money before going out of the FA Cup. Tranmere (23rd) are lower than their visitors Northampton (19th) but are in better form and I'm confident they can gain maximum points.

          
                              December 31-Jan 2


Ten draws: Southampton v Arsenal, St Mirren v Kilmarnock, Alfreton v Lincoln, Grimsby v Macclesfield, Welling v Dover, Barrow v Fylde, Colwyn Bay v Stockport, Tamworth v Solihull Moors, Ebbsfleet v Chelmsford, Sutton Utd v Wealdstone.

Best draws: Southampton v Arsenal, Alfreton v Lincoln, Grimsby v Macclesfield, Welling v Dover, Ebbsfleet v Chelmsford.

Best away bets: Swansea, Manchester United, Celtic, Inverness, Chester, Dartford.

Best home bets: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aberdeen, Hamilton, Barnet, Bristol Rovers, FC Halifax, AFC Telford, Woking.

Pools forecast & best bets for Dec 20-21 and 26-27

                                         December 20-21

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Ipswich v Middlesbrough, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Port Vale, Peterborough v Preston, Carlisle v Northampton, Luton v Newport, St Johnstone v Inverness, Dumbarton v Falkirk, Ayr v Stirling.

Best draws: Ipswich v Middlesbrough, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Port Vale, Peterborough v Preston, Ayr v Stirling.

Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Birmingham, Bristol City, Oxford, Motherwell, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Tottenham, West Ham, Cardiff, Fulham, Wolves, Bradford City, Rochdale, Swindon, Bury, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: There is little to choose between Championship promotion contenders Ipswich and Middlesbrough and I think that will be reflected in the scoreline when they meet at Portman Road. Reading's new manager Steve Clarke will be eager to make a good first impression. He won't find it easy against promotion-challenging Watford but I'm backing Reading to deny them victory. Crawley have slipped dangerously close to the League One relegation zone. They need maximum points against Port Vale but I can't see them getting more than one. Peterborough halted their bad run with an away win against Leyton Orient last weekend but Saturday's opponents, Preston, are a more difficult proposition and this fixture is probably the best draw on the coupon. Stirling may be rock bottom of Scottish League One but they stretched leaders Forfar last weekend in a 2-1 defeat. They may have better luck at Ayr, who are second bottom with five home losses to their name this season.

Away days: Swansea weren't ruthless enough when losing at home to Tottenham last Sunday. If they show more of a killer instinct they will beat Hull, who are in free-fall and in danger of relegation from the Premier League. Birmingham's 6-1 thrashing of Reading in the Championship was one of the best results of last weekend. They look a different team under Gary Rowett and I fancy them to register another three points at Huddersfield. League One leaders Bristol City have regained their momentum and it's hard to see them failing at bottom club Crewe. Although Oxford went out of the FA Cup to League Two strugglers Tranmere in midweek, they should still be too strong for Hartlepool, who are in danger of being cast adrift from the rest. Motherwell, under new managership, are worth a punt at fellow strugglers St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership while improving Hibernian look a good thing at Raith.

Homes sweet homes: Although Cardiff were on the wrong end of a 5-3 result at Bournemouth in the Championship last Saturday, they showed their attacking flair and can send higher-placed Brentford home pointless. Fulham have responded so well to new manager Kit Symons that they are seven points clear of the Championship relegation zone. I reckon they will widen that gap by Saturday teatime. Fulham host Sheffield Wednesday, whose progress has been halted by too many draws. Notts County, of League One, are the only side in the top four divisions to remain unbeaten away. I believe they'll lose that distinction on Saturday when they visit Rochdale, who showed what they are capable of with a resounding 4-1 triumph at Colchester and another four goals against Aldershot in the FA Cup. 

                                December 26-27

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Southampton, Birmingham v Derby, Chesterfield v Peterborough, Doncaster v Coventry, Port Vale v Sheffield United, Walsall v Swindon, Newport v Plymouth, Northampton v Bury, Eastleigh v Woking, Gateshead v FC Halifax.

Best draws: Birmingham v Derby, Chesterfield v Peterborough, Doncaster v Coventry, Newport v Plymouth, Eastleigh v Woking.

Best away bets: Liverpool, Manchester City, Cardiff, Bradford City, MK Dons, Stevenage.

I scored four out of six aways last weekend with Swansea, Birmingham, Motherwell and Hibernian.

Best home bets: Arsenal, Sunderland, Brighton, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Leyton Orient, Preston, Exeter, York.