Pools Tips for this weekend 17-18 April

Draws: Relegated Portsmouth, given a huge lift by their victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, are capable of denying Aston Villa three points at Fratton Park this weekend. Burnley have a Premier League lifeline after their handsome win at Hull and can share the points at Sunderland. In the Championship, Nottingham Forest, who are now assured of a play-off place, will be more confident of getting something from their trip to Blackpool while Bristol Rovers v Brentford and Grimsby v Torquay also make draw appeal.


Aways: Have a punt on Preston to pile on the misery for Coventry, who are sliding down the Championship. In League One, Leeds are perking up again after a dodgy few months and will probably increase Gillingham's relegation worries. Brighton, who are doing better away than at home, are a good bet to leave Southend pointless.


Homes: Fulham, so impressive at Craven Cottage, will surely have too much for Wolves. Manchester City, 14 goals from their past three matches, can end Manchester United's title challenge, avenge their defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the season and improve their own chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday may have too much hunger for their bitter rivals, Sheffield United, at Hillsborough and Swansea can enhance their play-off hopes by beating Barnsley.


Treble chance (home teams): Blackburn, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Blackpool, Derby, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol Rovers, Hartlepool, Grimsby, Macclesfield.


Best draws: Portsmouth, Sunderland, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers, Grimsby.


Aways: Chelsea, Preston, Bristol City, Leeds, Brighton.


Homes: Birmingham, Fulham, Manchester City, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea, Leyton Orient, Aldershot, Bradford City.