Pools tips for this weekend 4-5 September

Pick of the draws:  Rochdale are adapting well following their promotion to League One and will fancy their chances of getting something at Southampton, who may be in some disarray after their manager Alan Pardew was surprisingly sacked this week. Bradford City have made a faltering start to their campaign in League Two but can regain some pride by holding Port Vale at home. A draw is also the most likely result when second-placed Shrewsbury host third-placed Rotherham. Neither have lost in the league this season and I expect it to stay that way. Don't be surprised if the League Two leaders Torquay drop their first points of the season at Southend, who have shown a marked improvement in the past week, taking Wolves to extra time in the Carling Cup at Molineux and beating Bradford City away.


Away days: Charlton lost at Huddersfield last Saturday but are tipped to bounce straight back by winning at Exeter, who look to be in for a long, hard winter. It's high time Gillingham ended their barren run on their travels. They have not won away for more than a year but can put that right at Bury, who are erratic at home. In the Blue Square Premier, Kidderminster are a good bet to worsen the plight of bottom club Altrincham, for whom nothing goes right.


Homes sweet homes: Notts County recovered from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Bournemouth last Saturday  and are fancied to go one better against Yeovil. In League Two, Macclesfield should make home advantage count against fellow strugglers Stockport, while in the Blue Square Premier, Cambridge United, who sent Eastbourne home pointless on Monday, can do the same to Gateshead. Hayes & Yeading, who gained a creditable point at promotion favourites Luton on Monday, should see off struggling Histon.


Treble chance (home teams):  Dagenham & Redbridge, Southampton, Bradford, Oxford, Shrewsbury, Southend, Newport, York, Corby, Worcester.


Best draws: Southampton, Bradford, Shrewsbury, Southend, York.


Aways: Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Cheltenham, Gillingham, Kidderminster.


Homes: Huddersfield, Notts County, Oldham, Walsall, Aldershot, Macclesfield, Cambridge, Hayes & Yeading, Mansfield.