Pools tips for this weekend October 16-17

Pick of the draws: Chelsea could have their four-point lead in the Premier League reduced by Saturday evening if their opponents Aston Villa continue to prosper under new manager Gerard Houllier. Blackpool are more than holding their own in top-flight company and after winning at Anfield they can deny Manchester City victory at Bloomfield Road. Preston’s astonishing comeback from 4-1 down to win 6-4 at Leeds two weeks ago should enable them to gain a point at Derby, who have also improved. Southampton are fancied to confirm their progress under Nigel Adkins by drawing at Huddersfield.


Away days: Bottom club West Ham to win at next-to-bottom Wolves, who have fallen away after starting brightly. Championship promotion contenders Burnley are tipped to gain their first win on the road against Sheffield United. League One leaders Brighton were unlucky not to beat Bournemouth last Saturday. They can return to winning ways at Charlton, who have underachieved so far. Sheffield Wednesday look good for three points at Yeovil while In League Two, it’s worth backing Oxford (unbeaten away) to prevail at Macclesfield (weak at home).


Homes sweet homes: Back Bolton to record their first home win of the season when they entertain Stoke. Owen Coyle’s improving team are overdue a victory at the Reebok. Newcastle should make amends for recent home disappointments by defeating Wigan, who are notoriously fragile. Lowly Crystal Palace were unlucky to lose to Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park two weeks ago but can triumph against Millwall. Leyton Orient were also impressive in defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday and are a good bet to overcome Hartlepool. If Aldershot can win with 10 men at Oxford last Saturday then they should be capable of seeing off Morecambe.


Treble chance (home teams): Aston Villa, Blackpool, Fulham, Derby, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Southend, Dundee United.


Best draws: Aston Villa, Blackpool, Derby, Bournemouth, Huddersfield.


Aways: West Ham, Burnley, Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford.


Homes: Arsenal, Bolton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Leyton Orient, Peterborough, Aldershot, Shrewsbury.