Pools tips for this weekend October 23-24

Pick of the draws: The Premier League looks the best place for draws this weekend and Wigan v Bolton appears the soundest bet. Only two points separate the teams and both enjoyed good results last Saturday - Wigan drawing 2-2 at Newcastle and Bolton beating Stoke 2-1 at the Reebok. In the Championship, Portsmouth are beginning to thrive under Steve Cotterill and look good for at least a point at Hull, who have acquired the draw habit at home. Leeds and Cardiff, both genuine promotion challengers, are tipped to share the spoils at Elland Road. In League One, lowly Brentford can prevent high-flying Peterborough from taking maximum points. The Londoners are playing better than their 21st placing indicates. Colchester v Notts County is a mid-table tussle that will probably end in deadlock.

Away days: Blackpool’s away form (three wins already) is responsible for their encouraging start in the Premier League, so don’t be surprised if they add struggling Birmingham to their list of victims. Derby are the most improved team in the Championship and it’s worth taking a chance on them at Millwall. Have a punt on Huddersfield winning at shot-shy Plymouth and Bradford City to continue their revival with victory at Burton. League Two promotion hopefuls Port Vale should get back on the winning track at Cheltenham. 

Homes sweet homes: In-form West Bromwich are a confident selection to overcome Fulham. Coventry should send Barnsley packing while Watford can make up for their unexpected defeat at Portsmouth last Saturday with three points against Scunthorpe. Sheffield Wednesday are coming on strong and should be backed to beat fellow promotion contenders Bournemouth. In League Two, a revitalised Hereford, who host Accrington, look set for their first home win of the season. 

Treble chance (home teams): Sunderland, West Ham, Wigan, Hull, Leeds, Brentford, Colchester, Swindon, Kilmarnock, Queen of South.

Best draws: Wigan, Hull, Leeds, Brentford, Colchester.

Aways: Blackpool, Derby, Huddersfield, Bradford City, Port Vale.

Homes: Chelsea, West Bromwich, Coventry, Norwich, Watford, Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday, Bury, Hereford.