Revised pools tips for December 31-January 1

Ten draws: Bolton v Wolves, Barnsley v Leeds, Millwall v Crystal Palace, Preston v Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe v Chesterfield, Wycombe v Stevenage, Bristol Rovers v Crewe, Morecambe v Burton, Forest Green v Kidderminster, Southport v Fleetwood.


Best draws: Bolton v Wolves, Barnsley v Leeds, Millwall v Crystal Palace, Scunthorpe v Chesterfield, Southport v Fleetwood.


Five aways: Tottenham, Blackpool, Brighton, MK Dons, Southend.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Manchester United, West Brom, Burnley, Derby, Reading, Sheffield United, Walsall, Aldershot.


Pick of the draws: Wolves showed their resilience when their 10 men held out for a point at Arsenal. Relegation-haunted Bolton have not drawn this season but that sequence may end on Saturday. Leeds have stumbled in the Championship recently and Yorkshire rivals Barnsley won't be in the mood to do them any favours. Crystal Palace don't score many but don't concede many either, so expect a dour stalemate at Millwall. Chesterfield, bottom of League One, are due a change of luck and could get it at Scunthorpe, who have slid into the relegation zone themselves. Fleetwood's progress in the Blue Square Premier has been one of the success stories of the season and I'm taking them to finish 2011 by sharing the spoils at fellow promotion contenders Southport.


Away days: Tottenham are starting to look genuine contenders for the Premier League title and will surely be too good for promoted Swansea. Take a chance on Ian Holloway's Blackpool inflicting Birmingham's first home defeat of the season in the Championship. Blackpool warmed up for this fixture by winning 3-1 at Barnsley on Boxing Day. I'm tipping Brighton to recover from recent setbacks when they visit bottom club Coventry. MK Dons are red-hot in League One at the moment and should be backed at Brentford, who are indifferent at home. In League Two, promotion-chasing Southend will be confident of returning to winning ways against out-of-form AFC Wimbledon.


Homes sweet homes: I fancy West Brom, bolstered by holding Premier League leaders Manchester City to a goalless draw, to continue climbing the table by defeating Everton at the Hawthorns. Burnley have had a terrific December in the Championship and will probably take maximum points off Hull. Second-placed West Ham have a lot of injured players, so don't be surprised if Derby, 1-0 winners over Leeds on Boxing Day, take advantage. Two stoppage-time goals enabled lowly Walsall to beat high-flying Sheffield Wednesday in League One on Boxing Day. That should give them the confidence to dispatch struggling Rochdale.  

Pools tips for December 26

Ten draws: Bolton v Newcastle, Derby v Leeds, Leicester v Ipswich, Nottingham Forest v Peterborough, Aldershot v Southend, Bradford City v Crewe, Cheltenham v Shrewsbury, Northampton v Burton, Torquay v Swindon, Inverness v Aberdeen.


Best draws: Derby v Leeds, Leicester v Ipswich, Aldershot v Southend, Bradford City v Crewe, Northampton v Burton.


Five aways: Blackpool, Cardiff, Charlton, Oxford, Port Vale.


Nine homes: Liverpool, Manchester United, Stoke, Birmingham, Burnley, Coventry, Huddersfield, Oldham, Wycombe.




Pick of the draws: Leeds' better results in the Championship have come away from home and they can collect a valuable point at Derby in their quest for promotion. Ipswich have come alive in their past two matches and I fancy them to hold Leicester, whose recent results have been disappointing. In League Two, Southend's progress has come to a shuddering halt, but I believe they will gain their first away draw of the season at inconsistent Aldershot. Lowly Bradford City caused an upset against Southend last Friday and that should give them encouragement against Crewe, who held leaders Crawley despite playing with 10 men for most of the match. Northampton are having a terrible time but they could get something from the visit of Burton.


Away days: Blackpool continue to play enterprisingly under Ian Holloway and have the ability to unlock Barnsley's suspect defence. I am confident promotion-seeking Cardiff will recover from their weekend defeat by Middlesbrough by beating Watford. League One leaders Charlton have dropped only five away points all season and I cannot see Yeovil threatening that record. Oxford will probably take advantage of AFC Wimbledon's slide down League Two, and Port Vale, 4-0 winners last Saturday, will be looking forward to their trip to Hereford.


Homes sweet homes: Birmingham boast the only unbeaten home record in the Championship and I've a hunch they will surprise second-placed West Ham, who have admittedly done well on the road. It's time Coventry, rooted to the bottom, had a break and they may get it against Bristol City, who are in relegation trouble themselves. Oldham gained a creditable point at The Valley in League One last Saturday and should take all three against Hartlepool, who are in some disarray after sacking their manager Mick Wadsworth. Wycombe are showing the kind of spirit they will need to avoid relegation and look a good bet to defeat Exeter.

Pools tips for this weekend December 17-18

Ten draws: Blackburn v West Brom, Everton v Norwich, Wolves v Stoke, Ipswich v Derby, Portsmouth v Southampton, Stevenage v Tranmere, Crewe v Crawley, Swindon v Morecambe, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Hamilton v Morton.


Best draws: Everton v Norwich, Ipswich v Derby, Portsmouth v Southampton, Stevenage v Tranmere, Crewe v Crawley.


Five aways: Liverpool, Chelsea, Burnley, Leicester, Brentford.


Nine homes: Tottenham, Blackpool, Bristol City, Peterborough, West Ham, Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Burton, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Norwich are surpassing expectations back in the Premier League and look a good bet for at least a point at goal-shy Everton. Ipswich and Derby halted their slide down the Championship with much-needed wins last Saturday and I predict a point each at Portman Road. Leaders Southampton have stumbled recently and I'm taking fierce rivals Portsmouth, who are formidable at home, to deprive them of another two points at Fratton Park. League One newcomers Stevenage have already drawn four times at home. I think they'll make it five against mid-table Tranmere, who are due a good result. Although Crawley are overwhelming favourites to be promoted from League Two, don't be surprised if their progress is checked at Crewe, who look a more compact unit since Steve Davis took over as manager.


Away days: Liverpool have won more matches away than at home in the Premier League this season and are tipped to add to their tally at Aston Villa. Chelsea have dug themselves out of a hole with three consecutive victories and will feel confident of making that four at Wigan, who are weak at home. As Burnley have already recorded away Championship victories at Hull and West Ham, they won't be intimidated by a trip to promoted Brighton. Leicester must fancy themselves at relegation-threatened Doncaster while in League One, Brentford should benefit from their fine away form when they visit erratic Bury.


Homes sweet homes: Championship strugglers Bristol City have been boosted by new manager Derek McInnes and should see off labouring Nottingham Forest. Home results have been Bournemouth's Achilles heel in League One but their triumph at Huddersfield last Saturday will encourage them to believe they can beat Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday are flying and should account for Huddersfield, who are having a blip. Plymouth have hauled themselves off the bottom of League Two and can take another step nearer safety by defeating Hereford, who are only four points ahead of them.

Pools tips for this weekend December 10-11

Ten draws: Norwich v Newcastle, Leicester v Peterborough, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Blackpool, Scunthorpe v Carlisle, Tranmere v Milton Keynes Dons, Bradford City v Plymouth, Cheltenham v Southend, Morecambe v Oxford, Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dundee United. 


Best draws: Norwich v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Blackpool, Tranmere v MK Dons, Bradford City v Plymouth.


Five aways: Hull, Cardiff, Notts County, Accrington, Shrewsbury.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Bolton, Manchester United, Sunderland, Barnsley, Birmingham, Derby, Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers.


Pick of the draws: Defeats by first Manchester City and then Chelsea may have dented Newcastle's confidence and they will do well to gain more than a point from their trip to Carrow Road. Nottingham Forest were desperately unlucky to lose to Brighton last Saturday and they are capable of holding Carling Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace. Championship leaders Southampton have not dropped a point at home all season but that could change against Blackpool, who can match anybody on their day. League One promotion contenders Milton Keynes Dons are one of the form teams and I fancy them to keep their run going at Tranmere. I expect revitalised Plymouth, bottom of League Two, to share the spoils at Bradford City, who are only three points better off.


Away days: Although unsettled by the departure of manager Nigel Pearson, Hull should still have too much for bottom-of-the-table Coventry, who are being cast adrift of the other Championship clubs. Promotion contenders and Carling Cup semi-finalists Cardiff are on a roll and must be backed at Millwall, who are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. League One promotion candidates Notts County can inflict more misery on Yeovil, who have already lost six matches at home. Accrington can gain their first away victory of the League Two campaign when they travel to erratic AFC Wimbledon. In-form Shrewsbury look an even better bet to prevail at Aldershot.


Homes sweet homes: Relegation-threatened Bolton are due a change of luck, so don't be surprised if they triumph against Aston Villa, who are ninth in the Premier League but convincing nobody. I expect Martin O'Neill to begin his tenure at Sunderland with victory over troubled Blackburn and their under-fire manager Steve Kean. Derby halted their slide down the Championship with a well-merited draw at Crystal Palace and I'm taking them to return to winning ways against improving Bristol City. Bristol Rovers appear to have a difficult assignment against Swindon, who are riding high in League Two, but their 6-1 victory at AFC Totton in the FA Cup second round will have given them confidence and I'm predicting an upset here.

Pools tips for this weekend December 3-4

Ten draws: Wolves v Sunderland, Blackpool v Reading, Bristol City v Middlesbrough, Hull v Leicester, Ipswich v Watford, West Ham v Burnley, Buxton v North Ferriby, Hamilton v Dundee, East Fife v Stenhousemuir, Elgin v Stranraer.


Best draws: Wolves v Sunderland, Hull v Leicester, Ipswich v Watford, Hamilton v Dundee, East Fife v Stenhousemuir.


Five aways: Manchester United, Swansea, Arsenal, Marine, Ayr.


Nine homes: Everton, Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham, Peterborough, Bradford PA, Hearts, Kilmarnock, Partick.


Pick of the draws: Wolves and Sunderland are out of form and out of luck at the wrong end of the Premier League and it is difficult to separate them. In the Championship, Hull will be keen to do well against their former manager Nigel Pearson, who is now in charge at Leicester. Ipswich's confidence is shot after six consecutive defeats but I think they will gain at least a point against Watford, who are also precariously placed. Dundee keep climbing in the Scottish first division and should come away from Hamilton with a draw. In the Scottish second division, stalemate is the most attractive option when East Fife (4th) host Stenhousemuir (3rd).


Away days: Manchester United have a fantastic record at Villa Park and, given Aston Villa's patchy form, I cannot see that changing at the weekend. Blackburn's season took a further turn for the worse when they went out of the Carling Cup at Cardiff and Swansea will be fancying their chances of gaining their first away victory in the Premier League this season. Arsenal unexpectedly dropped two points at home to Fulham last weekend and they will be anxious to get back on the winning track when they visit second-bottom Wigan. I'm backing Marine to take advantage of Mickleover Sport's poor home form in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier and I believe Ayr will prevail in their bottom-of-the-table clash against Queen of South in the Scottish first division.


Homes sweet homes: Queens Park Rangers are coping well in the Premier League and I expect them to be too strong for West Bromwich Albion. Peterborough outscore most teams at home and will probably do the same to Barnsley in this mid-table Championship fixture. Hearts have been shaping up better in the Scottish Premier recently and can see off St Johnstone, who are one place and one point above them. Kilmarnock had a terrific win over leaders Rangers last Sunday and will be confident of sending relegation-threatened Aberdeen packing. I have a hunch that Partick, in the Scottish first division, will beat Livingston, who aren't the same force on their travels. 

Pools tips for this weekend November 26-27

Ten draws: Bolton v Everton, Norwich v Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool v Birmingham, Bristol City v Southampton,  Hull v Burnley, Ipswich v Reading, Peterborough v Middlesbrough, Bury v Preston, Plymouth v Northampton, Dunfermline v Aberdeen.


Best draws: Bolton v Everton, Blackpool v Birmingham, Bristol City v Southampton, Ipswich v Reading, Bury v Preston.


Five aways: Tottenham, Watford, Leicester, Sheffield United, Tranmere.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Brighton, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Hartlepool, Crewe, Oxford.


Pick of the draws: Bolton have not drawn at home; their Premier League opponents, Everton, have not drawn away. I expect that statistic to change on Saturday. Birmingham, under manager Chris Hughton, are making a good impression in the Championship and well capable of collecting a point at Blackpool. Leaders Southampton seem unassailable at the moment but lowly Bristol City are thriving under the managership of Derek McInnes and I fancy them to get something. Neither Ipswich nor Reading is setting the Championship alight this season and a stalemate appears the best bet. In League One, Bury's home form is none too convincing and visitors Preston should be able to halt their dismal run.


Away days: Tottenham are playing as well as anybody and will probably be too strong for West Brom. Watford deserved their Championship win over Portsmouth last Saturday and are expected to carry on the good work against bottom-of-the-table Doncaster. Leicester thumped Crystal Palace last Sunday and, reunited with manager Nigel Pearson, are fancied to mete out similar punishment against Portsmouth. Promoted Chesterfield are struggling to adapt to life in League One and I cannot see their luck changing when they host Sheffield United. Tranmere played well despite losing to Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday and should be confident of prevailing at Exeter.


Homes sweet homes: Brighton have had their problems in the Championship lately but have an excellent opportunity of returning to winning ways against relegation-haunted Coventry. In League One, I'm taking Bournemouth to recover from their midweek FA Cup defeat by Gillingham when Oldham come visiting. Crewe's home form has held them back in League Two but they will be eager to reverse the trend against Hereford, who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last Saturday. Third-placed Cheltenham keep winning but they may come unstuck at Oxford, who have yet to lose at home this season. 

Pools tips for this weekend November 19-20

Ten draws: Chelsea v Liverpool, West Brom v Bolton, Burnley v Leeds, Leicester v Crystal Palace, Brentford v Charlton, Leyton Orient v Stevenage, Yeovil v Exeter, Aldershot v Gillingham, Hereford v Burton, Hibernian v Kilmarnock.


Best draws: West Brom v Bolton, Brentford v Charlton, Leyton Orient v Stevenage, Aldershot v Gillingham, Hereford v Burton.


Five aways: Arsenal, Blackburn, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Swindon.


Nine homes: Everton, Barnsley, Birmingham, Derby, Southampton, Preston, Scunthorpe, Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers.


Pick of the draws:  That 5-0 victory over Stoke the Sunday before last will have invigorated Bolton and they can follow it up by gaining a point at West Brom, who will miss the injured striker Shane Long. League One leaders Charlton are difficult to oppose at the moment, with seven away wins to their credit, but Brentford will be eager to improve their indifferent home form. Ditto Leyton Orient. They entertain one of the teams of the season in Stevenage, who are relishing playing in a higher division. Aldershot host Gillingham in League Two when both sides may be distracted by their forthcoming FA Cup first-round replays against Maidenhead United and Bournemouth respectively. Hereford gained a creditable home point against promotion favourites Crawley a few weeks ago and can repeat the feat against Burton.


Away days: Arsenal have won nine of their past 11 matches and must be fancied to defeat promoted Norwich. Bottom club Wigan are at home to second bottom Blackburn. Both teams are finding points elusive but Blackburn are playing better and should come out on top. Portsmouth are without an away win in the Championship but can rectify that at Watford, who are one place above the relegation zone. In League One, Bournemouth are expected to take advantage of Wycombe's plight. Swindon are on a hot streak in League Two and will be confident of maximum points at AFC Wimbledon.


Homes sweet homes: Everton are better than their 17th position in the Premier League indicates and they will probably see off Wolves, who are fragile away. The departure of manager Nigel Pearson to Leicester has not done Championship team Hull any favours and Derby are capable of cashing in. I have a hunch that Scunthorpe will prevail over Hartlepool in League One and an even firmer belief that Sheffield United (5th) will extend their points advantage over Carlisle (10th). 

Pools tips for this weekend November 12-13

Treble chance: AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe, Bradford City v Rochdale, Exeter v Walsall, Luton v Northampton, Oldham v Burton, Preston v Southend, Colwyn Bay v Gainsborough, Morton v Dundee, Ross v Falkirk, Dumbarton v East Fife.


Best draws: AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe, Luton v Northampton, Oldham v Burton, Ross v Falkirk, Dumbarton v East Fife.


Aways: Rotherham, Crawley, Colchester, Yeovil, Aldershot.


Homes: Brentford, Chesterfield, Dagenham & Redbridge, MK Dons, Notts County, Southport, Swindon, Solihull Moors, Raith.


Pick of the draws: League One Scunthorpe have only one away win this season and they will be hard-pushed to add to it when they visit the well-supported League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup first round. There were signs, in their narrow defeat at Gillingham last weekend, that Northampton are starting to find some form and they should be capable of taking Blue Square Premier promotion contenders Luton to a replay. Burton are doing well in League Two and won't be intimidated by a trip to League One Oldham, who have been erratic. Ross lead the Scottish first division but don't be surprised if they are held at home by Falkirk, who are just behind them. In the Scottish second division I'm taking East Fife to gain their first away draw at Dumbarton, who struggle at home.


Away draws: League Two Rotherham have picked up lately and I expect them to maintain their improvement at Barrow, who sit mid-table in the Blue Square Premier. Crawley, who lie second in League Two, have won three of their last four away and are worth a punt at League One Bury. I cannot see League One Colchester failing at League Two Crewe, whose recent results have been wretched. Although Yeovil are bottom of League One, they can win away for the first time this season against League Two strugglers Hereford. Aldershot's best results have come on the road and they will surely move into the FA Cup second round at the expense of Blue Square South Maidenhead.


Homes sweet homes: Southport have climbed into the play-off places in the Blue Square Premier on the back of some notable results and look a fair bet against Barnet, who are fighting relegation from League Two. Huddersfield's 42-match unbeaten run could be ended by Swindon, who are thriving in League Two under the managership of former West Ham favourite Paolo Di Canio. Bishop's Stortford are poor travellers in the Blue Square North and Solihull Moors look likely to add to their misery. In Scotland, Raith are fancied to send Ayr to the bottom of the first division.

Pools tips for this weekend November 5-6

Treble chance: Blackburn v Chelsea, Cardiff v Crystal Palace, Hull v West Ham, Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth v Scunthorpe, Accrington v Bristol Rovers, Bradford v Cheltenham, Port Vale v Swindon, Rotherham v Aldershot, Motherwell v Celtic.

Best draws: Cardiff v Crystal Palace, Hull v West Ham, Bournemouth v Scunthorpe, Bradford v Cheltenham, Motherwell v Celtic.

Aways: Norwich, Southampton, Sheffield United, Shrewsbury, Morecambe.

Homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, Oldham, Burton, Crewe.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace, surprise promotion contenders in the Championship, have conceded less than a goal a game, a defensive record which should serve them well when they visit Cardiff. Second-placed West Ham are also sound defensively but their hosts, Hull, don't give much away either. Bournemouth are really struggling at home in League One but they had a morale-boosting win at Preston last Saturday and can hold Scunthorpe, who are also improving. Cheltenham are doing surprisingly well in League Two and I expect them to share the spoils at Bradford. Celtic are 12 points behind their bitter Rangers in the Scottish Premier League and will be stretched to get more than a point from Motherwell, who are also above them.

Away days: Promoted Norwich are more than holding their own in the Premier League, so don't rule out a victory at Aston Villa, who look a mid-table side at best. Another promoted team, Southampton, runaway leaders in the Championship, will be confident of gaining three points at Coventry, who languish in the relegation zone. In League One, Sheffield United should have too much firepower for Stevenage. In League Two, Shrewsbury ought to be backed against lowly Dagenham & Redbridge, who have lost their last three at home. Expect third-placed Morecambe to increase Plymouth's misery.

Homes sweet homes: League One Chesterfield have struggled in a higher division but they should still have enough to beat bottom club Yeovil. Leyton Orient are on a roll after a terrible start to the season and I fancy them to defeat inconsistent Hartlepool. In League Two, Burton, who face Macclesfield, will probably bounce back from their midweek loss to Aldershot. Crewe need to improve their home form and I believe they will do that against Torquay.

Pools tips for this weekend October 29-30

Treble chance: Everton v Manchester United, Swansea v Bolton, West Brom v Liverpool, Birmingham v Brighton, Burnley v Blackpool, Nottingham Forest v Hull, Hartlepool v Charlton, Walsall v MK Dons, Morecambe v Gillingham, Northampton v Rotherham.

Best draws: Swansea v Bolton, West Brom v Liverpool, Birmingham v Brighton, Burnley v Blackpool, Nottingham Forest v Hull.

Aways: Coventry, Peterborough, Leyton Orient, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield.

Homes: Manchester City, Sunderland, Wigan, Barnsley, Millwall, West Ham, Bury, Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers.

Pick of the draws: Lowly Bolton's only league wins this season have come away from home, which is why I think they will get at least a point at Swansea, who failed to hold a two-goal lead at Wolves last Saturday. West Bromwich Albion have climbed to mid-table after two consecutive victories in local derbies and their manager Roy Hodgson will be keen to thwart Liverpool, the club who sacked him last season. In the Championship, in-form Birmingham host out-of-form Brighton but the Seagulls played well in defeat to West Ham on Monday and can trouble Birmingham as well. Burnley are struggling at home and unlikely to get much joy from the visit of Blackpool. Nottingham Forest's new manager Steve Cotterill has begun with two wins but will be hard-pressed to gain a third against Hull, who are doing well on the road.

Away days: The fillip of having a new manager - in this case Dean Saunders - seems to have worn off for relegation-threatened Doncaster and Coventry are tipped to add to their Championship woes. Watford are also in the relegation zone and free-scoring Peterborough are unlikely to be sympathetic visitors. Leyton Orient have recovered well from a terrible start in League One and can beat Rochdale, who sit just above them. Sheffield Wednesday, at lowly Wycombe, will be determined to recover from their midweek setback at Carlisle and you cannot back against unbeaten Huddersfield right now. Expect them to prevail at bottom club Yeovil.

Homes sweet homes: Sunderland seemed a side on the upgrade against Bolton last weekend and host Aston Villa, who appear to be going in the opposite direction. Wigan may be at the foot of the Premier League but can move clear of the relegation zone by beating a brittle-looking Fulham. Millwall's 3-0 triumph at Leicester was one of the upsets of last weekend and, with Ipswich visiting, I'm taking them to confound the Championship form book again. In League One, Bury are playing more confidently these days and I believe they will defeat Stevenage in their mid-table clash.

Pools tips for this weekend October 22-23

 Treble chance: Aston Villa v West Brom, Ipswich v Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient v Sheffield United, Notts County v Brentford, Oldham v Wycombe, Hereford v Barnet, Rotherham v Shrewsbury, Dundee United v St Johnstone, Ayr v Dundee, Partick v Falkirk.

Best draws: Aston Villa v West Brom, Leyton Orient v Sheffield United, Oldham v Wycombe, Dundee Utd v St Johnstone, Ayr v Dundee.

Aways: Tottenham, Birmingham, Rochdale, Bristol Rovers, Swindon.

Homes: Bolton, Newcastle, Blackpool, Hull, Reading, Chesterfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Tranmere, Crewe.

Pick of the draws: West Brom deservedly won the Black Country derby last Sunday and they catch Aston Villa on a downer after Villa's 4-1 defeat by Manchester City. After three successive victories lowly Leyton Orient look as though they have turned the corner in League One and I'm taking them to hold promotion contenders Sheffield United. Oldham can beat the best and lose to the worst. However, I don't think they will do either against Wycombe, whose 3-1 triumph at Hartlepool was one of the upsets of last weekend. St Johnstone have eight points more than Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League. I think the gap will be the same after their meeting at Tannadice on Saturday. It's a shock to find Dundee bottom of the Scottish First Division but their away form is holding up and they should gain a point at Ayr.

Away days: Tottenham must be fancied to take maximum points at the Premier League's bottom club Blackburn, who face a long, hard winter. In the Championship, Birmingham are starting to gel under manager Chris Hughton and will be looking forward to their trip to struggling Bristol City. In League One, I suspect Rochdale will take advantage of Exeter's lack of goal thrust. I believe Bristol Rovers, 5-2 home winners against Rotherham last Friday, will overcome Burton, who are better placed in League Two, and that Swindon will confirm their superiority over bottom-of-the-table Plymouth.

Homes sweet homes: Bolton, who climbed off the bottom of the Premier League by winning at Wigan, are overdue a home success (four games, four defeats) and they can get it against Sunderland, who lie just above them. Reading are in mid-table in the Championship but they are capable of much better and worth backing against surprise leaders Southampton. Promoted Chesterfield have yet to find their feet in League One but they have an opportunity to do that against Hartlepool, who have faded after a terrific start. Crewe have already beaten Macclesfield in the Johnstone Paints Trophy this season, so don't be surprised if the result is repeated in their League Two clash at Gresty Road.

Pools tips for this weekend October 15-16

Treble chance: Norwich v Swansea, Stoke v Fulham, Coventry v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Blackpool, Yeovil v Carlisle, Accrington v Swindon, Crawley v Shrewsbury, Macclesfield v Oxford, Raith v Partick, Albion v East Fife.


Best draws: Norwich v Swansea, Stoke v Fulham, West Ham v Blackpool, Accrington v Swindon, Macclesfield v Oxford.


Aways: Crystal Palace, Notts County, Charlton, Preston, Hearts.


Homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Brighton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Hartlepool, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon.


Pick of the draws: Mid-table Swansea have lost all three of their away games in the Premier League so far, but they can stop the rot at another promoted club, Norwich, who sit one place above them with the same number of points. Fulham were terrific in their 6-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers two weeks ago and will be confident of at least a point at Stoke. In the Championship, West Ham are not clicking at home and I fancy Ian Holloway's Blackpool to come away with a share of the spoils. In League Two, Swindon's away form has held them back but they should do better at Accrington, who have been inconsistent. The other recommended draw features two in-form sides, Macclesfield and Oxford. Both had praiseworthy victories last weekend.


Away days: Crystal Palace, impressive 3-1 winners at Brighton two weeks ago, are a good bet to inflict more misery on Watford in the Championship. Martin Allen's Notts County can strengthen their League One promotion challenge by winning at promoted Chesterfield, while leaders Charlton will be hot favourites to prevail at Stevenage, who are sliding down the table. In-form Preston are expected to get the better of Walsall. Hearts should record their first away success in the Scottish Premier League at the expense of lowly Dunfermline, who have yet to win at home. 


Homes sweet homes: Manchester United, although still unbeaten, have not been as convincing lately and their fierce rivals, Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard poised to return, will relish springing a surprise at Anfield. Brighton are experiencing a blip after their heady start in the Championship, but I'm taking them to return to winning ways against Hull. Don't be surprised if Portsmouth arrest their slide when Barnsley come visiting, while in League One, Leyton Orient, despite being in the relegation zone, are aiming for their third consecutive win. They should get it against promoted Bury, who sit in mid-table. 

Pools tips for this weekend October 8-9

Treble chance: Carlisle v Brentford, Wycombe v Walsall, Bradford v Torquay, Gillingham v Port Vale, Morecambe v AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham v Burton, Alfreton v Kettering, Staines v Dorchester, Truro v Basingstoke, Altrincham v Boston.


Best draws: Bradford v Torquay, Gillingham v Port Vale, Morecambe v AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham v Burton, Alfreton v Kettering.


Aways: Scotland, Southend, Darlington, Southport, Chelmsford.


Homes: Charlton, Huddersfield, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Aldershot, Plymouth, Shrewsbury, Swindon, York.


Pick of the draws: Bradford City have won only once in League Two and are struggling to stay out of the relegation zone. They cannot be confident of defeating middle-of-the-table Torquay. Inconsistent Gillingham (ninth) against inconsistent Port Vale (seventh) is one of the likeliest three-pointers on the coupon. AFC Wimbledon are thriving after their promotion to the Football League last season and good enough to take a point at Morecambe, who are one place and one point above them. Rotherham have faded  lately, whereas their visitors, Burton, have prospered and are equipped to hold the hosts. Alfreton and Kettering occupy two of the four relegation slots in the Blue Square Premier and the smart money should go on a stalemate.


Away days: Scotland need three points to have any chance of qualifying for next year's European Championship finals. They will probably get them against minnows Liechtenstein. Southend went to the top of League Two after their impressive win over Shrewsbury last weekend, which should stand them in good stead for Saturday's visit to lowly Crewe. In the Blue Square Premier I'm taking Darlington to increase Bath City's misery at the foot of the table and for Southport to gain their fourth consecutive victory on the road at the expense of ailing Newport County. Chelmsford's away record in the Blue Square Bet South is keeping them in promotion contention and I expect them to come away with maximum points from Maidenhead.


Homes sweet homes: Preston's surprising setback at Leyton Orient last weekend may make them even more determined to see off fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United in League One. In League Two Aldershot host Macclesfield, who are not half as formidable on their travels. The former should be backed. I have a hunch that bottom club Plymouth will enhance their chances of survival when Accrington come visiting. York should continue their improvement in the Blue Square Premier by beating Braintree, who are three places and two points above them. 

Pools tips for this weekend October 1-2

 Treble chance: Fulham v Queens Park Rangers, Wolves v Newcastle, Ipswich v Brighton, Leicester v Derby, Nottingham Forest v Birmingham, Reading v Middlesbrough, Leyton Orient v Preston, Sheffield United v Charlton, Walsall v Carlisle, Kilmarnock v St Johnstone.


Best draws: Fulham v QPR, Ipswich v Brighton, Leyton Orient v Preston, Sheff Utd v Charlton, Walsall v Carlisle.


Aways: Manchester City, Burnley, Gillingham, Aldershot, Northampton.


Homes: Aston Villa, Barnsley, Blackpool, Hull, Peterborough, Southampton, Hartlepool, Bristol Rovers, Burton.


Pick of the draws: Fulham, just above the relegation zone, have drawn all three of their home games in the Premier League and I expect them to make it four against QPR, who are adapting well to life in a higher division and have already won twice away. Brighton have faltered recently in the Championship but I'm still backing them to get a point from their visit to Ipswich, who are climbing the table. Leyton Orient, bottom of League One, have lost all five home matches but they came back from 2-0 down to draw at Huddersfield last weekend and can surprise high-riding Preston. Leaders Charlton boast maximum points on their travels but I fancy their run will end against third-placed Sheffield United. Have a punt on Carlisle, impressive on the road, sharing the spoils at Walsall, who are brittle at home.


Away days: Manchester City experienced a setback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League but they will surely have too much in their locker for lowly Blackburn. After beating Nottingham Forest 5-1 in the Championship, Burnley will be confident of prevailing at Millwall, who have dropped into the relegation places. In League Two I'm taking Gillingham to improve their promotion prospects by winning at AFC Wimbledon. Mid-table Aldershot are doing better away than at home and will feel confident against erratic Accrington. Northampton will also fancy their chances at ailing Barnet. 


Homes sweet homes: Barnsley can register their first home victory in the Championship by defeating struggling Coventry. Hull are in good nick at the moment and worth supporting against injury-troubled Cardiff. Unbeaten Hartlepool are surprising promotion contenders in League One and in the mood and form to prevail against Sheffield Wednesday, who have the same number of points. Bristol Rovers had a morale-boosting win at League Two leaders Morecambe last weekend and will be eager to continue the good work at home to Cheltenham.

Pools tips for this weekend September 24-25

Treble chance: West Bromwich v Fulham, Bristol City v Hull, Burnley v Southampton, Portsmouth v Blackpool, Colchester v Walsall, Aldershot v Crawley, Crewe v Port Vale, Northampton v Dagenham & Redbridge, Ayr v Queen of South, Morton v Falkirk.


Best draws: West Bromwich v Fulham, Burnley v Southampton, Aldershot v Crawley, Crewe v Port Vale, Morton v Falkirk.


Aways: Manchester United, Tottenham, Reading, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons.


Homes: Chelsea, Liverpool, Birmingham, Derby, Bournemouth, Oldham, Cheltenham, Gillingham, Oxford.


Pick of the draws: Fulham's recovery from 2-0 behind against Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend will encourage them to believe they can get something from their visit to bottom-of-the-table West Brom. Southampton's flying start in the Championship could be checked at Turf Moor by Burnley, who are better than their low position indicates. In League Two, Aldershot are on the upgrade after an indifferent start to the season and capable of holding promotion contenders Crawley. Crewe have not drawn so far but that statistic will probably change when they host Port Vale in what seems like an even contest. Morton top the Scottish first division but in-form Falkirk, who lie third, can prevent them from gaining a third home victory.


Away days: It is impossible to bet against all-conquering Manchester United at the moment and they should add Stoke to their list of victims. Tottenham were excellent when beating Liverpool 4-0 last Sunday and will surely have too much for Wigan, who look destined for another relegation struggle. In the Championship, Reading's blip appears to be over and they are worth backing at Coventry. Struggling Nottingham Forest showed signs of improvement in their 4-3 extra-time defeat by Newcastle in the Carling Cup and may fancy their chances at Watford. I'm taking MK Dons, fourth in League One, to gain maximum points at ailing Bury.


Homes sweet homes: Birmingham have won their last three home games. Don't be surprised if they make it four against Barnsley. Two consecutive away victories have helped Bournemouth climb away from the League One relegation zone and I believe they will end the unbeaten run of Hartlepool, who have moved into the play-off places. Paul Dickov's Oldham have found some form recently and I expect them to defeat Brentford. Gillingham arrested their slide in League Two with a thumping 6-0 win at Hereford last Saturday and visitors Burton will feel apprehensive. Although Oxford's home record has let them down so far, they should still be too strong for Accrington. 

Pools tips for this weekend September 17-18

Treble chance: Bolton v Norwich, Sunderland v Stoke, Blackpool v Cardiff, Leicester v Brighton, Nottingham Forest v Derby, Exeter v Bournemouth, MK Dons v Huddersfield, Yeovil v Sheffield Wednesday, Accrington v Crewe, Torquay v Rotherham.


Best draws: Bolton v Norwich, Sunderland v Stoke, Blackpool v Cardiff, Leicester v Brighton, Yeovil v Sheffield Wednesday.


Aways: Manchester City, Watford, West Ham, Oxford, Gillingham.


Homes: Swansea, Hull, Leeds, Peterborough, Reading, Chesterfield, Sheffield United, Tranmere, Burton.


Pick of the draws: Bolton have gone off the boil spectacularly since the opening day of the season and promoted Norwich can escape with a point. Stoke are unbeaten in league combat so far and will have no fears about going to Sunderland, who have yet to register a win. Blackpool are one of the fancied sides in the Championship but may struggle to overcome Cardiff, who are proving resilient on their travels. Joint leaders Brighton have three wins out of three on the road but probably face their toughest test yet at Leicester. In League One I expect Sheffield Wednesday to recover from their surprising 5-1 thumping at Stevenage by sharing the spoils at Yeovil.


Away days: Free-scoring Manchester City look irresistible at the moment and will surely put Fulham to the sword. Watford will be buoyed by their 2-0 Championship victory at Reading last Saturday and look good enough for maximum points at Barnsley. I'm confident West Ham will make it four away wins out of four against faltering Millwall. In League Two, Oxford will be fancying their chances at Barnet and I take Gillingham to return to winning ways against ailing Hereford. 


Homes sweet homes: Premier League newcomers Swansea were unlucky to lose at Arsenal last weekend and their opponents, West Brom, could suffer a backlash. Improving Hull seem good value against Portsmouth in the Championship while Reading, who have disappointed so far, should still have enough to see off bottom club Doncaster. Promoted Chesterfield have finally found their feet in League One and are worth a punt against Carlisle. Don't be surprised if underrated Burton halt Swindon's progress in League Two.   

Pools tips for this weekend September 10-11

Treble chance: Everton v Aston Villa, Wolves v Tottenham, Coventry v Derby, Peterborough v Hull, Bury v Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday v MK Dons, Morecambe v Crawley, Swindon v Southend, Inverness v Hearts, Livingston v Falkirk.


Best draws: Wolves v Tottenham, Coventry v Derby, Peterborough v Hull, Sheffield Wednesday v MK Dons, Morecambe v Crawley.


Aways: Liverpool, Leicester, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Brentford.


Homes: Arsenal, Manchester City, Blackpool, Burnley, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Charlton, Bradford, Cheltenham.


Pick of the draws: Bottom-of-the-table Tottenham will be anxious to put some points on the board after their poor start to the season. They drew at Wolves last season and can do so again, despite the improvement shown by the hosts in the Premier League. Derby have maximum points from two away matches in the Championship but I'm taking struggling Coventry to hold them, especially after their well-earned point at Middlesbrough two weeks ago. Hull are showing signs of recovery after their stuttering start and can get something at Peterborough. Sheffield Wednesday, who did well to draw 1-1 at Charlton on Monday, have enough in their locker to check the progress of MK Dons, who are joint top of League One, while two in-form sides, Morecambe and Crawley, play each other in League Two.


Away days: Liverpool are a force to be reckoned with these days and equipped to prevail at Stoke, even with the hosts' transfer-deadline day signings. Leicester seem to be getting back on track in the Championship and will be confident of winning at Barnsley. Crystal Palace have made rapid strides under manager Dougie Freedman, particularly in defence, and can surprise Leeds, who are brittle and erratic. League One joint leaders Sheffield United must be fancied at Scunthorpe and Brentford, who are thriving under Uwe Rosler, will rate their chances at Wycombe.


Homes sweet homes: Blackpool will be expected to punish an Ipswich team who have already conceded 14 goals in the Championship this season. Burnley fully merited their away victory at Derby and I believe they will build on that against Middlesbrough at Turf Moor. In League One, lowly Bournemouth are worth backing against Chesterfield, who are doing even worse. Bradford City, encouraged by their last-minute equaliser at pace-setting Morecambe last Saturday, should be in the mood against Bristol Rovers in League Two while Cheltenham look too strong for Macclesfield, whose bubble burst against Torquay at the weekend.

Pools tips for this weekend September 3-4

Treble chance: Carlisle v MK Dons, Chesterfield v Leyton Orient, Aldershot v Cheltenham, Barnet v Accrington, Crewe v Oxford, Gillingham v Shrewsbury, Ebbsfleet v Barrow, Newport v Cambridge, Nuneaton v Gainsborough, Solihull v Hinckley.


Best draws: Carlisle v MK Dons, Aldershot v Cheltenham, Crewe v Oxford, Gillingham v Shrewsbury, Newport v Cambridge.


Aways: Huddersfield, Port Vale, Rotherham, Tamworth, Boston.


Homes: Notts County, Scunthorpe, Sheffield United, Walsall, Burton, Crawley, Southend, Forest Green, Gateshead.


Pick of the draws: MK Dons are the surprising leaders of League One but they will have their work cut out at Carlisle, who have also made a fine start to the season. Cheltenham are one of the surprise packages in League Two and playing well enough to gain a point at Aldershot. Crewe are finding goals hard to come by and it is difficult to see that changing against promotion hopefuls Oxford. Shrewsbury seem on the upgrade after a hesitant start and I'm backing them to hold Gillingham, who were well beaten at Rotherham last Saturday. Neither Newport nor Cambridge is setting the Blue Square Premier alight and I predict another stalemate.


Away days: Huddersfield are expected to break their away duck against out-of-sorts Oldham in League One while, in League Two, Port Vale should be strong enough to beat AFC Wimbledon. Rotherham will be confident of staying top of the division against Swindon, who are languishing at the wrong end of the table. Tamworth have made an encouraging start in the Blue Square Premier and are worth supporting at Hayes & Yeading. Boston, who have already won two away matches in the Blue Square North, are fancied to make it three against struggling Bishop's Stortford.


Homes sweet homes: Scunthorpe are playing better than their results suggest in League One and could surprise Colchester. Walsall had an excellent 2-0 victory at Bournemouth last Saturday and are tipped for another three points against Brentford. Southend are in fine fettle in League Two and will probably see off underperforming Northampton. Forest Green are punching above their weight in the Blue Square Premier and look good for maximum points against lowly Grimsby.

Pools tips for this weekend August 27-28

Treble chance: Blackburn v Everton, Tottenham v Manchester City, Brighton v Peterborough, Ipswich v Leeds, Watford v Birmingham, Preston v Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday v Scunthorpe, Northampton v Morecambe, Inverness v Kilmarnock, St Johnstone v Dundee United.


Best draws: Tottenham v Manchester City, Ipswich v Leeds, Watford v Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday v Scunthorpe, Northampton v Morecambe.


Aways: Queens Park Rangers, Reading, West Ham, Oldham, Crawley.


Homes: Aston Villa, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, Derby, Middlesbrough, Exeter, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, Bristol Rovers.




Pick of the draws: Manchester City drew at Tottenham on the opening day of last season and Sunday's match looks nailed on for a repeat result. City have hit the ground running with maximum points from their first two Premier League fixtures, but Tottenham are hard to beat at home and will be anxious to put some points on the board. Although Ipswich have conceded 12 goals in their last two Championship matches, manager Paul Jewell will be determined to find a solution for the visit of Leeds, who have made only an average start to the season. It looks like being a long, hard winter for both Watford and Birmingham, who meet at Vicarage Road on Sunday. I cannot see them being separated. In League One, get on Scunthorpe to follow up their merited 2-2 draw at Charlton by gaining a point at Sheffield Wednesday. Morecambe are the surprise package in League Two and tipped to share the spoils at Northampton.


Away days: The mood at QPR has changed for the better. Now under new ownership, they deserved their victory at Everton last Saturday and can come away from Wigan with three points. Hull have already lost two Championship matches at home this season, so don't be surprised if they end up second best to their enterprising visitors, Reading. West Ham have looked more comfortable away than at home and I fancy them to beat Nottingham Forest, who have yet to settle under Steve McClaren. Oldham are showing signs of turning the corner in League One and winning at Colchester should not be beyond them. Crawley are the bookmakers' favourites for a second successive promotion and will probably add Cheltenham to their list of League Two scalps.


Homes sweet homes: Aston Villa are showing signs of being a more difficult proposition this season and they can halt the early-season progress of Wolves in the Premier League. Although West Bromwich are pointless after two matches, they played well against Manchester United and Chelsea and are a good bet to defeat Stoke. In League One, promoted Chesterfield are still reeling from their 6-2 thrashing by MK Dons on Saturday and Exeter can take advantage. Leyton Orient find themselves bottom of this division but won't be panicking just yet. Have a punt on the Londoners collecting their first points of the season against Carlisle. 

Pools tips for this weekend August 20-21

 Treble chance: Arsenal v Liverpool, Norwich v Stoke, Swansea v Wigan, Wolves v Fulham, Brighton v Blackpool, Burnley v Cardiff, Hull v Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday v Notts County, Kilmarnock v Hearts, Motherwell v Rangers.


Best draws: Arsenal v Liverpool, Wolves v Fulham, Brighton v Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday v Notts County, Motherwell v Rangers.


Aways: Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Bristol Rovers.


Homes: Aston Villa, Everton, Sunderland, Coventry, Derby, Stevenage, Wycombe, Gillingham, Morecambe.


Pick of the draws: The last two matches between Arsenal and Liverpool have ended 1-1, and I fancy a repeat at the Emirates stadium in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday. Neither team distinguished themselves when dropping points on the opening weekend of the season and it is difficult to see either finding anything extra. Fulham are shaping up well enough in defence to deny Wolves victory at Molineux on Sunday. Both promoted Brighton and relegated Blackpool have started well in the Championship and can share the spoils. Notts County are thriving under Martin Allen's managership and are a good bet for a point at Sheffield Wednesday, who have made an unconvincing start in League One. Motherwell have earned their top spot in the Scottish Premier League and can frustrate Rangers.


Away days: There are remarkably few away bankers this weekend, so take a chance on Manchester City to beat Bolton, even though the hosts got off to a flier by winning 4-0 at Queens Park Rangers. It's about time City showed more adventure on their travels and they will be encouraged by their runaway victory over Premier League newcomers Swansea last Monday. In the Championship, Bristol City are down in the dumps and Portsmouth should be able to take advantage. Sheffield United, with maximum points from their first three games in League One, are tipped to make it four in a row at Tranmere. In League Two, Dagenham & Redbridge are worth a punt at Bradford City, as are Bristol Rovers at inconsistent Macclesfield. 


Homes sweet homes: Sunderland had a good result at Anfield last Saturday and, having made some good signings during the summer, should be backed to avenge their 5-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park last season. Coventry are pointless after three matches in the Championship, but have played better than their results suggest. I'm tipping them to get off the mark against struggling Watford. Promoted Stevenage, who had a terrific 3-1 win at Bournemouth in League One on Tuesday, will be confident of continuing their rise against Hartlepool, while in League Two Morecambe look too strong for Aldershot. 

Pools tips for this weekend August 13-14

Treble chance: Stoke v Chelsea, Wigan v Norwich, Leicester v Reading, Portsmouth v Brighton, Watford v Derby, Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester v Wycombe, Notts County v Charlton, Yeovil v Oldham, Burton v Shrewsbury.


Best draws: Stoke v Chelsea, Wigan v Norwich, Portsmouth v Brighton, Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County v Charlton.


Aways: Arsenal, Bolton, Manchester United, West Ham, MK Dons.


Homes: Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Ipswich, Leeds, Millwall, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient, Barnet.




Pick of the draws: Stoke are formidable at home, have had a good pre-season and won't have an inferiority complex about playing Chelsea, who will be hoping to impress their new manager. Norwich are the likeliest of the three Premier League newcomers to stay up and I expect them to start this campaign by holding Wigan, who only escaped relegation on the final day of last season. Another promoted club, Brighton, got their Championship season off to a good start last Saturday by winning in stoppage-time and look good for a share of the spoils at Portsmouth. In League One, Sheffield Wednesday look a stronger outfit now and capable of spoiling Bournemouth's day. Notts County and Charlton impressed while recording 3-0 victories last weekend, so don't be surprised if this Saturday's fixture results in stalemate.


Away days: Newcastle are one of the few Premier League clubs to have had a more unsettling close season than Arsenal, who visit St James' Park on Saturday. That's the main reason I'm taking injury-troubled Arsenal to collect maximum points. Bolton faded badly at the end of last season but Owen Coyle's team should still have too much for promoted Queens Park Rangers. Champions Manchester United, strengthened by three new signings, are determined to be first out of the blocks this time and I cannot see Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion denying them at the Hawthorns. West Ham will surely shrug off their Championship home defeat by Cardiff last Sunday by defeating injury-ravaged Doncaster at the Keepmoat stadium. In League One, MK Dons are tipped to win at Exeter, who were shot-shy in a drab goalless draw at Stevenage last weekend.


Homes sweet homes: Relegated Birmingham played well despite being beaten at Derby last weekend and should regain their confidence against Coventry in the Championship. Leeds are much better than they showed in their opening-day defeat at Southampton last Saturday and I fancy them to put things right against Middlesbrough. Millwall, who gained a creditable 2-2 draw at Reading, are tipped to see off  Nottingham Forest. In League One, Leyton Orient can get off the mark against Tranmere and in League Two, Barnet, convincing 1-0 winners at Morecambe, can prevail against Port Vale, who are poor travellers.

Pools tips for this weekend August 6-7

Treble chance: Peterborough v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Leeds, Charlton v Bournemouth, MK Dons v Hartlepool, Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale, Tranmere v Chesterfield, Bradford v Aldershot, Northampton v Accrington, Port Vale v Crawley, Motherwell v Hearts.


Best draws: Peterborough v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale, Bradford v Aldershot, Port Vale v Crawley.


Aways: Ipswich, Leicester, Exeter, Dagenham & Redbridge, Barnet.


Homes: Brighton, Derby, Nottingham Forest, Reading, West Ham, Huddersfield, Preston, Wycombe, AFC Wimbledon.


Pick of the draws: Promoted Peterborough will find life tougher in the Championship and I expect them to be held by Crystal Palace in their opening game of the season. Southampton, another promoted club, won't be overawed by the visit of Leeds and can share the spoils. Unfashionable Rochdale punched above their weight in League One last season and I fancy them to get something at Sheffield Wednesday, who underachieved. Bradford's League Two home form last season left much to be desired and they face another stern test when Aldershot come visiting. Crawley, who are the bookmakers' favourites to gain two consecutive promotions, will be confident of gaining at least a point at Port Vale.


Away days: Ipswich manager Paul Jewell seems to have made some astute signings this summer and they can get off to a flier by beating Bristol City, who tend to blow hot and cold. Talking of signings, Sven-Goran Eriksson's Leicester have made more than most during the close season. As a result they look much stronger and are a confident tip to prevail at Coventry. In League One, Exeter will rate their chances of maximum points at Stevenage, who will do well to stay up after their surprising promotion. In League Two, have a punt on relegated Dagenham & Redbridge to beat Macclesfield and Barnet, under new manager Lawrie Sanchez, to defeat Morecambe.


Homes sweet homes: Nobody is in better spirits than Brighton, who are playing in a higher division and at a new stadium. They will surely have too much for Doncaster, who ended last season on a low. Also in the Championship, take Derby to cash in on the gloom and uncertainty surrounding Birmingham, who have lost some influential players after their relegation. It's time Reading, last season's beaten play-off finalists, began a Championship campaign well and three points beckon against Millwall. Promoted Wycombe can upset relegated Scunthorpe in League One while I suspect League Two debutants AFC Wimbledon will give Bristol Rovers a torrid afternoon.

Pools tips for this weekend May 21-22

This will be my final pools blog for this English football season. Normal service will be resumed in August.




Treble chance (home teams): Bolton, Manchester United, Newcastle, Juventus, Toulouse, Deportivo La Coruna, Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Racing Santander, Albacete.


Best draws: Bolton, Manchester United, Newcastle, Juventus, Deportivo La Coruna.


Aways: Liverpool, Wigan, Lorient, Sporting Gijon, Atletico Madrid.


Homes: Everton, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves, Genoa, Roma, Rennes, Levante, Real Madrid.




Pick of the draws: Manchester City are buoyant at the moment, having won the FA Cup and moved into third place in the Premier League. Their hosts, Bolton, however, will be keen to arrest an end-of-season slide and have lost only three home games. Manchester United are bound to rest some key players before their Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday week, but I still think they'll be strong enough to share the spoils with Blackpool, who need at least a draw to have any chance of escaping relegation. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will make sure whatever team he fields will be as committed as ever, while Blackpool know no other way than to attack. Newcastle have drawn seven matches at St James' Park this season. They will probably make it eight against West Bromwich, who are one point and one place above them. Too many draws have hindered Juventus in this season's Italian League and I won't be surprised if they get another against third-placed Napoli. Although Deportivo La Coruna have had a disappointing season in the Spanish League, they are capable of matching the better sides - like visitors Valencia.


Away days: Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool had a blip against Tottenham last Sunday, but I'm taking them to bounce back against Aston Villa and finish the season in style. Wigan's terrific comeback when beating West Ham on Sunday should give them the confidence to win at Stoke, which will probably enable them to stay in the Premier League. In the French League, Lorient are worth a punt to prevail at out-of-sorts Nice. In the Spanish League, Sporting Gijon are a good bet to take maximum points off lowly Hercules and Atletico Madrid should be backed at Mallorca.


Homes sweet homes: Everton were unlucky to lose against West Bromwich last Saturday and can put that right against Chelsea, whose Premier League campaign is ending in anti-climax. Tottenham to clinch a Europa League place with victory over Birmingham, who look bound for relegation. Now that they are relegated, West Ham may be able to relax against Sunderland, for whom the season cannot end soon enough. Two consecutive victories have put Wolves in great heart in their battle to escape the drop and I fancy them to complete the job against Blackburn, who are still in danger themselves. Levante, who held Valencia to a goalless draw away last weekend, should be too strong for struggling Real Zaragoza in the Spanish League.    

Pools tips for this weekend May 14-15

Treble chance (home teams): Birmingham, Sunderland, West Brom, Sporting Gijon, Real Zaragoza, Catania, Napoli, Nancy, St Etienne, Braga.

Best draws: Birmingham, Sunderland, West Brom, Napoli, Nancy.

Aways: Osasuna, Real Madrid, Lecce, Lyon, Marseille.

Homes: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Wigan, Athletic Bilbao, Seville, Lazio, Monaco, Ajax.


Pick of the draws: A point will probably be enough to keep Birmingham in the Premier League and they should get it at St Andrew's against Fulham, who suffered a surprisingly heavy home defeat by Liverpool on Monday. Wolves enhanced their survival hopes with a 3-1 victory over fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion last weekend and, despite their terrible away record, I expect them to carry on the good work at Sunderland, who are severely weakened by injuries. West Brom and Everton have excelled in the second half of the season. They meet at the Hawthorns on Saturday, with deadlock the likeliest result. Napoli can seal third spot in the Italian League by sharing the spoils with second-placed Inter Milan, while in the French League, Nancy (18th) look good for a point against visitors Nice (17th).

Away days: Osasuna, who beat Real Zaragoza 3-1 away in the Spanish League last weekend, are fancied to dish out similar treatment to Getafe. Real Madrid put their Champions League disappointment  behind them by thumping Seville 6-2 away and they can gain maximum points again by defeating Villarreal. Lecce, who beat the highly rated Napoli in their last match, are a good bet to prevail at rock-bottom Bari. In the French League, high-riding Lyon and Marseille should be backed to win at Brest and Lorient respectively.

Homes sweet homes: Arsenal's season has fallen embarrassingly flat, so they will be anxious to end their home programme on a positive note against Aston Villa, who have also disappointed. Liverpool, boosted by the Kenny Dalglish factor, are in terrific form and will be confident of seeing off a fast-fading Tottenham at Anfield. In the struggle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Wigan look more likely to survive than their visitors West Ham, who have a doomed air about them. In the Spanish League, I believe Seville will recover from their Real Madrid trouncing by defeating Real Sociedad, while in the Dutch League go for second-placed Ajax to topple the leaders, FC Twente.

Pools tips for this weekend May 7-8

 Treble chance (home teams): Manchester United, Newcastle, Wolves, Notts County, Lincoln, Rotherham, Stevenage, Airdrie, Brechin, Dumbarton.


Best draws: Newcastle, Wolves, Notts County, Rotherham, Stevenage.


Aways: Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Accrington, Northampton, Dundee.


Homes: Bolton, Everton, West Ham, Charlton, Colchester, Huddersfield, Barnet, Stockport, Wycombe.




Pick of the draws: Newcastle are ending the season with a whimper, so visitors Birmingham, who are not yet safe from relegation, can nick a point. Wolves are even more precariously placed and have stumbled at just the wrong time. I cannot see them getting more than a draw against a revitalised West Bromwich Albion. A draw should be enough to save Notts County from relegation to League Two and don't be surprised if they get it against Brighton, who have taken their foot off the pedal since being confirmed as League One champions. Too many draws have cost Rotherham promotion from League Two and they are on course to share the spoils again when sixth-placed Torquay come visiting. A draw should be sufficient for Stevenage to reach the play-offs in their first season in the Football League and they can celebrate their achievement against Bury, who have already gained promotion.


Away days: Arsenal are favourites to complete the double over Stoke, who will probably be distracted by their participation in the FA Cup final on Saturday week. If Leyton Orient can beat Southampton, as they did on Easter Saturday, they ought to do the same against Plymouth, whose relegation from League One was confirmed this week. Accrington are the form team in League Two and my tip for further success at Burton. Expect Northampton to celebrate their escape from relegation with victory at a dispirited Morecambe, who conceded seven at Port Vale last weekend.  In the Scottish First Division, Dundee are a good bet at Queen of the South, who have lost more matches than they have won at home.


Homes sweet homes: Everton, as usual, are finishing the season strongly and are fancied to defeat inconsistent Manchester City. It's now or never for the Premier League's bottom club, West Ham, and I am taking them to gain maximum points against lowly Blackburn, who are notoriously weak on their travels. Barnet need three points to have any chance of staying in the Football League. I have a hunch they will get them against Port Vale, whose hopes of promotion vanished last week. Relegated Stockport will want to finish the season on a positive note and they have a good chance of doing that against out-of-sorts Cheltenham.

Pools tips for this weekend April 30-May 1

Treble chance (home teams): Blackburn, Derby, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol Rovers, Exeter, Walsall, Bury, Hereford, Northampton.


 Best draws: Derby, Leeds, Brighton, Bury, Hereford.


Aways: Manchester United, Reading, Leicester, Queens Park Rangers, Bournemouth.


Homes: Blackpool, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Leyton Orient, Yeovil.




Pick of the draws: Derby and their visitors, Bristol City, lost both their Championship matches over Easter, but at least they are safe from relegation and can play without tension. As the league table suggests, there is little between them. Leeds' promotion challenge has stalled just at the wrong time. They have already drawn eight games at Elland Road this season and I won't be surprised if they make it nine against Burnley. Since they have been confirmed as League One champions, Brighton have not shown the same intensity, so I'm taking promotion-seeking Huddersfield to gain a point at the Withdean stadium. Because Bury have clinched promotion from League Two they may take their foot off the pedal against third-placed Wycombe, who still have everything to play for. I predict that Hereford, the division's home draw specialists with 10 to their name, will take a step closer to safety by sharing the spoils with Bradford City.


Away days: Manchester United's confidence is sky-high, whereas Arsenal's must be at rock-bottom. Unlike Arsenal, United grow stronger towards the end of the season and they should be backed to collect maximum points when they visit the Emirates on Sunday. I believe Reading's defeat by Sheffield United on Easter Monday was merely a blip and they can confirm their place in the Championship play-offs with victory at Coventry. Leicester will be disappointed to miss out on a play-off place and I expect them to take it out on lowly Doncaster. Queens Park Rangers should clinch promotion at Watford while in League One, revitalised Bournemouth are tipped to prevail at Hartlepool.


Homes sweet homes: Blackpool, battling against relegation, were unlucky not to beat Newcastle last Saturday and I believe they will be rewarded against Stoke, who are not half as formidable away from the Britannia stadium.  I expect Millwall's late surge for the Championship play-offs to continue against Swansea, who are indifferent travellers. Sheffield United's revival may have come too late to stop them going down, but I fancy them to defeat Barnsley. Leyton Orient are flying in League One and must be backed against Tranmere, while Yeovil have done well to avoid relegation and can celebrate the fact by beating mid-table Colchester.