Pools tips for this weekend February 26-27

Treble chance (home teams): Newcastle, Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Oldham, Walsall, Macclesfield, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Queen of South.


Best draws: Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Macclesfield, Aberdeen, Hibernian.


Aways: Norwich, Watford, Colchester, Lincoln, Rotherham.


Homes: Aston Villa, Everton, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Carlisle, Exeter, Southampton, Tranmere, Oxford.




Pick of the draws: Newcastle have enjoyed a couple of good results recently, including that astonishing comeback to 4-4 from 4-0 down against Arsenal, but so have their visitors to St James' Park, Bolton, who have beaten Everton in the league and Fulham in the FA Cup. It is difficult to separate them. Middlesbrough will have gained encouragement from a fine away win against Millwall and can share the spoils with Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers, who have a tendency to draw away (eight already this season). Macclesfield have moved nearer League Two safety with two consecutive victories and are tipped to dent Wycombe's promotion prospects. Aberdeen are on the upgrade under Craig Brown's managership and I expect them to gain a point at the expense of third-placed Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. Hibernian, who host mid-table Inverness Caledonian Thistle, are also improving after struggling in the first half of the season.


Away days: Norwich are a confident selection to boost their promotion hopes at Barnsley. Although Watford are remarkably inconsistent they will fancy their chances at injury-ravaged Doncaster, who are plummeting down the Championship table. In League One, Colchester are a good bet to prevail at  Plymouth, whose 10-point deduction for going into administration has sent them to the bottom. Barnet are in terrible trouble at the foot of League Two and must be dreading playing Lincoln, who have won four and drawn one of their past five away matches. Rotherham have their sights on promotion and are worth backing at Burton, who are only two points and two places better off than Barnet.


Homes sweet homes: Everton were given a terrific lift from knocking holders Chelsea out of the FA Cup and should carry on the feel-good factor by defeating Sunderland. Crystal Palace have become a more solid unit lately, especially at Selhurst Park, and I expect them to continue their climb to Championship safety against Reading. In League One, Carlisle have steadied themselves after a mini-slump and will feel confident against Sheffield Wednesday, where morale has suffered from a series of poor results. Exeter have surprised a few people this season - for example three points from their visit to Charlton last Saturday - and can account for Hartlepool.