Pools tips for this weekend April 2-3

Treble chance (home teams): Stoke, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Charlton, Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Bury, Hibernian, Raith.


Best draws: Stoke, West Ham, Charlton, Southampton, Raith.


Aways: Bolton, Liverpool, Tottenham, Colchester, Barnet.


Homes: Arsenal, Fulham, Manchester City, Bristol City, Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Norwich, Swindon, Crewe.




Pick of the draws: Stoke, on a high after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, host Chelsea, who have rediscovered their form of last year. Manchester United visit West Ham, who thrashed them 4-0 in the Carling Cup quarter-finals and are making a spirited attempt to avoid relegation. I have a hunch that the Hammers will again prove a stumbling block to the Premier League leaders. Two teams who have hit the wall in League One - Charlton and Leyton Orient - play each other at The Valley and stalemate looks the likeliest outcome. Southampton are formidable at home, but MK Dons have improved out of all recognition and can get something from St Mary's. Promotion-seeking Raith are faltering in the Scottish First Division, so don't be surprised if they are held by Dundee, whose position is misleading on account of their 25-point deduction.


Away days: Bolton are a good bet to repeat their FA Cup victory over Birmingham, who have slipped into the relegation zone. Liverpool impressed when winning at Sunderland two weeks ago and must be confident of gaining another three points against West Bromwich Albion. Tottenham will be keen to avenge their early-season defeat by Wigan, who are bottom and favourites to drop into the Championship. Once proud Sheffield Wednesday are in a sorry state in League One and mid-table Colchester are equipped to take advantage. In League Two, take a chance on relegation-threatened Barnet, now under the new managership of Martin Allen, getting three points at Burton, who have games in hand on the other struggling teams, but are short of form.


Homes sweet homes: Fulham should be confident of defeating Blackpool, who are leaking too many goals as they try to stay in the Premier League. Bristol City keep climbing in the Championship and are on course to make it four consecutive home wins when Doncaster come visiting. If Crystal Palace escape relegation it will be because of their home record. Visitors Barnsley have little to play for, so Selhurst Park regulars should expect three points. Swindon are floundering in League Two, but I believe Paul Hart's side will come out on top against erratic Hartlepool.