Pools tips for this weekend April 23-24

Treble chance (home teams): Aston Villa, Blackpool, Wolves, Derby, Portsmouth,  Cheltenham, Barrow, Airdrie, Brechin, East Stirling.


Best draws: Aston Villa, Blackpool, Derby, Portsmouth, Airdrie.


Aways: Arsenal, Bristol City, Southampton, Bournemouth, Shrewsbury.


Homes: Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Hull, Watford, Bristol Rovers, Walsall, Aldershot, Gillingham.




Pick of the draws: After last Sunday's sensational 5-0 victory over Bolton in the FA Cup semi-final by Stoke, a visit to Aston Villa will hold no fears. Although Villa have improved markedly in recent weeks I believe Stoke will end their barren run away from home. Alarm bells are ringing at Blackpool, who have slipped into the relegation zone for the first time this season. They will be stretched to gain more than a point against Newcastle. Derby came away with a creditable goalless draw at Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers on Monday and look good for another against visitors Burnley, who are making a late charge for a play-off place. Swansea's promotion challenge is being hindered by indifferent away form and Portsmouth can make life even more difficult for them at Fratton Park. Livingston are assured of promotion from the Scottish second division, so they may take their foot off the pedal at Airdrie.


Away days: Although Arsenal keep shooting themselves in the foot, they should have too much for Bolton, who are reeling from their heavy FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley. I expect Bristol City to increase Sheffield United's misery at the foot of the Championship. Brighton have already won promotion from League One and are unbeaten at home. However, if any team can defeat them at the Withdean stadium it is Southampton, who seem the best of the other promotion candidates. Bournemouth arrested their slump by winning at Notts County last weekend and are tipped to hand out similar treatment to Yeovil.  In League Two, in-form Shrewsbury should be backed to collect three points at Hereford and enhance their claims for promotion.

Homes sweet homes: Hull, chasing a Championship play-off place, must be fancied to beat Middlesbrough. Despite Watford being one of the most unpredictable teams in the League, I am sure they will get the better of Barnsley, who have nothing to play for except pride. Take a chance on relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers against Charlton, who are ending their League One season on a real downer. Lowly Walsall are 10 points worse off than their visitors Sheffield Wednesday but their recent results have been more impressive, so they are a fair bet for maximum points.