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.