Pools tips for this weekend April 7-8

Try to steer clear of the void matches this Easter weekend. The following matches are void: Swansea v Newcastle, Barnsley v West Ham, Reading v Leeds, Aldershot v Port Vale and Bristol Rovers v Gillingham.


Ten draws: Bolton v Fulham, Sunderland v Tottenham, West Brom v Blackburn, Derby v Ipswich, Millwall v Hull, Raith v Hamilton, Cowdenbeath v Arbroath, Forfar v East Fife, Stenhousemuir v Airdrie, Annan v Berwick.


Best draws: Sunderland v Tottenham, West Brom v Blackburn, Derby v Ipswich, Cowdenbeath v Arbroath, Annan v Berwick.


Five aways: Everton, Charlton, MK Dons, Hearts, Partick.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Brentford, York, Dundee.


Pick of the draws: Tottenham's Premier League blip seems to be over but they may struggle to gain more than a point at Sunderland, who have been transformed since Martin O'Neill took over. Relegation-threatened Blackburn gave a good account of themselves despite losing against Manchester United on Monday and will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat at West Brom, who have little to play for. Derby v Ipswich looks one of the best draws on the coupon - two middle-of-the-table Championship teams who should have done better. I'm taking Arbroath, second in the Scottish second division, to put a dent in the fine home record of leaders Cowdenbeath while in the Scottish third division, away specialists Berwick can hold the side who are one place and four points above them - Annan.


Away days: On-form Everton can make it three away wins in a row when they visit Norwich, who have slightly tailed off. League One leaders Charlton are confidently predicted to take maximum points at Oldham and MK Dons are expected to take advantage of the turmoil and strife at Preston. Bottom club Dunfermline cannot buy a win at home in the Scottish Premier League and I cannot see Hearts giving them any encouragement. In the Scottish first division, Partick seem a decent bet to increase Ayr's relegation worries.


Homes sweet homes: Manchester City's title challenge continues to falter and Arsenal, eager to make up for last weekend's lapse against Queens Park Rangers, will be in no mood to let them off the hook. Coventry are out of the Championship relegation zone for the first time in months and I believe they will move nearer safety by beating inconsistent Peterborough. Although Blue Square Premier leaders Fleetwood have registered an incredible 17 away victories this season they may be worth opposing at York, who have climbed into the play-off places and defeated fellow contenders Luton last Friday. Dundee, second in the Scottish first division, have come on strong recently and should be backed against Falkirk, who lie just behind them.