Pools tips for weekend of November 10-11

Ten draws: Wigan v West Bromwich Albion, Barnsley v Huddersfield, Bristol City v Charlton, Ipswich v Burnley, Bury v Portsmouth, Leyton Orient v Shrewsbury, Oldham v Tranmere, Accrington v Northampton, Exeter v Fleetwood, Southend v Port Vale.

Best draws: Wigan v West Brom, Bristol City v Charlton, Bury v Portsmouth, Exeter v Fleetwood, Southend v Port Vale.

Five aways: Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Bradford City.

Nine homes: Everton, Manchester City, Reading, Blackburn, Coventry, Crewe, Notts County, Stevenage, Yeovil.


Pick of the draws: Wigan, who enjoyed a splendid Premier League victory at Tottenham last Saturday, play host to another in-form team in West Brom, who have surprised a lot of people with their early-season progress. Expect deadlock. Bristol City are in freefall in the Championship but can stop the rot against Charlton, who have disappointed so far in a higher division. In League One, struggling Bury are staging a revival and will be upbeat about collecting something from the visit of Portsmouth, who have lost their past four matches. Exeter got their League Two home form back on track by beating AFC Wimbledon but will find newcomers Fleetwood a tougher proposition. With Southend and Port Vale both on the upgrade, I am taking them to share the spoils at Roots Hall.

Away days: It is impossible to overlook the claims of new Premier League leaders Manchester United. They continue to thrive despite not being at their best and they have a remarkable record at Villa Park, where lowly Aston Villa have won only once this season. Queens Park Rangers are still searching for their first victory but may get it at Stoke, who have averaged less than a goal a game and have won only once themselves. Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace are top of the Championship after thrashing Ipswich 5-0 and look a banker at Peterborough, who are in the relegation zone. Brighton's chances of prevailing at off-form Wolves are also highly recommended. Bradford City should improve their League Two promotion prospects by beating bottom club Aldershot.

Homes sweet homes: Reading, still waiting for a Premier League win this season, are playing better than their position suggests and are worth a punt against Norwich. Coventry have climbed out of the League One relegation zone and are set to continue the good work against Scunthorpe. Crewe are coping well in a higher division and will fancy their chances against Colchester, who may suffer a hangover after being knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Chelmsford last weekend. Notts County have yet to click at home, despite being in the promotion shake-up. A home match against fellow high-flyers Crawley gives them the perfect opportunity.