Pools tips for weekend of February 9-10

Ten draws: Tottenham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Wolves v Leeds, Coventry v Yeovil, Leyton Orient v Tranmere, Oldham v MK Dons, Bradford City v Gillingham, Morecambe v Exeter, Oxford v Bristol Rovers.

Best draws: Tottenham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Ipswich, Wolves v Leeds, Leyton Orient v Tranmere, Oxford v Bristol Rovers.

Five aways: Arsenal, Millwall, Cardiff, Crewe, Southend.

Nine homes: Aston Villa, Swansea, Bristol City, Bournemouth, Brentford, Carlisle, Colchester, Doncaster, Swindon.


Pick of the draws: Tottenham were unconvincing in beating 10-man West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle have an extra spring in their step after defeating Chelsea last weekend. Ipswich are thriving under the managership of Mick McCarthy. Four-nil winners over Middlesbrough last Saturday, they can gain a Championship point at Blackburn. Wolves have slid alarmingly close to the relegation zone and may have to settle for a point against mid-table Leeds. League One leaders Tranmere face a tricky assignment at Leyton Orient, who have impressed lately. In League Two, I'm taking improving Bristol Rovers to come away from Oxford with a share of the spoils.

Away days: Arsenal, gaining momentum in their quest for Champions League qualification next season, will be eager to repeat last season's Premier League victory at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. In the Championship, Millwall have the credentials to win at managerless Blackpool while runaway leaders Cardiff look a sure thing at Huddersfield. League One Crewe are worth a punt at ailing Notts County, who have parted company with their manager Keith Curle. Southend are fancied to strengthen their League Two promotion challenge at fast-falling Accrington.

Homes sweet homes: Relegation-troubled Aston Villa showed signs of Premier League recovery in their battling 3-3 draw at Everton last Saturday and can put a further dent in West Ham's poor away record. In the Championship, second-from-bottom Bristol City are worth backing against Nottingham Forest, who are in disarray on and off the pitch. Beating League One leaders Tranmere away last weekend was the just the tonic Carlisle needed and I fancy they will continue the good work against Stevenage. Although Colchester are struggling in League One, their visitors, Preston, are in free-fall, so don't be surprised to see a home win.