Pools tips for weekend of August 17-18

Ten draws: Norwich v Everton, Swansea v Man Utd, West Brom v Southampton, Middlesbrough v Blackpool, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Rotherham, Preston v MK Dons, Exeter v AFC Wimbledon, Rochdale v Chesterfield, Scunthorpe v Dagenham & Redbridge.

Best draws: Norwich v Everton, Swansea v Man Utd, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Rotherham, Exeter v AFC Wimbledon.

Five aways: Tottenham, Wolves, Coventry, Brentford, Bradford City.

Nine homes: Chelsea, Sunderland, West Ham, Burnley, QPR, Crewe, Sheffield Utd, Walsall, Newport.

Pick of the draws: Everton, under new manager Roberto Martinez, have a tricky opening Premier League fixture at Norwich and will do well to come away with more than a point. Swansea, bolstered by some shrewd summer signings, have had an encouraging pre-season and, just as they did last season, can hold the champions Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium. Watford have got off to a flyer in the Championship but Reading's promotion credentials are also sound and this match-up is probably the likeliest draw on the coupon. Rotherham, promoted to League One last season, have shown they have no need to fear anybody in this division and will be confident of getting something at Crawley. In League Two, it's hard to separate Exeter and AFC Wimbledon.

Away days: I expect Tottenham's boldness in this summer's transfer window to reap immediate dividends at Crystal Palace, who are favourites to go straight back down. There are signs that new manager Kenny Jackett has stopped the rot at relegated Wolves and I'm taking them to win their League One fixture at Bristol City, who shipped five goals last weekend. Despite being deducted 10 points for going into administration, there is a lot of life left in Coventry and I'm tipping them to prevail at Carlisle, who have already suffered two heavy defeats. Brentford's quality should be enough for three points against promoted Gillingham while in League Two, a revitalised Bradford City look a good bet at Port Vale.

Homes sweet homes: A much-changed Sunderland are worth a punt against Fulham, who may struggle to stay in the Premier League this season. League One side Crewe have no wins from three matches but I believe they will break their duck against Tranmere, who finished last season on a downer. Colchester are among the division's front-runners but don't be surprised if they are defeated by Sheffield United, who are capable of beating the best at Bramall Lane. Newport, promoted to League Two after prevailing in the play-offs, are relishing the challenge and can see off injury-hit Bristol Rovers.

Info: Man City v Newcastle (No 5 on the coupon) is being played on Monday and the result will be decided by the pools panel.

Doncaster v Blackburn (No 16 on the coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.