Pools tips for weekend of September 7-8

Ten draws: Carlisle v Port Vale, MK Dons v Swindon, Tranmere v Stevenage, Northampton v Scunthorpe, Plymouth v Bristol Rovers, Rochdale v Bury, Braintree v Forest Green, FC Halifax v Barnet, Stalybridge v Solihull, Worcester v Bradford PA.

Best draws: MK Dons v Swindon, Tranmere v Stevenage, Northampton v Scunthorpe, Rochdale v Bury, FC Halifax v Barnet.

Five aways: Peterborough, Portsmouth, Mansfield, AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge United.

Nine homes: Bristol City, Crawley, Leyton Orient, Wolves, Chesterfield, Fleetwood, Aldershot, Luton, Welling.


Pick of the draws: League One Swindon recorded the biggest win in the Football League last weekend (5-0 at home to Crewe) and they'll be confident of gaining at least a draw at MK Dons. Tranmere broke their duck with a last-minute victory at Oldham but they are struggling to convince and may not improve on a point against fellow toilers Stevenage. Northampton, League Two play-off finalists last season, have not got going at all so far and may be hard-pushed to beat relegated Scunthorpe. On the other hand, Bury have exceeded expectations and are a fair bet for a point at Rochdale. High-flying Barnet are a good prospect for an immediate return to the League but their hosts, FC Halifax, have won all three home games in the Skrill Premier, so will not be easily vanquished.

Away days: Peterborough's home defeat by Crawley in League One last Saturday was an upset. They will be eager to bounce straight back and will probably do so at Crewe, who are strangely out of sorts. Relegated Portsmouth are hardly setting League Two alight but I'm backing them to do better at Cheltenham, who have yet to show last season's form. Mansfield are gradually getting into their stride, so don't be surprised if they come away from Newport with all three points. AFC Wimbledon are in the early promotion shake-up and must be fancied to prevail at lowly York. Cambridge United, top of the Skrill Premier, will surely strengthen their position by beating second from bottom Hyde.

Homes sweet homes: Bristol City are still without a win after five matches in League One but I believe they will stop the rot against Shrewsbury. Aldershot, at the foot of the Skrill Premier, are coping well with their 10-point penalty for going into administration and should have enough in their locker to see off Macclesfield. Luton are making their mark after a slow start to the season and will leapfrog Grimsby if they beat them in Saturday's early evening game. Welling are adapting well to a higher division and I think they will take maximum points against Kidderminster, who are just above them. 


Please note: The mini-pools coupon (homes and aways) is being discontinued after this weekend but I shall still be giving home and away tips for you punters.