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Ten draws: Partick v Dundee United, St Johnstone v Hamilton, Hearts v Hibernian, Dunfermline v Peterhead, Morton v Airdrieonians, Elgin v East Fife, Dartford v Kidderminster, Lincoln v Barnet, Chorley v Oxford City, Leamington v Bradford PA.
Best draws: St Johnstone v Hamilton, Hearts v Hibernian, Dunfermline v Peterhead, Dartford v Kidderminster, Lincoln v Barnet.
Best weekend away bets: Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Swindon, Bury, Aberdeen, Raith.
Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Doncaster, Preston, Rochdale, Port Vale, Walsall, Exeter, Queen of South, Albion, Arbroath.
Pick of the draws: St Johnstone are gradually closing the gap on Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership but I fancy Hamilton to pinch a point here. St Johnstone are also due a home draw, having not recorded one this season. Runaway Scottish Championship leaders Hearts have won all nine of their home games but Hibernian's recent form has been just as good. There is so much pride at stake in this Edinburgh derby that I wouldn't be surprised if Hibernian nick a draw. Dunfermline have lost their way in Scottish League One and could drop another couple of points to Peterhead, who are only four points behind them. Dartford are precariously placed in the Vanarama Conference and probably won't get much joy out of Kidderminster, who seem to be heading in the opposite direction. Lincoln have won six of their last seven matches and are rapidly climbing the table. They face a big test against clear leaders Barnet but I'm taking them to check Barnet's progress.
Away days: Promotion chasing Middlesbrough were desperately unlucky not to defeat Blackburn at Ewood Park last Sunday. The Championship side should have enough in their locker to repel the challenge of League One Barnsley in the FA Cup third round. Bradford City have made a clear statement of intent recently and a Cup upset is on the cards when they visit Millwall, who have dropped into the Championship relegation zone and are in disarray. Swindon, second in League One, have had a successful Christmas and will be confident of beating Fleetwood, who find life difficult at their Highbury stadium. Bury, of League Two, have rediscovered their mojo in their last two matches (both won) and are likely to make it three in a row at Dagenham & Redbridge, who are second from bottom. Second-placed Aberdeen are the surprise packet in this season's Scottish Premiership and I believe they will prevail at struggling Motherwell. Raith, of the Scottish Championship, gained a much-needed fillip by winning at Falkirk last Saturday. They weaker opposition in Cowdenbeath on Saturday and should take advantage.
Homes sweet homes: Those who are looking for FA Cup third-round upsets could do worse than bet on Doncaster, Preston and Rochdale. Doncaster, who have a terrible home record, host League One leaders Bristol City but the Cup often turns the form book upside down and Doncaster won at high-flyers Swindon recently. Preston's consistency has put them in the League One promotion shake-up and I don't envy Championship side Norwich having to go to Deepdale. Little is going right for Stuart Pearce's Nottingham Forest in the Championship and they won't relish a trip to League One Rochdale, who can be irresistible on their day.
Pools info: Kilmarnock v Celtic (No 3 on coupon), Dover v Grimsby (25), Gateshead v Wrexham (28), Macclesfield v Woking (30) and Southport v FC Halifax (32) will be decided by the pools panel.
Boxing Day bonus: I scored five out of six with my away selections. The successful teams were Liverpool, Manchester City, Bradford City, MK Dons and Stevenage.
December 28-29
Ten draws: QPR v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v Manchester United, West Ham v Arsenal, Cardiff v Watford, Reading v Norwich, Bradford City v Notts County, Coventry v Chesterfield, Stevenage v Cambridge, Inverness v Aberdeen, St Johnstone v Dundee United.
Best draws: Tottenham v Manchester United, Cardiff v Watford, Coventry v Chesterfield, Stevenage v Cambridge, Inverness v Aberdeen.
Best away bets: Leicester, Rotherham, Bolton, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Wycombe.
Best home bets: Stoke, Blackburn, MK Dons, Sheffield United, Swindon, Accrington, Plymouth, Southend, Tranmere, Dundee.
Pick of the draws: Manchester United, in terrific form of late, have a wonderful record at Tottenham but they may have their work cut out this time as Spurs are also on a winning streak. Victories over Wigan and Reading have moved Watford back into the Championship play-off positions and they should have enough about them to hold Russell Slade's Cardiff. League One Coventry have not done as well as expected on their return to the Ricoh Arena and they might struggle to overcome Chesterfield, who won well at Gillingham last weekend. Stevenage and Cambridge are next to each other in League Two's mid-table and I wouldn't like to separate them. Although Inverness Caledonian Thistle are faltering in the Scottish Premiership, they have lost only once at home and can stop the progress of third-placed Aberdeen, who have yet to draw away this season.
Away days: Leicester, the Premier League's bottom club, are worth a punt at Hull, who are in free-fall and just one place above them. Rotherham moved three points nearer safety in the Championship by winning at Wigan last weekend and another away success looks on the cards at Blackpool, who seem doomed to relegation and were trounced 6-1 at home by Bournemouth last Saturday. Neil Lennon's Bolton are becoming more confident by the week and can prevail at Huddersfield, who appear to have slipped back into their bad old ways. Championship leaders Bournemouth have already scored 50 goals this season and I can see them adding to that total at relegation-threatened Millwall. League One leaders Bristol City suffered a shock reverse at Crewe last Saturday but I believe they'll recover at Gillingham. If any team can inflict Shrewsbury's first home defeat this season it's League Two leaders Wycombe, who have already won seven times on the road.
Homes sweet homes: Blackburn are tough nuts to crack at Ewood Park and I'm taking them to damage Middlesbrough's promotion prospects in the Championship. Boro were desperately disappointing when losing 2-0 at Ipswich last weekend. Mid-table Accrington held Wycombe last Saturday, so don't be surprised if they go one better against League Two promotion contenders Burton. Remember Accrington gave League One Yeovil a good run for their money before going out of the FA Cup. Tranmere (23rd) are lower than their visitors Northampton (19th) but are in better form and I'm confident they can gain maximum points.
December 31-Jan 2
Ten draws: Southampton v Arsenal, St Mirren v Kilmarnock, Alfreton v Lincoln, Grimsby v Macclesfield, Welling v Dover, Barrow v Fylde, Colwyn Bay v Stockport, Tamworth v Solihull Moors, Ebbsfleet v Chelmsford, Sutton Utd v Wealdstone.
Best draws: Southampton v Arsenal, Alfreton v Lincoln, Grimsby v Macclesfield, Welling v Dover, Ebbsfleet v Chelmsford.
Best away bets: Swansea, Manchester United, Celtic, Inverness, Chester, Dartford.
Best home bets: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aberdeen, Hamilton, Barnet, Bristol Rovers, FC Halifax, AFC Telford, Woking.
December 20-21
Ten draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Ipswich v Middlesbrough, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Port Vale, Peterborough v Preston, Carlisle v Northampton, Luton v Newport, St Johnstone v Inverness, Dumbarton v Falkirk, Ayr v Stirling.
Best draws: Ipswich v Middlesbrough, Reading v Watford, Crawley v Port Vale, Peterborough v Preston, Ayr v Stirling.
Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Birmingham, Bristol City, Oxford, Motherwell, Hibernian.
Best weekend home bets: Tottenham, West Ham, Cardiff, Fulham, Wolves, Bradford City, Rochdale, Swindon, Bury, Plymouth.
Pick of the draws: There is little to choose between Championship promotion contenders Ipswich and Middlesbrough and I think that will be reflected in the scoreline when they meet at Portman Road. Reading's new manager Steve Clarke will be eager to make a good first impression. He won't find it easy against promotion-challenging Watford but I'm backing Reading to deny them victory. Crawley have slipped dangerously close to the League One relegation zone. They need maximum points against Port Vale but I can't see them getting more than one. Peterborough halted their bad run with an away win against Leyton Orient last weekend but Saturday's opponents, Preston, are a more difficult proposition and this fixture is probably the best draw on the coupon. Stirling may be rock bottom of Scottish League One but they stretched leaders Forfar last weekend in a 2-1 defeat. They may have better luck at Ayr, who are second bottom with five home losses to their name this season.
Away days: Swansea weren't ruthless enough when losing at home to Tottenham last Sunday. If they show more of a killer instinct they will beat Hull, who are in free-fall and in danger of relegation from the Premier League. Birmingham's 6-1 thrashing of Reading in the Championship was one of the best results of last weekend. They look a different team under Gary Rowett and I fancy them to register another three points at Huddersfield. League One leaders Bristol City have regained their momentum and it's hard to see them failing at bottom club Crewe. Although Oxford went out of the FA Cup to League Two strugglers Tranmere in midweek, they should still be too strong for Hartlepool, who are in danger of being cast adrift from the rest. Motherwell, under new managership, are worth a punt at fellow strugglers St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership while improving Hibernian look a good thing at Raith.
Homes sweet homes: Although Cardiff were on the wrong end of a 5-3 result at Bournemouth in the Championship last Saturday, they showed their attacking flair and can send higher-placed Brentford home pointless. Fulham have responded so well to new manager Kit Symons that they are seven points clear of the Championship relegation zone. I reckon they will widen that gap by Saturday teatime. Fulham host Sheffield Wednesday, whose progress has been halted by too many draws. Notts County, of League One, are the only side in the top four divisions to remain unbeaten away. I believe they'll lose that distinction on Saturday when they visit Rochdale, who showed what they are capable of with a resounding 4-1 triumph at Colchester and another four goals against Aldershot in the FA Cup.
December 26-27
Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Southampton, Birmingham v Derby, Chesterfield v Peterborough, Doncaster v Coventry, Port Vale v Sheffield United, Walsall v Swindon, Newport v Plymouth, Northampton v Bury, Eastleigh v Woking, Gateshead v FC Halifax.
Best draws: Birmingham v Derby, Chesterfield v Peterborough, Doncaster v Coventry, Newport v Plymouth, Eastleigh v Woking.
Best away bets: Liverpool, Manchester City, Cardiff, Bradford City, MK Dons, Stevenage.
I scored four out of six aways last weekend with Swansea, Birmingham, Motherwell and Hibernian.
Best home bets: Arsenal, Sunderland, Brighton, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Leyton Orient, Preston, Exeter, York.
Ten draws: West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa, Birmingham v Reading, Bolton v Ipswich, Leeds v Fulham, Colchester v Rochdale, Notts County v Swindon, Scunthorpe v Crewe, Mansfield v Cheltenham, Hamilton v Dundee, Motherwell v Ross.
Best draws: Bolton v Ipswich, Leeds v Fulham, Colchester v Rochdale, Notts County v Swindon, Motherwell v Ross.
Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Tranmere, Luton, Berwick.
Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Charlton, Norwich, Watford, Bristol City, Leyton Orient, Oldham, Newport, Northampton.
Pick of the draws: Bolton have made great strides since Neil Lennon was appointed manager, so they shouldn't be fazed by the visit of Mick McCarthy's Ipswich, who have risen to second in the Championship. Ipswich have already clocked up five away draws and I believe they'll make it six on Saturday. Fulham's shock 5-0 home defeat by Watford last Friday was partly due to their goalkeeper being sent off after 15 minutes. However, that contradicted their recent good form and I'm tipping them to recover by holding Leeds at Elland Road. League One strugglers Colchester will have been cheered by their FA Cup second-round home victory over Peterborough and can get something from the visit of Rochdale, who are up one minute, down the next. Notts County v Swindon is a clash between two of League One's high-flyers. Notts County's indifferent home form and Swindon's fine away record suggest that the spoils will be shared. Motherwell, third from last, are having a wretched time in the Scottish Premiership and will probably struggle to overcome bottom club Ross, who are at least showing signs of improvement.
Away days: Although second-placed Manchester City will be without their injured star striker Sergio Aguero, they should still be too strong for basement club Leicester, who cannot buy a Premier League win at the moment. Nottingham Forest showed what they are capable of with a resounding
3-0 victory at Wolves in the Championship a few weeks ago. A repeat of that performance should see them prevail at Rotherham, who have been dragged into the relegation scrap. Everything is going wrong for Wolves but they were desperately unlucky to lose to Bournemouth last weekend after having two players controversially sent off. I've a hunch that the Wolves comeback will start at Sheffield Wednesday, where home wins are the exception. In League Two, second-from-last club Tranmere are worth a punt at Dagenham & Redbridge, who have lost six on their own ground, while promotion contenders Luton look a good thing at Morecambe. In Scottish League Two I'm taking Berwick to increase Elgin's anxiety at the foot of the table.
Homes sweet homes: Crystal Palace, hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone, could consider themselves unfortunate not to gain maximum points at Tottenham last Saturday and I've a feeling they will take out their frustration on Stoke at Selhurst Park. Leyton Orient aren't pulling up any trees in League One but neither are their opponents Peterborough, who have fallen 11 points behind the automatic promotion places and were knocked out of the FA Cup last Sunday. Don't be surprised if Orient cause an upset here. Northampton may be only mid-table in League Two but I fancy them to defeat promotion hopefuls Plymouth, who are unconvincing on their travels.
Pools info: I scored four from six with my away forecasts last weekend. The successful teams were Celtic, St Johnstone, Forfar and Dover.
Ten draws: Hull v West Brom, Stoke v Arsenal, West Ham v Swansea, Nottingham Forest v Charlton, Wolves v Bournemouth, Aberdeen v Hamilton, Falkirk v Hibernian, Dunfermline v Ayr, Stranraer v Morton, Deportivo La Coruna v Malaga.
Best draws: Hull v West Brom, West Ham v Swansea, Wolves v Bournemouth, Falkirk v Hibernian, Stranraer v Morton.
Best weekend away bets: Birmingham, Brentford, Dover, Celtic, St Johnstone, Forfar.
Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Cardiff, Derby, Millwall, Wigan, Partick, Raith, Albion.
Pick of the draws: Hull and West Brom are two teams on the slide and in danger of losing their Premier League status. I don't expect either to improve their position at the weekend. By way of contrast, West Ham and Swansea have exceeded expectations this season and are vying for Champions League places. Both gained three points in midweek and I'm finding it hard to pick a winner on Sunday. Wolves have suffered heavy defeats against Derby (5-0), Nottingham Forest (3-0) and Brentford (4-0) recently in the Championship but I'm backing them to stop the rot against Bournemouth, who, under the shrewd managership of Eddie Howe, are again punching above their weight. Hibernian have put their terrible start in the Scottish Championship behind them. Progress in the Scottish Cup will only have added to their confidence and they can take a point at Falkirk. Scottish League One leaders Morton have not drawn away this season but I can see that changing when they travel to Stranraer, who are also in the promotion reckoning.
Away days: Birmingham look a side on the upgrade, especially after their fine 2-1 home success over Nottingham Forest last Saturday. I expect them to prevail at Blackpool, who are rock bottom of the Championship, eight points away from the nearest team. Brentford have probably been the surprise packet in this division and confirmed their quality by giving Wolves a hiding last weekend. They must be fancied for another three points at Huddersfield. It's FA Cup weekend in England and I believe Dover, mid-table in the Conference, have the best chance of springing a second-round surprise at League Two Cheltenham, who have faded after starting the season well. Celtic made short work of Hearts in the Scottish Cup and have gone top of the Scottish Premiership. I cannot see struggling Motherwell causing them any problems. St Johnstone are recommended at St Mirren, who are having a dismal season and League One promotion hopefuls Forfar are worth a wager at Stenhousemuir, who are at the other end of the table.
Homes sweet homes: Millwall are showing the fighting spirit needed to avoid relegation from the Championship. They rescued a point at Bournemouth last Saturday after being two goals behind and I won't be surprised if they upset promotion-chasing Middlesbrough. Wigan are better than their 23rd position indicates. Six home draws have cost them dearly but I fancy them to take maximum points against Norwich, who are on a downward spiral. Partick sprung a surprise by defeating Hamilton in the Scottish Cup last Saturday. That should put them in the mood to send higher-placed Kilmarnock packing.
Pools info: Southampton v Manchester United (match No 7 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be a pools panel verdict. Fulham v Watford (15) and Ross v Dundee United (27) are on Friday and therefore void.
Ten draws: Southampton v Manchester City, Tottenham v Everton, West Ham v Newcastle, Birmingham v Nottingham Forest, Leeds v Derby, Middlesbrough v Blackburn, Crawley v Chesterfield, Rochdale v Oldham, Shrewsbury v Burton, Barnet v Macclesfield.
Best draws: Southampton v Manchester City, Tottenham v Everton, Leeds v Derby, Crawley v Chesterfield, Shrewsbury v Burton.
Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Fulham, Doncaster, Preston, Oxford, Portsmouth.
Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Manchester United, Swansea, Bolton, Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry, Bury, Southend, Rangers.
Pick of the draws: Manchester City will have been heartened by their win over Bayern Munich, despite being outplayed for most of the match, and I believe they will halt Southampton's surge. Tottenham's away form is keeping them in the top half of the Premier League. However, at home they are struggling and Everton will be difficult opponents on Sunday. Leaders Derby look a class apart in the Championship but Leeds have improved and were unlucky to lose at Blackburn last weekend. This may be the kind of test they will relish. Crawley have drawn more League One games than they have won this season and I can see that trend continuing when they host mid-table Chesterfield. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's first two matches as Burton's manager have brought two victories in League Two. They've got momentum and I'm taking them to spoil Shrewsbury's excellent home record by coming away with a point.
Away days: Chelsea, the unbeaten Premier League leaders, are so dominant right now that it's hard to see anybody stopping them. It will be a major surprise if Sunderland, their opponents on Saturday, are the first to do it. Fulham gave a good account of themselves, despite losing narrowly at Brentford last Friday. A repeat of that form should be good enough to overcome Brighton, who just cannot get going in the Championship. No side has won more away matches than Doncaster in League One and they look a banker at bottom-of-the-table Crewe, who find goals so hard to come by. Promotion contenders Preston will be confident of defeating Yeovil, having beaten the higher-placed Oldham in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek. In League Two, Oxford are worth a punt at Cheltenham, who have sacked their manager Mark Yates, and Portsmouth must fancy their chances at Tranmere, who are in danger of being cast adrift from the rest.
Homes sweet homes: Burnley's hopes of Premier League survival rose when they won at Stoke last Saturday and they will be looking forward to playing out-of-form Aston Villa. Bolton have upped their game since appointing Neil Lennon as manager, so don't be surprised if they see off Huddersfield in the Championship. Lowly Coventry's win at Colchester in League One last weekend came in the nick of time and will have boosted their confidence. It should put them in the right frame of mind to beat Walsall at the Ricoh Arena. It may not rate as a Scottish Cup fourth-round shock but I'm tipping Rangers, of the Championship, to knock out Kilmarnock, of the Premiership, when they meet on Sunday.
Pools info: Peterborough v Bristol City (match No 29 on the coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. A void match is worth two points.
Ten draws: Hull v Tottenham, Leicester v Sunderland, Bournemouth v Ipswich, Rotherham v Birmingham, Peterborough v Swindon, Accrington v Cambridge, Burton v Luton, Northampton v Stevenage, Partick v Aberdeen, Alloa v Falkirk.
Best draws: Leicester v Sunderland, Bournemouth v Ipswich, Rotherham v Birmingham, Burton v Luton, Northampton v Stevenage.
Best weekend away bets: Bolton, Middlesbrough, Barnsley, Wycombe, Carlisle, Plymouth.
Best weekend home bets: Stoke, Blackburn, Norwich, Crawley, Fleetwood, Hartlepool, Oxford, Hamilton, Cowdenbeath, East Fife.
Pick of the draws: Out-of form Leicester have fallen into the Premier League relegation zone. They are in worse shape than their opponents Sunderland, who seem to have recovered from their 8-0 hiding at Southampton. Leicester have won only once at home this season and I don't think they will be adding to that tally on Saturday. Bournemouth's climb into second place in the Championship is one of the success stories of the season but I fancy fast-improving Ipswich to take a point off them. New manager Gary Rowett looks as if he is turning things around at Birmingham and there is a good chance they will come away from Rotherham with something. League Two promotion contenders Burton appointed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as manager last week and were immediately rewarded with a fine 3-1 victory at high-riding Wycombe. But they will have to do something special to beat leaders Luton, who have struck a rich vein of form. Northampton's slide down the table continues but they should check their descent by holding Stevenage.
Away days: Neil Lennon's Bolton look one of the best bets of the weekend. They travel to Blackpool, who even at this early stage seem doomed to relegation from the Championship. Blackpool are nine points behind Birmingham, the next-to-bottom club. With Derby having to go to Watford, Middlesbrough could be the division's new leaders at the weekend. All they have to do is defeat troubled Wigan, who are without a manager after Uwe Rosler's sacking. Barnsley are heading the right way in League One, whereas their opponents and hosts, Chesterfield, are going in the opposite direction. Barnsley have been strong on their travels and I'm taking them to register their fourth away win. Wycombe's League Two promotion hopes were damaged by their 3-1 home defeat to Burton last Monday but I believe they will recover quickly and that their hosts, Cheltenham, will feel the backlash. Struggling Carlisle are worth a punt at Dagenham & Redbridge, who are fading fast and were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Southport. Plymouth have earned their place in the play-offs and should be backed at Mansfield.
Homes sweet homes: Hartlepool may be bottom of League Two but my guess is that they are in better spirits than 21st-placed York, who cannot buy a win at the moment. My money will be on a home victory. Oxford have pulled seven points clear of the relegation zone and are beginning to look forward rather than behind them. Another three points on Saturday will put them in touch with League Two's mid-table sides and I reckon they will get them against AFC Wimbledon, who are nothing to write home about this season. Cowdenbeath are bottom of the Scottish Championship with only one home win to their name but they entertain Livingston, who are one point and one place above them and have failed to win away. Ground advantage gets my vote here.
Ten draws: Gillingham v Leyton Orient, Port Vale v Rochdale, Carlisle v Accrington, Stevenage v Cheltenham, Airdrieonians v Morton, Ayr v Peterhead, Albion v Arbroath, Altrincham v Grimsby, Chester v Gateshead, Torquay v Forest Green.
Best draws: Carlisle v Accrington, Stevenage v Cheltenham, Albion v Arbroath, Chester v Gateshead, Torquay v Forest Green.
Best weekend away bets: Notts County, Chesterfield, Bury, Hearts, Stranraer, Queen's Park.
Best weekend home bets: Oldham, Preston, Swindon, Walsall, Yeovil, Wimbledon, Shrewsbury, Raith, Clyde, England.
Pick of the draws: League Two strugglers Carlisle put up a terrific fight before going out of the FA Cup to a last-minute goal at League One Peterborough last Saturday. They are playing better than their league position suggests but their opponents, Accrington, have forced an FA Cup replay against high-riding Notts County and are also doing well. Stevenage have not drawn at home this season but there is a good chance of them doing that against Cheltenham, who have only one more point and are only three places higher than them. Arbroath's seemingly smooth progress to the Scottish League Two title was halted when they lost at home to Queen's Park. Expect a positive reaction when they visit third-placed Albion. Albion are strong at home but Arbroath have won all their away matches. Conference side Chester caused one of last weekend's FA Cup upsets by beating Southend away. They host promotion contenders Gateshead, who have lost only once on their travels. Also in the Conference, Forest Green continue to punch above their weight. They have drawn four times away from home and I can see them making it five at Torquay, who are steadily climbing the table.
Away days: The return to the Ricoh Stadium has not helped Coventry as much as they thought and they will be feeling especially low this week after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Worcester, of the Conference North, last Sunday. Coventry's opponents on Saturday are Notts County, who are unbeaten away and sixth in League One. It will be a surprise if they slip up here. Chesterfield emerged from their poor run of form with a 6-0 victory at Braintree in the FA Cup first round. They must be fancied to prevail at bottom club Crewe, who have averaged less than a goal a game from their 16 league fixtures. Bury are heavily involved in the League Two promotion shake-up and I believe they will defeat Morecambe, who have stumbled lately. Hearts, clear leaders in the Scottish Championship, must be fancied at mid-table Falkirk and Stranraer, fourth in Scottish League One, will be confident of beating bottom team Stirling. In Scottish League Two, I go for second-placed Queen's Park to inflict more misery on lowly Elgin.
Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that League One leaders Bristol City will lose their unbeaten record at Swindon, who can beat anybody on their day. Although Swindon lost
5-0 at League Two Cheltenham in the FA Cup last weekend, they played with 10 men for most of the match and will be eager to make amends on Saturday. Peterborough have slipped out of the League One play-off places after being beaten by sides below them. Inconsistent Walsall come into this category and are worth a punt on Saturday. Yeovil, second bottom in League One, badly need maximum points and I think they will get them against Fleetwood, who have already lost six away league matches and bowed out of the FA Cup when they lost at League Two Cambridge last weekend.
Pools info: The results of Scunthorpe v MK Dons (No 7 on coupon) and Wycombe v Burton (18) will be decided by the pools panel.
Ten draws: Queens Park Rangers v Manchester City, Swansea v Arsenal, Birmingham v Cardiff, Fulham v Huddersfield, Millwall v Brentford, Nottingham Forest v Norwich, Inverness v Hamilton, Morton v Forfar, East Fife v Albion, Espanyol v Villarreal.
Best draws: Swansea v Arsenal, Birmingham v Cardiff, Fulham v Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest v Norwich, Inverness v Hamilton.
Best weekend away bets: Newcastle, Blackburn, Partick, Hibernian, Annan, Bristol Rovers.
Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Manchester United, Southampton, West Ham, Ipswich, Reading, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Barnsley, Port Vale.
Pick of the draws: Arsenal's soft centre was exposed when relinquishing a 3-0 lead against Anderlecht in the Champions League. Swansea are as good as, if not better than, Anderlecht and you have to fancy their chances of holding the Gunners. Lowly Birmingham have been given an instant lift by new manager Gary Rowett, drawing away at Wolves and beating Watford at St Andrew's. Although they are notoriously poor at home, they can get something from the visit of Cardiff. Fulham and Huddersfield are two of the Championship's most improved teams. They meet at the Cottage and there is little to separate them. By way of contrast, Nottingham Forest and Norwich are on a downer, so don't be surprised if neither gain maximum points. Hamilton lost the leadership of the Scottish Premiership after being held to a home draw by Partick last Saturday. They are more successful away and I believe they will maintain that record against Inverness.
Away days: Newcastle, with four successive wins behind them, are on a roll and will overtake West Bromwich in the Premier League if they win at the Hawthorns on Sunday. Blackburn have a good opportunity to move into the Championship play-off positions with a victory over struggling Brighton. They showed what they could do on their travels when they won 3-1 at Nottingham Forest two weeks ago. Partick, who have not won away in the Scottish Premiership, visit St Mirren, who have not won at home. However, Partick are in better form, as was seen in their 3-3 draw at title contenders Hamilton last weekend. Hibernian are getting up a head of steam after a terrible start to the season in the Scottish Championship and should be backed at bottom club Cowdenbeath. In Scottish League Two, the claims of promotion-seeking Annan cannot be ignored at Elgin while in the FA Cup first round, relegated Bristol Rovers, who are steadily climbing the Vanarama Conference, are well worth a punt at League Two strugglers Tranmere, who have won only once at home this season.
Homes sweet homes: Bottom club Burnley are overdue a win in the Premier League and I think they will get it against Hull, whose progress is being hampered by injuries. Ipswich have regained their confidence after a brief stumble and are fancied against Watford, who have been toppled from the top of the Championship. Reading have underachieved so far but they remain a tough nut to crack at home and I expect them to see off the better-placed Charlton. There are bound to be the usual surprises on the weekend of the FA Cup first round. I've a feeling that much-improved Port Vale knocking out the highly regarded MK Dons will be one of them.
Pools info: Motherwell v Dundee United (No 23 on the coupon) and Cordoba v Deportivo La Coruna (42) are void.
Ten draws: Everton v Swansea, Manchester City v Manchester United, Huddersfield v Nottingham Forest, Rotherham v Middlesbrough, Bradford City v Doncaster, Colchester v Port Vale, MK Dons v Swindon, Burton v Plymouth, Mansfield v Southend, Kilmarnock v Dundee.
Best draws: Everton v Swansea, Rotherham v Middlesbrough, Bradford City v Doncaster, Burton v Plymouth, Mansfield v Southend.
Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, West Ham, Ipswich, Preston, Shrewsbury, Wycombe.
Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Cardiff, Watford, Wolves, Peterborough, Sheffield United, Cheltenham, Exeter, Northampton, Tranmere.
Pick of the draws: Swansea returned to form when beating Premier League newcomers Leicester 2-0 last weekend and can never be underestimated. They will find Everton tougher opponents but should come away from Goodison Park with a point. Promoted Rotherham are nobody's patsies in this season's Championship and I believe they will follow their draws against Fulham and Brighton with another stalemate against promotion-chasing Middlesbrough. Bradford City continue to disappoint in League One. They host Doncaster, who are better on their travels than at home and must be confident of at least parity. Burton, third in League Two, have lost their manager Gary Rowett to Birmingham as well as Rowett's backroom staff. This will probably have an adverse effect on the team, who host fast-climbing Plymouth on Saturday. League Two Mansfield have experienced three consecutive draws. I'm taking them to make it four against Southend, who have slipped out of the play-off places.
Away days: Tottenham are hardly inspiring confidence in the Premier League but they are in better shape than Aston Villa, who cannot buy a goal let alone a point at the moment. I expect Tottenham to repeat last season's victory at Villa Park. West Ham are buzzing and last Saturday's 2-1 win against champions Manchester City will have done wonders for their morale. Given the form they are in, West Ham have no need to fear a trip to Stoke. The Championship's bottom club Blackpool have the second lowest points total in the top four divisions. They are also without a manager and I cannot see Ipswich making life any easier for them. Preston go from strength to strength in League One and have cut Bristol City's lead at the top to two points. They visit Rochdale, who are not half as good at home as they are away. Shrewsbury have their sights on promotion from League Two and gave Chelsea a hard game in the League Cup. It would be foolish to ignore their chances at lowly Dagenham & Redbridge. Wycombe lost the League Two leadership last weekend but I reckon they will bounce straight back at Oxford.
Homes sweet homes: Exeter are on the upgrade in League Two. They had a noteworthy
2-0 success at Morecambe last Sunday and can upset leaders Luton, although the Hatters have lost only once on the road. Northampton can arrest their surprising slide down the table by defeating AFC Wimbledon. The Cobblers put up a spirited show in their narrow defeat at Luton last Saturday and you can never be sure which Wimbledon is going to turn up. Second from bottom Tranmere are already responding to the new management of former Port Vale boss Mickey Adams and are well worth a punt against Stevenage, who are often brittle on their travels.
Pools info: Norwich v Bolton (No 15 on coupon) and St Johnstone v Motherwell (46) are void while Ross v Aberdeen (45) will be decided by the pools panel.
I scored five out of 10 with my draw selections last week and three of my five best draws were correct. Make sure you follow me every week.
Ten draws: West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough v Watford, Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich, Crewe v Sheffield United, Port Vale v Leyton Orient, Yeovil v Rochdale, Luton v Northampton, Inverness v Dundee United, Partick v St Johnstone, Hibernian v Hearts.
Best draws: Middlesbrough v Watford, Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich, Crewe v Sheffield United, Port Vale v Leyton Orient, Hibernian v Hearts.
Best weekend away bets: Everton, Rotherham, Cardiff, Peterborough, MK Dons, Rangers.
Best weekend home bets: Southampton, Tottenham, Bolton, Nottingham Forest, Preston, AFC Wimbledon, Shrewsbury, Wycombe, York, Dundee.
Pick of the draws: Watford lost the leadership of the Championship in midweek but they are impressive on their travels and their 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday was as convincing as they could wish for. They are well capable of holding fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough to a draw. Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich, who meet at Hillsborough, have gone off the boil lately and I don't believe either of them will return to winning ways. Three consecutive victories have hauled Crewe off the bottom of League One. Their opponents on Saturday, the highly rated Sheffield United, will still start favourites but I've a hunch that Crewe will avoid defeat. Leyton Orient must be wishing they played all their League One matches away. Their 2-0 midweek triumph at Doncaster was their third on the road this season, whereas they are without a victory at home. However, they won't find it easy at Port Vale, who are fighting to preserve their status. Scottish Championship leaders Hearts are unbeaten, having dropped only one point all season. They travel to their fierce Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Sunday. Because of Hibernian's sudden improvement, I think Hearts will have to settle for parity.
Away days: As predicted in this blog last week, Everton returned to form when comfortably beating Aston Villa. They should continue their climb up the Premier League table by defeating struggling Burnley. Promoted Rotherham are holding their own in the Championship and must fancy their chances at Brighton, who cannot buy a win at the moment. Cardiff are responding well to new manager Russell Slade. Home wins over Nottingham Forest and Ipswich respectively have turned things around, so have a punt on them opening their away account at Millwall. Peterborough were handicapped in midweek when they played with 10 men for most of their 1-0 defeat at Crewe. As long as that game didn't take too much out of them, they should be too strong for Coventry, who are slipping towards the League One relegation zone. Promotion contenders MK Dons look good value for maximum points at Doncaster, who have won only once on their own ground. Rangers, nine points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Championship, will be eager to make up lost ground and can do so at Dumbarton.
Homes sweet homes: Bolton are worth supporting against Brentford. They are already improving under new manager Neil Lennon and have moved off the bottom of the Championship. Also, Brentford have become goal-shy, firing blanks in their past two matches. Lowly York are without a home win in League Two this season but they can put that right against mediocre Mansfield. Only a stoppage-time goal denied York victory at Morecambe in midweek and I'm taking them to gain maximum points on Saturday. In the Scottish Premiership, Dundee, who have not won at home, play Hamilton, who have not lost away. Logic points to an away victory but football's a funny old game and I sense an upset is on the cards.
Pools info: Aberdeen v Motherwell (match No 43 on the coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.
Ten draws: Stoke v Swansea, Birmingham v Bolton, Reading v Derby, Chesterfield v Oldham, Peterborough v Barnsley, Scunthorpe v Colchester, Dagenham & Redbridge v Newport, Mansfield v Cambridge, Stevenage v Accrington, Motherwell v Dundee.
Best draws: Birmingham v Bolton, Scunthorpe v Colchester, Dagenham & Redbridge v Newport, Mansfield v Cambridge, Stevenage v Accrington.
Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Bristol City, Doncaster, Swindon, Shrewsbury, Kilmarnock.
Best weekend home bets: Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Wigan, Notts County, Preston, Rochdale, Plymouth, Hearts, Rangers.
Pick of the draws: I expect the Championship's bottom club, Bolton, to get an immediate lift from the appointment of former Celtic boss Neil Lennon as manager and I'll be surprised if they don't nick something from their visit to Birmingham. Scunthorpe's 3-0 win at Gillingham in League One last Saturday was rather distorted in that Gillingham played with 10 men for most of the match. They surely won't find it so easy against Colchester, who have climbed out of the relegation zone. Dagenham & Redbridge arrested their League Two slump with a fine 2-1 victory at Accrington last weekend. Newport will probably provide stiffer opposition and deadlock is the likeliest result. Cambridge's 5-1 thrashing of Oxford caught the eye last weekend but Mansfield also had a good result when drawing 1-1 at Portsmouth. This looks the best draw on the coupon. Visitors Accrington will be eager to make up for last Saturday's lapse and can do so at Stevenage, who are going the wrong way.
Away days: Premier League leaders Chelsea lost at Crystal Palace last season but I cannot see a repeat of that result at Selhurst Park on Saturday. After seven matches Jose Mourinho's side have dropped only one point and I'm expecting them to maintain their progress. Bristol City, top of League One, have collected more points than any of the other 91 Football League clubs. They look a formidable outfit and should be too strong for Coventry, who have disappointed so far. Doncaster have been better on their travels than on their own patch and they are worth a punt at fast-fading Fleetwood. Nobody is playing better than third-placed Swindon at the moment and they should be backed at Yeovil, who have dropped into the relegation zone. Despite being well placed in League Two, Shrewsbury have yet to win on their travels. I believe they'll break their duck at struggling York. In the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock are a decent bet to prevail at off-colour St Johnstone.
Homes sweet homes: It's surprising to see Everton so close to the foot of the Premier League. They are better than that and I'm taking them to stop the rot against Aston Villa, who have stumbled after their flying start to the season. Fulham look a different proposition under Kit Symons. The Championship table suggests they have no chance against leaders Norwich but they are capable of collecting maximum points at Craven Cottage. Wigan, promotion contenders last season, have been one of the letdowns of 2014-15. They hover just above the relegation places but in their 2-2 draw at Wolves there were signs they were emerging from their slump. I reckon they'll improve their league position by beating Brentford.
Ten draws: Barnsley v Bradford City, Colchester v Fleetwood, Morecambe v Wycombe, Tranmere v Plymouth, Aldershot v Bristol Rovers, Altrincham v Woking, Barnet v Kidderminster, Dover v Chester FC, Forest Green v Gateshead, East Stirling v Queen's Park.
Best draws: Barnsley v Bradford City, Tranmere v Plymouth, Aldershot v Bristol Rovers, Altrincham v Woking, Barnet v Kidderminster.
Best weekend away bets: Peterborough, Coventry, Yeovil, Hearts, Germany, England.
Best weekend home bets: Gillingham, Sheffield United, Accrington, Carlisle, Exeter, Luton, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Hibernian, East Fife.
Pick of the draws: Bradford City are unbeaten away from home in League One. They should keep that record on Sunday at Barnsley, who have disappointed on their own ground. However, Barnsley gained a creditable away win against Rochdale last Saturday and won't let Bradford have all their own way. Plymouth have made significant strides in League Two recently but they are poor travellers, having already lost four times on the road this season. Tranmere, third from bottom, desperately need points and I think they will pinch one on Saturday. Bristol Rovers have climbed into promotion contention in the Conference and look good for a share of the spoils at mid-table Aldershot. Altrincham's 3-1 victory at FC Halifax last weekend was one of the upsets of the season. That should give them the confidence to hold promotion-seeking Woking. Barnet's midweek defeat at Macclesfield reduced their lead at the top of the table to three points. Don't be surprised if visiting Kidderminster also inconvenience them.
Away days: Peterborough's results in League One have held up well away from home and I'm taking them to gain another three points at Crawley, who are flaky. Although Coventry are without an away win, it is impossible to overlook their chances at rock-bottom Crewe, who have collected only four points this season and keep suffering heavy defeats. Improving Yeovil should be backed at Port Vale, who have slipped into the relegation zone. Hearts have won seven of their eight matches in the Scottish Championship and lead the table by six points. They will surely add lowly Alloa to their list of victims. Germany have had a slight hangover since their World Cup triumph but I expect it will be business as usual in their European Championship qualifier in Poland. England will have been relieved to have won in Switzerland and shouldn't find Estonia half as difficult in their qualifier on Sunday.
Homes sweet homes: League Two strugglers Carlisle are responding well to the management of Keith Curle. I believe they will follow up last Saturday's fine 3-0 win at manager-less Hartlepool with another three points against Stevenage. Promoted Luton moved into the play-off places by deservedly beating Stevenage away last weekend. They seem to be over their recent rough patch and have a fighting chance against fellow promotion contenders Southend. Shrewsbury have dropped just one point at home this season. I'm taking them to improve that record against Cheltenham, whose progress has stalled.
Pools info: The matches at Doncaster (No 6 on coupon), MK Dons (8), Swindon (12), Cowdenbeath (37), Falkirk (38), Stranraer (44), Annan (45), Berwick (46) and Elgin (49) will be decided by the pools panel. Ayr v Dunfermline (41) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.
Ten draws: Hull v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v Southampton, West Ham v Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest v Ipswich, Peterborough v Oldham, Scunthorpe v Doncaster, Mansfield v Accrington, Wycombe v Northampton, Dundee v Aberdeen, Partick v Motherwell.
Best draws: Tottenham v Southampton, West Ham v QPR, Nottingham Forest v Ipswich, Scunthorpe v Doncaster, Wycombe v Northampton.
Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Swindon, Newport, Portsmouth, Rangers, Hearts.
Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Swansea, Derby, Norwich, Wolves, Notts County, Preston, Plymouth, Stevenage, Hibernian.
Pick of the draws: Southampton, who lie a remarkable second in the Premier League, have not put a foot wrong since losing to Liverpool on the first weekend of the season. They are the team of 2014-15 so far and look set to extend their unbeaten run at Tottenham, who have not yet clicked, probably because their manager doesn't seem to know what his best side is. Queens Park Rangers are without an away point this season and have slipped into the relegation places but they performed creditably against Southampton last Saturday and that should give them encouragement at West Ham. Three consecutive goalless draws have checked Nottingham Forest's progress in the Championship. Ipswich have been playing better than Forest recently and will be disappointed not to get something at the City Ground. Relegated Doncaster have struggled to adapt to League One but a point at Scunthorpe should be within their capabilities. Wycombe host fellow promotion contenders Northampton in League Two and this pairing looks one of the best draws on the coupon.
Away days: Manchester City have dropped too many points in the Premier League this season but I reckon they will be back on track at Aston Villa, who were no match for either Arsenal or Chelsea. Swindon look as if they mean business in League One. A 3-0 away win against Barnsley put them third and I believe they will find further joy on their travels at Leyton Orient, who have been hit by the resignation of manager Russell Slade. Newport have recovered well from a terrible start to the season in League Two and must be fancied at lowly Oxford. Portsmouth will feel a lot better knowing their outstanding debts have been cleared and I believe they will prevail at York, who have yet to win at home. Rangers, second in the Scottish Championship, will be eager to make amends for their shock 3-1 home defeat by Hibernian last Sunday and will surely do so against Livingston. As table-topping Hearts have dropped only one point all season, it is hard to see them faltering against Queen of South.
Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Plymouth's impressive home record in League Two will serve them well against higher-placed Shrewsbury, who are still waiting for their first away victory. Stevenage's convincing 3-0 home triumph over Mansfield was one of the more eye-catching results of last weekend. They looked as though they had found the winning formula at this level and I'm taking them to collect another three points at the expense of fierce, local rivals Luton, who have also improved recently. Expect a glut of yellow cards. Relegated Hibernian have languished in the Scottish Championship but their fine away win at Rangers last Sunday could well inspire them to another three points against Raith.
Pools info: Kilmarnock v Dundee United (match No 44 on the coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.
Ten draws: Bolton v Derby, Charlton v Middlesbrough, Reading v Wolves, Bristol City v MK Dons, Coventry v Preston, Crawley v Yeovil, Accrington v Plymouth, Morecambe v Northampton, Stevenage v Mansfield, Ross v Dundee.
Best draws: Bolton v Derby, Charlton v Middlesbrough, Coventry v Preston, Crawley v Yeovil, Ross v Dundee.
Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Norwich, Leeds, Millwall, Swindon, Bury.
Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Southampton, Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, Crewe, Leyton Orient, Oldham, Carlisle, Luton, Wycombe.
Pick of the draws: If Bolton play as well as they did against Wolves in the Championship at Molineux last weekend - despite losing 1-0 - they will get something from the visit of Derby. Another hard luck story was that of Middlesbrough, who were beaten in an epic midweek penalty shoot-out in the League Cup at Anfield. They are gaining confidence by the week and I believe they will hold Charlton at The Valley. Two successive away defeats have halted Coventry's surge up League One. They entertain Preston this weekend and I cannot see them taking more than a point. Yeovil's home victory over promotion contenders Peterborough last Saturday was a considerable boost and they can continue their upward curve by sharing the spoils at Crawley. Ross are the only side in the English and Scottish divisions to remain pointless but I've a hunch that will change on Saturday when they host Dundee in the Scottish Premiership. Dundee's heavy defeat at the hands of their fierce rivals and neighbours Dundee United last Sunday will have damaged their morale.
Away days: Impressive Swansea should get plenty of joy from their Premier League visit to Sunderland, who are without a league win this season and were knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke in midweek. Championship high flyers Norwich must be fancied to prevail at Blackpool, despite their League Cup defeat by League Two team Shrewsbury. Leeds look like a team who are going places and I believe they will confirm their improvement by beating Brentford. Millwall gave as good as they got when they held table-topping Nottingham Forest to a goalless draw last Saturday. A repeat of that performance should enable them to triumph at struggling Huddersfield. League One Swindon put five past highly regarded Sheffield United last weekend and are capable of returning from Barnsley with three points. Free-scoring Bury deservedly lead League Two and are worth backing at Exeter, who are struggling at home.
Homes sweet homes: Crewe, bottom of League One, were so bad when losing 6-1 to MK Dons last Saturday that manager Steve Davis will be demanding a positive reaction. That may be forthcoming against Colchester, who are second bottom. The team who loses this match will probably be facing a long hard winter. Leyton Orient have under-performed this season but there is enough quality in the side to be higher than they are. At their best they should have enough to defeat promoted Rochdale. Carlisle are in danger of being stranded at the foot of League Two. Despite their precarious position there were encouraging signs in their 3-2 defeat at Mansfield last weekend and I'm taking them to record their first win of the season against a disappointing Tranmere.
Pools info: I scored five out of 10 with my draw selections last week and three out of five (Man City v Chelsea, Rotherham v Charlton, Portsmouth v Wycombe) with my best draws.
Ten draws: Manchester City v Chelsea, Newcastle v Hull, Rotherham v Charlton, Colchester v Bradford City, Port Vale v Barnsley, Rochdale v Coventry, Scunthorpe v Leyton Orient, Swindon v Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe, Portsmouth v Wycombe.
Best draws: Manchester City v Chelsea, Rotherham v Charlton, Port Vale v Barnsley, AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe, Portsmouth v Wycombe.
Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Blackburn, Chesterfield, Bristol City, Southend, Rangers.
Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Everton, Tottenham, Norwich, Wolves, MK Dons, Bury, Mansfield, Oxford, Dundee.
Pick of the draws: Manchester City and Chelsea are the likeliest teams to be contesting the Premier League title. They meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and I believe Chelsea will drop their first league points of the season against a City side eager to make up for their shock home defeat by Stoke. High-flying Charlton have drawn all three of their away matches in the Championship so far. Don't be surprised if they make it four at Rotherham, who have faded after a bright opening to the season. Port Vale have tumbled alarmingly in League One but they will be hoping to salvage something from the visit of Barnsley, who shipped five goals at home to MK Dons last Saturday. AFC Wimbledon surprised League Two leaders Burton 3-0 in midweek and that should enable them to take a point off promotion challengers Morecambe. Wycombe have forced their way into the automatic promotion positions and look good for a share of the spoils at Portsmouth, who returned to winning ways against Dagenham & Redbridge.
Away days: Manchester United could be up and running after their 4-0 demolition of Queens Park Rangers last Sunday and I expect them to collect another three Premier League points at the expense of promoted Leicester, despite the Midlanders adjusting well to life in the top division. Blackburn recovered from a goal down to beat Wigan 3-1 last weekend and it is hard to see them slipping up at Fulham, who prop up the Championship. Chesterfield seem on course to gain two consecutive promotions. Judged on their League One form so far, they should be too good for Doncaster, who are in danger of going the other way. League One leaders Bristol City go from strength to strength and are worth backing at Fleetwood. Southend have come alive after a dodgy spell in League Two and ought to be backed at York, whose progress has been hindered by a glut of draws. Rangers, conquerors of Scottish Premiership side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish League Cup, will surely account for Alloa in the Scottish Championship.
Homes sweet homes: I'm taking promoted Burnley to gain their first Premier League victory of the season against an average Sunderland, who were fortunate to escape defeat when they played Tottenham at home last Saturday. Only a late, missed penalty prevented Burnley from getting off the mark at Crystal Palace last weekend. Bury have become the team to watch in League Two and I think they will topple leaders Burton, who suffered their first defeat of the season at AFC Wimbledon in midweek. Oxford took a step away from the League Two drop zone by beating Accrington in midweek. I believe they'll make it two home wins in a row when Stevenage come to visit. Dundee host Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. The former have been unfazed by life in a higher division and I tip them to come out on top against their fierce rivals.
Pools info: Wigan v Ipswich (match No 19 on the coupon) will be judged by the pools panel while Partick v St Mirren (No 49) is void.
Ten draws: Sunderland v Tottenham, Blackpool v Wolves, Charlton v Watford, Huddersfield v Middlesbrough, Bradford City v Swindon, Sheffield United v Rochdale, Accrington v AFC Wimbledon, Luton v Cheltenham, Dundee United v Hamilton.
Best draws: Blackpool v Wolves, Charlton v Watford, Huddersfield v Middlesbrough, Accrington v AFC Wimbledon, Luton v Cheltenham.
Best weekend away bets: Wigan, MK Dons, Fleetwood, Preston, Oxford, Hearts.
Best weekend home bets: Manchester United, Stoke, Ipswich, Reading, Chesterfield, Crewe, Leyton Orient, Peterborough, Hartlepool, Kilmarnock.
Pick of the draws: Blackpool are one of only two Football League clubs yet to collect a point this season, yet recent performances in the Championship have given their fans a glimmer of hope. Provided the team refuse to be downhearted, they have every chance of salvaging something from their home encounter with high-flying Wolves. Charlton's rise has been one of the talking points of the season but their 100 per cent home record could be dented by Watford, who are doing even better. Huddersfield, who have a new manager in former Charlton boss Chris Powell, should be capable of taking a point from the visit of Middlesbrough. AFC Wimbledon's away record is keeping them in the top half of League Two but they won't have things all their own way at Accrington, who gained their first victory of the season last Saturday. Cheltenham are the surprise leaders of League Two, unbeaten in six games. They can extend that sequence at goal-shy Luton.
Away days: Wigan have recovered from a slow start in the Championship and are getting into their stride. They are worth backing at Blackburn, who tend to blow hot and cold. MK Dons, on their day, are a match for anybody, as they showed when thrashing Manchester United in the League Cup, and I expect them to continue their League One progress by beating Barnsley. Fleetwood suffered their first setback of the season when losing at Oldham last Saturday but I believe they will bounce straight back at Crawley, who lost heavily at home to promoted Rochdale. Preston are a confident selection at Walsall, who have yet to prevail this season. The two bottom clubs in League Two, Exeter and Oxford, meet. Oxford played well in holding Southend to a draw last weekend and I've a hunch they will come out on top. Relegated Hearts have maximum points from four matches in the Scottish Championship. It will be a major upset if they slip up against lowly Dumbarton.
Homes sweet homes: A creditable away draw against Derby suggests that Ipswich may be about to turn the corner after a poor start to their Championship season. I'm taking them to overcome Millwall, who are five points and 14 places better off. Unless Crewe, the League One's bottom club, begin picking up points they will be staring relegation in the face. They have a good chance of getting off the mark against their local rivals Port Vale, who have disappointed so far this season. Hartlepool upset the League Two form book by defeating well-placed Shrewsbury last Saturday. They can do the same to Tranmere, who are finding it difficult adapting to life in a lower division.
Pools info: Hull v West Ham (match No 4 on the coupon) has been moved back to Monday and will therefore be judged by the pools panel.
Pools info: I scored eight out of 10 with my home selections last weekend.
Ten draws: Crawley v Rochdale, Oldham v Fleetwood, Stevenage v York, Wycombe v Bury, Braintree v Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster v Gateshead, Bradford PA v Boston, Colwyn Bay v Gainsborough, Greece v Romania, Georgia v Republic of Ireland.
Best draws: Crawley v Rochdale, Stevenage v York, Wycombe v Bury, Braintree v Bristol Rovers, Bradford PA v Boston.
Best weekend away bets: Northampton, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Dartford, Finland, Poland.
Best weekend home bets: Bradford City, Bristol City, Peterborough, Accrington, Barnet, Chester, Eastleigh, Grimsby, AFC Telford, Germany.
Pick of the draws: Rochdale, 3-0 conquerors of Crewe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek, have not been overawed playing in the higher division of League One and there is no reason why they can't take a point from Crawley. York have drawn all five of their League Two matches. Don't be surprised if they make it six in a row against relegated Stevenage, who are struggling to adjust to life in a lower division. Wycombe and Bury, who face each other on Saturday, have started the season well and occupy the play-off positions. It's difficult to separate them. In the Vanarama Conference, Bristol Rovers gained a morale-boosting win over promotion contenders FC Halifax last weekend. That should give them the confidence to share the spoils with mid-table Braintree. Bradford PA have maximum points from their three home matches in Vanarama North but I'm taking third-placed Boston to halt their progress.
Away days: Northampton look as though they are going to be contesting promotion from League Two and victory at Dagenham & Redbridge will enhance those claims. Shrewsbury are among the early League Two front-runners, unbeaten in the league so far. They are well worth backing at lowly Hartlepool. Plymouth are due an away success and it may come at Luton, who have not begun the season as they would have liked. Dartford travel to Altrincham, who are in the bottom four of the Vanarama Conference. I reckon that Altrincham will stay there after Dartford have gone away with the points on Saturday. The European Championship qualifiers start at the weekend. Finland and Poland should confirm their superiority over Faroe Islands and Gibraltar respectively.
Homes sweet homes: Although Accrington are bottom of League Two they played well when narrowly beaten at Bury last Saturday and I fancy them to upset the form book against Tranmere. I forecast another surprise at Chester, who host better-placed Macclesfield in the Vanarama Conference. I've a hunch Chester will raise their game against their near and fierce rivals and record their first home victory of the season. In a battle of the Conference strugglers, I'm taking AFC Telford to make ground advantage count against Dover.
Pools info: Barnsley v Doncaster (No 1 on coupon), Chesterfield v Swindon (4), Crewe v Notts County (7), Leyton Orient v Preston (8), Sheffield United v MK Dons (11) and Newport v Cambridge (21) will be decided by the pools panel. Coventry v Gillingham (5) is void as it is being played on Friday.
Ten draws: Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland, Tottenham v Liverpool, Sheffield Wednesday v Nottingham Forest, Fleetwood v Leyton Orient, Notts County v Bristol City, Preston v Sheffield United, Swindon v Coventry, Tranmere v Morecambe, York v Wycombe, Aberdeen v Partick.
Best draws: Tottenham v Liverpool, Sheffield Wednesday v Nottingham Forest, Notts County v Bristol City, Preston v Sheffield United, Swindon v Coventry.
Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Cardiff, Bolton, Peterborough, Barnsley, Stirling.
Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Brighton, Derby, Millwall, Watford, Doncaster, Gillingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Hamilton.
Pick of the draws: Premier League leaders Tottenham have got off to a flyer but Liverpool will want to recover quickly from their defeat at Manchester City on Monday. New signing Mario Balotelli, the Italian striker, is expected to make his debut and will also be eager to make a good first impression. Two of the League's most in-form sides, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, meet in the Championship at Hillsborough. Neither has lost a game so far and I believe that will still be the case after Saturday. Notts County had a marvellous 2-0 win at Port Vale in League One last weekend and are expected to make life tough for promotion contenders Bristol City. Nigel Clough's Sheffield United are steadily climbing the table after a false start and their confidence got a further boost when they knocked West Ham out of the League Cup. I'm taking them to come away from Preston with a point. The feel-good factor has returned to Coventry with the news that they are going back to their old ground. That should put a spring in their step for the trip to Swindon.
Away days: Chelsea have looked formidably good in their opening two Premier League matches and they can make it a hat-trick of victories at Everton, who are in the habit of conceding late goals. Cardiff are expected to challenge strongly for promotion from League One and should account for Fulham, who are pointless. Bolton have been struggling in the Championship but so have Saturday's opponents Leeds, where the club seems in turmoil. The Lancashire side are worth a punt at Elland Road. High-riding Peterborough had a fine win at Bradford City in League One and must be fancied at lowly Colchester. Relegated Barnsley are starting to find their feet and ought to be too strong for Yeovil. Stirling scored five at Stenhousemuir in the Scottish League One last weekend but they probably won't need as many goals to defeat bottom club Airdrieonians.
Homes sweet homes: Brighton will be feeling much better after two consecutive victories and I believe they will beat the higher-placed Charlton, even though the Londoners have started their Championship campaign in great style. Oxford are the only team in League Two without a point but they were unlucky against Portsmouth last Saturday and against West Bromwich Albion in the League Cup when they were only eliminated after a penalty shoot-out. I'm backing them to get off the mark against Dagenham & Redbridge. Mid-table Plymouth are also worth supporting against promotion contenders Southend, who are prone to the occasional lapse.
Ten draws: Aston Villa v Newcastle, Crystal Palace v West Ham, Blackburn v Bournemouth, Ipswich v Norwich, Wolves v Cardiff, Bradford City v Peterborough, Accrington v Luton, Carlisle v Southend, Northampton v Shrewsbury, Stevenage v Wycombe.
Best draws: Crystal Palace v West Ham, Blackburn v Bournemouth, Ipswich v Norwich, Wolves v Cardiff, Northampton v Shrewsbury.
Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster, York, Burton, Portsmouth.
Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Southampton, Swansea, Derby, Wigan, Barnsley, Preston, Sheffield United, Swindon, Tranmere.
Pick of the draws: West Ham were a little unlucky to lose to Tottenham last Saturday and can gain a point at Crystal Palace, who are having to adjust to the sudden departure of manager Tony Pulis. Championship sides Blackburn and Bournemouth won on Saturday but lost in midweek. They seem to be two evenly matched teams and a draw is the likeliest result. Norwich have made a statement of intent with two consecutive home victories and I expect them to hold fierce rivals Ipswich at Portman Road. Relegated Cardiff are among the early front-runners in the Championship. They should improve their promotion prospects by denying Wolves three points at Molineux. Shrewsbury have made an encouraging start to their League Two campaign, which they can continue at Northampton.
Away days: Manchester United's home defeat by Swansea was one of the biggest surprises of the opening weekend. It's hard to see them playing so poorly again and I'm taking them to bounce back with victory at Sunderland on Sunday. Sheffield Wednesday have started well in the Championship and are worth a punt at Middlesbrough, who tend to blow hot and cold. In League One, Doncaster should be backed at Colchester, who will probably be fighting relegation. League Two looks good for away wins. York are recommended at off-form Exeter and it is difficult to ignore the chances of second-placed Burton at struggling Newport. Finally, Portsmouth are thriving under manager Andy Awford and are fancied to keep Oxford pointless.
Homes sweet homes: Southampton, despite being weakened by numerous sales in the close season, were impressive and unlucky in defeat at Liverpool last Sunday and will approach their Premier League fixture against West Bromwich Albion with confidence. League One Barnsley have picked up after a shaky start to the season and I'm taking them to get off the mark at home by overcoming Gillingham. A midweek away win at Wycombe was just the boost relegated Tranmere needed and I believe they'll follow that up when they host Cheltenham.
Pools info: Manchester City v Liverpool (match No 6 on the coupon) is being played on Monday and is subject to a panel verdict.
