Pools tips for weekend of February 22-23

Ten draws: Cardiff v Hull, Chelsea v Everton, West Ham v Southampton, Bolton v Watford, Charlton v QPR, Middlesbrough v Leeds, Oldham v Gillingham, Exeter v Rochdale, Mansfield v Fleetwood, Kilmarnock v Hibernian.

Best draws: Cardiff v Hull, Chelsea v Everton, Bolton v Watford, Oldham v Gillingham, Mansfield v Fleetwood.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Millwall, Peterborough, Hartlepool, Dundee.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Liverpool, West Bromwich, Blackpool, Derby, Bradford City, Leyton Orient, Walsall, Newport, York.


Pick of the draws: Cardiff have regressed since sacking Malky Mackay. Second bottom of the Premier League, I cannot see them taking more than a point from their home match against Steve Bruce's Hull. Leaders Chelsea were soundly beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend and it may have affected their confidence. Everton have lost only three matches on the road this season and they are well equipped to frustrate the Londoners. Bolton and Watford are the draw specialists of the Championship. Bolton have drawn nine times at home; Watford nine times away. Don't be surprised if both teams make it 10 on Saturday. Oldham and Gillingham, who meet at Boundary Park, seem destined for mid-table finishes in League One and there is little to choose between them. League Two Mansfield played better than their 3-0 defeat at Oxford suggested last weekend and I fancy they will hinder Fleetwood's promotion hopes.

Away days: Manchester United have been unlucky recently. I believe they will put that right at Crystal Palace, who are still in the Premier League relegation mix. The fact that Newcastle are on a downer should give Aston Villa all the encouragement they need. Villa are more effective away from home anyway and are worth a punt for maximum points. Championship strugglers Millwall have won only once on their travels this season but they will probably add to that at Barnsley, who are in danger of being cut adrift. In League One, Peterborough can celebrate reaching the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final with victory at bottom club Stevenage. Hartlepool are not out of the play-off reckoning in League Two. They will surely further their cause by winning at Northampton, who are effectively six points from safety. Scottish Championship leaders Dundee are a confident selection to triumph at Cowdenbeath, who have already lost eight home fixtures.

Homes sweet homes: It's anybody's guess what on earth is going on at Fulham, who prop up the Premier League table. Like Newcastle, they are in turmoil and I make their opponents, West Bromwich Albion, one of the best home bets of the weekend. There are signs that Blackpool are starting to halt their slide down the Championship table. They could have had three points at Ipswich last Saturday and I believe they will see off Birmingham. League One Bradford City gained their first win in 14 games by defeating Port Vale in midweek and I think they will leave MK Dons empty-handed as well. York are one of the most improved sides in League Two and capable of beating a fading Southend.


Pools info: Dundee United v Motherwell (match No 46 on the coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.