Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 2-3

Ten draws: Everton v Tottenham, Birmingham v Brentford, Burnley v Ipswich, Middlesbrough v Derby, Barnsley v Millwall, Chesterfield v Shrewsbury, Southend v Doncaster, Carlisle v Plymouth, Yeovil v York, Dundee v Dundee United.

Best draws: Everton v Tottenham, Birmingham v Brentford, Burnley v Ipswich, Barnsley v Millwall, Dundee v Dundee United.

Best weekend away bets: Stoke, Nottingham Forest, Coventry, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ross, Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Norwich, Leeds, Preston, Sheffield United, Walsall, Mansfield, Portsmouth, Wycombe, Morton.


Pick of the draws: Tottenham, beaten only once away in the Premier League this season and lying third, cannot be ruled out of the title race. They visit free-scoring Everton, who are mid-table but have been playing better than their results suggest. This looks one of the best scoring draws on the coupon. Birmingham ended a run of poor home form in the Championship with a narrow win against MK Dons last Monday. They'll probably find Brentford a more difficult proposition. The Bees are thriving under new manager Dean Smith and their latest victory was away at Reading. Nobody in the division has recorded more away wins than Ipswich's seven. That should serve them well at Burnley, who returned to form with a 4-0 trouncing of Bristol City last Monday. Millwall's 4-0 away success at Southend in League One was one of the surprises of the holiday period but Barnsley, their hosts on Saturday, are fighting hard to avoid relegation and could hold them. Although Dundee United are rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, local pride should come into play when they face Dundee on Saturday and I won't be surprised if they take a point.

Away days: Consecutive Premier League wins over Manchester United (home) and Everton (away), the latter in a high-scoring thriller, will have put Stoke in great heart and they are capable of making it a holiday hat-trick at West Bromwich Albion. Nottingham Forest gained a creditable Championship point at Cardiff in midweek and I believe they'll go one better at Charlton, who find themselves in the bottom three. League One promotion contenders Coventry must be fancied at Crewe, who have averaged only a goal a game and whose home form is wretched. League Two strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge, fresh from their fine 3-1 triumph at Stevenage, are worth a punt at ailing Exeter. In the Scottish Premiership, Ross seem to have the edge on Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hearts look too strong for lowly Kilmarnock.

Homes sweet homes: Norwich, 2-0 winners over Aston Villa, are fighting hard to avoid the Premier League relegation zone and could upset Southampton, whose only success in the past month came on Boxing Day against Arsenal. Sheffield United moved closer to the League One play-off positions by defeating Bradford City 3-1 last Monday and I think they'll follow that up by overcoming  Peterborough, unexpected 2-0 losers at Blackpool. A lack of recent action in League Two (two postponed matches) has probably left promotion-seeking Accrington a bit rusty. That's why I'm backing Mansfield to beat them.

Pools info:  Brighton v Wolves (No 13 on coupon) and Queens Park Rangers v Hull (21) are being played on Friday and are therefore void.

Pools tips and best bets for December 28-31

Ten draws: Everton v Stoke, Watford v Tottenham, Charlton v Wolves, Leeds v Derby, Barnsley v Blackpool, Scunthorpe v Rochdale, Sheffield United v Bradford City, Bristol Rovers v Leyton Orient, Northampton v Accrington, Notts County v Morecambe.

Best draws: Watford v Tottenham, Charlton v Wolves, Leeds v Derby, Barnsley v Blackpool, Sheffield United v Bradford City.

Best away bets for Dec 28-31: Liverpool, Coventry, Wigan, Doncaster, Plymouth, Inverness.

Best home bets for Dec 28-31: Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Bolton, Burnley, Preston, Crewe, Gillingham, Mansfield, Stevenage, Wycombe.


Pick of the draws: Watford have been the most successful of the three clubs promoted to the Premier League and their 3-0 home victory over Liverpool last Sunday showed that they are not to be taken lightly. They face Tottenham, who returned to winning ways at Southampton last Saturday after an unexpected lapse at home to Newcastle. Although Spurs have lost only twice in the league this season, they will be given a thorough test at Vicarage Road. Wolves have slipped up so often in the Championship recently that they cannot be sure of prevailing at Charlton, who find themselves in the relegation zone. There are signs that Leeds are finally getting into their stride, which is probably just as well as they are facing promotion favourites Derby, who won 1-0 at Ipswich last weekend. Put your money on a scoring draw. Blackpool's 2-0 home win over in-form Peterborough last weekend confirmed their marked improvement and they should get something from their visit to League One strugglers Barnsley. Sheffield United and Bradford City hover just outside the play-off places and it is hard to separate them.

Away days: Liverpool have had mixed results under new manager Jurgen Klopp but they will be disappointed not to come away from Sunderland with three points as Sam Allardyce's team face an uphill fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League. League One promotion hopefuls Coventry will fancy their chances at Chesterfield, who have lost seven home games this season, and high-flying Wigan will be just as confident at Fleetwood. Manager Darren Ferguson has given Doncaster a new lease of life and they can continue climbing the League One table with a win at relegation-haunted Oldham. Plymouth regained top spot in League Two by beating Hartlepool 2-1 away. That was their seventh victory on the road this season and they should make it eight at Newport.  Inverness Caledonian Thistle are worth a punt at Hamilton, who have fallen out of the top half of the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Bolton, the Championship's bottom club, will give their fans some Christmas cheer by defeating Lancashire rivals Blackburn. Bolton showed plenty of fighting spirit in a 2-2 draw against Fulham last Saturday and need to repeat that. Ten-man Preston were desperately unlucky to lose at Leeds last Sunday and they could upset promotion-seeking Hull, who may suffer an adverse reaction from their surprise 2-0 loss at lowly Rotherham. Crewe have had few successes on their own ground this season but I believe they will start to put that right against Shrewsbury, who are just above the League One relegation zone.

Pools tips and best bets for Dec 19-20 and 26-27

                                        December 19-20

Ten draws: Southampton v Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion v Bournemouth, Leeds v Preston, Nottingham Forest v MK Dons, Barnsley v Wigan, Millwall v Gillingham, Hartlepool v Plymouth, Northampton v Portsmouth, Gateshead v Woking, FC Halifax v Tranmere.

Best draws: West Brom v Bournemouth, Leeds v Preston, Barnsley v Wigan, Northampton v Portsmouth, FC Halifax v Tranmere.

Best away bets: Queens Park Rangers, Hull, Bradford City, Swindon, Bristol Rovers, Aberdeen.

Best home bets: Everton, Brentford, Burnley, Burton, Coventry, Rochdale, Cambridge, Leyton Orient, Newport, Hibernian.


Pick of the draws: Consecutive wins over Chelsea and Manchester United have lifted Bournemouth out of the Premier League relegation zone but their hosts, West Bromwich Albion, have also had some good results recently, beating Arsenal and drawing at Liverpool. Preston's recovery in the Championship has been built around a sound defence. They have conceded less than a goal a game, so are well equipped to gain a point at Leeds, who have struggled at home. Barnsley hauled themselves off the foot of League One with a 3-2 victory at Colchester last Saturday but they face a tougher test against Wigan, who are among the promotion candidates. Full credit to Northampton for surging to the top of League Two despite their financial troubles. However, their progress may be halted by Portsmouth, who have lost only twice in the league this season and are just three points off the automatic promotion positions. FC Halifax, battling to escape relegation from the National League, could get something from the visit of Tranmere, for whom little is going right.

Away days: Queens Park Rangers, under new manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, fought back from two goals down to draw at home with high-riding Brighton in midweek. That result should put them in good heart for their visit to Bristol City, who won promotion last season but have found life difficult in the Championship. Promotion contenders Hull have won their past two matches and appear to have too much for lowly Rotherham. Bradford City are aiming for at least a play-off place in League One and maximum points against ailing Chesterfield will help them to achieve this. Things are looking up for one-time relegation candidates Swindon and they are worth supporting at Shrewsbury, who have lost six at home. Bristol Rovers' away record commands respect in League Two and they will be confident of success at third from bottom Dagenham & Redbridge, who were taken to extra time in the FA Cup by non-League Whitehawk in midweek. In the Scottish Premiership, second-placed Aberdeen should confirm their superiority over second last Kilmarnock.

Homes sweet homes: Premier League leaders Leicester keep confounding everybody but their visit to Everton on Saturday is fraught with danger. Some of Everton's football recently has been exceptional and they should be higher in the table than they are. A repeat of those performances could see them become only the second team to beat Leicester in the league this season. Shaun Derry's appointment as manager seems to have revived Cambridge, who are climbing League Two and won at Plymouth last weekend. They are worth a punt against higher-placed Mansfield. Fourth from bottom Newport have also improved markedly and I'm taking them to defeat middle-of-the-table AFC Wimbledon.


Pools info: Braintree v Wrexham (No 39 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.


                                   December 26-27


Ten draws: Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Blackburn v Middlesbrough, Ipswich v Queens Park Rangers, Rotherham v Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday v Birmingham, Swindon v Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon v Bristol Rovers, Crawley v Stevenage, Luton v Wycombe, Morecambe v Mansfield.

Best draws: Blackburn v Middlesbrough, Rotherham v Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday v Birmingham, Crawley v Stevenage, Morecambe v Mansfield.

Best away bets: Arsenal, Leeds, Cambridge, Notts County, Northampton, Motherwell.

Best home bets: Tottenham, Bristol City, Derby, Wolves, Blackpool, Doncaster, Oxford, Plymouth, Aberdeen, Arbroath.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Dec 12-13

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Manchester United, Sunderland v Watford, Cardiff v Sheffield Wednesday, Derby v Brighton, Sheffield United v Coventry, Accrington v Wycombe, Morecambe v Exeter, Notts County v Newport, Oxford v Carlisle, Hamilton v Ross.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Manchester United, Cardiff v Sheffield Wednesday, Accrington v Wycombe, Notts County v Newport, Oxford v Carlisle.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Stoke, Brentford, Ipswich, Barnsley, Walsall.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Tottenham, Hull, Preston, Bury, Doncaster, Swindon, Wigan, Bristol Rovers, Yeovil.


Pick of the draws: Bournemouth are on a high after their 1-0 win at Chelsea last Saturday whereas Manchester United are down in the dumps following their failure to beat West Ham at home and their early exit from the Champions League. Cardiff moved into the Championship play-off positions with their 3-2 victory at Bolton last weekend but Sheffield Wednesday, their visitors, are made of sterner stuff and have already drawn four times on the road this season. League Two looks a good place for draws this weekend. Wycombe's 2-1 triumph at Millwall was probably the best FA Cup result of last weekend and they will be a tough test for fourth-placed Accrington. Lowly Newport are playing much better under new manager John Sheridan. They knocked Barnet out of the FA Cup last Saturday and look good for a share of the spoils at Notts County. Sixth-placed Carlisle have made spectacular progress over the past two months and I rate their chances of a point at leaders Oxford.

Away days: Although Arsenal have faltered away from home recently (losing at West Bromwich Albion, drawing at Norwich), they are unlikely to stumble at bottom club Aston Villa, who are in danger of being cut off from the rest of the Premier League. Stoke were hugely impressive when defeating Manchester City 2-0 at home last Saturday. Their away record commands respect as well and I fancy them at West Ham, who are not as effective on their own ground. In the Championship, Brentford, now under the managership of former Walsall chief Dean Smith, should be backed at manager-less Fulham and Ipswich can prevail at MK Dons, who are fighting relegation, having lost five matches at home. Barnsley, bottom of League One, are worth a punt at Colchester, who have slipped perilously close to the relegation zone, and promotion-seeking Walsall ought to have too much knowhow for Fleetwood.

Homes sweet homes: Preston have a good opportunity to improve their dismal home record in the Championship against Reading, who have sacked their manager Steve Clarke and seem to be on a downward spiral. Preston's unexpected 2-0 success at Burnley last Saturday won't have done them any harm either. League One strugglers Swindon will have been greatly encouraged by their 4-0 away win against Chesterfield two weeks ago and I think they will follow that up by beating mid-table Rochdale. Yeovil, bottom of League Two, are in desperate need of points and I believe they will get them against Barnet, who appear to have slipped back into their bad old ways. Yeovil also defeated fellow League Two strugglers Stevenage in the FA Cup last weekend.


Pools info: Leicester v Chelsea (No 4 on coupon) is being judged by the pools panel while Blackburn v Rotherham (11) and Wolves v Nottingham Forest (22) are void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of December 5-6

Ten draws: Swansea v Leicester, Watford v Norwich, Bristol City v Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Ross v St Johnstone, Real Sociedad v Eibar, Sporting Dijon v Las Palmas, Torino v Roma, Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund.

Best draws: Swansea v Leicester, Bristol City v Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Ross v St Johnstone.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Tottenham, Wolves, Port Vale, Eastleigh, Carlisle.

Best weekend home bets: Southampton, Bolton, Brentford, Brighton, Burnley, Dundee, Hearts, Leyton Orient, Sheffield United, Peterborough.


Pick of the draws: Swansea's directors appear to have lost faith in manager Garry Monk, although his players still seem on board. There's no denying that the Welsh club are going through a dodgy spell but I won't be surprised if they check Leicester's Premier League charge. Promoted Bristol City have struggled to adjust to the higher demands of the Championship and will be hard-pushed to beat Blackburn, who are showing encouraging signs under new manager Paul Lambert. Derby's 2-0 victory at Hull last Friday was one of the best results of the weekend and strengthened their promotion claims. However, they may have to settle for a point against Sheffield Wednesday, whose confidence has been considerably boosted by that League Cup triumph over Arsenal. Dundee United's wretched season in the Scottish Premiership continued with a 2-1 home loss to Hamilton last Saturday but they could nick something at Kilmarnock, who crashed 5-2 at home to Partick and are looking increasingly fragile. St Johnstone have not drawn an away game this season but I believe that sequence will end at Ross, who have yet to draw at home.

Away days: The Klopp effect is proving beneficial to Liverpool, who should edge nearer the Premier League's top four by beating Newcastle on Sunday. If Liverpool play half as well as they did when trouncing Manchester City away it will be no contest. Newcastle's 5-1 hiding at Crystal Palace last Saturday left them in the relegation mire and manager Steve McClaren seems powerless to do anything about it. Tottenham are putting pressure on the division's front-runners and will fancy their chances of maximum points at mid-table West Bromwich Albion. Wolves' results in the Championship have been a letdown this season and they will want to make some amends by beating second from bottom Rotherham. My other three aways are in the second round of the FA Cup. I expect on-form Port Vale to be too strong for Exeter and for National League promotion contenders Eastleigh to prevail at fellow non-Leaguers Stourbridge. League Two high-flyers Carlisle look a sound bet at Welling.

Homes sweet homes: Cash-strapped Bolton, rock bottom of the Championship and with only one league win to their name this season, have a puncher's chance against Cardiff, who have won only once on the road. By all accounts Bolton had the better of their 1-1 home draw with Brentford on Monday and manager Neil Lennon will be looking for further improvement. In the Scottish Premiership, mid-table Dundee are worth a punt against Aberdeen, who although lying second, have little or no chance of catching Celtic. I sense an FA Cup upset at League Two Leyton Orient, who host League One Scunthorpe on Saturday. Orient can beat the best on their day while Scunthorpe's morale has probably been damaged by that 4-0 home defeat to Peterborough last weekend.


Pools info: Ipswich v Middlesbrough (No 17 on coupon) and Reading v Queen's Park Rangers (20) are void while Everton v Crystal Palace (3) and Espanyol v Levante (31) will be judged by the pools panel. I correctly forecast five draws last week and three of my five best draws.

Betting info: I got five out of six aways last weekend. Watford, Middlesbrough, Oxford, Accrington and Cheltenham all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 28-29

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Cardiff v Burnley, Queens Park Rangers v Leeds, Blackpool v Fleetwood, Millwall v Bury, Rochdale v Port Vale, Shrewsbury v Gillingham, Southend v Wigan, Barnet v Mansfield, Wycombe v Portsmouth.

Best draws: Cardiff v Burnley, Millwall v Bury, Shrewsbury v Gillingham, Barnet v Mansfield, Wycombe v Portsmouth.

Best weekend away bets: Watford, Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Oxford, Accrington, Cheltenham.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Blackburn, Fulham, Wolves, Burton, Coventry, Carlisle, Stevenage, Queen's Park.


Pick of the draws: Relegated Burnley are looking good for an instant return to the Premier League and will be confident of at least a point at Cardiff. Millwall and Bury suffered surprising midweek defeats in League One but both are genuine promotion contenders. Bury have been more effective away and they can force a draw at The Den. Shrewsbury's 4-2 midweek away win at Sheffield United was as unexpected as it was praiseworthy. A repeat of that form will enable them to share the spoils with second-placed Gillingham. Mansfield's defence has been mostly responsible for their rise in League Two but their trip to Barnet will probably be harder than it looks. Promotion-seeking Portsmouth have been at their best on the road in League Two but they will have their work cut out at Wycombe, who also have their sights set on going up.

Away days: Watford have two away victories to their credit in the Premier League this season and will fancy making it three at bottom club Aston Villa, who are without a win at home and in a desperate state. Nothing went right for title challengers Arsenal, beaten at West Bromwich Albion last Saturday. It was one of those freakish days which is unlikely to repeat itself at lowly Norwich on Sunday. Middlesbrough's stingy defence - only 12 goals conceded in 17 matches - should serve them well at Huddersfield in the Championship. Oxford's chief gains in League Two have come away from home and I expect them to enhance their promotion challenge by defeating Hartlepool. High-flying Accrington will be disappointed not to get maximum points at York, who crashed 6-0 to Portsmouth in midweek. National League leaders Cheltenham have lost only two of 22 league games this season. I can't see them slipping up at Aldershot.

Homes sweet homes: The appointment of Paul Lambert as manager spurred Blackburn to a 2-1 success at Preston in the Championship last Saturday. I believe they will win again this weekend, this time at the expense of League Cup quarter-finalists Sheffield Wednesday. Stevenage, fresh from their first away triumph of the season at Bristol Rovers, look capable of climbing the League Two table and I'm taking them to beat ailing Morecambe. I'm going for an upset in the third round of the Scottish Cup and having a punt on Queen's Park, from League Two, to knock out Forfar, from League One.


Pools info: I correctly forecast six draws last weekend. The six were Swansea v Bournemouth, MK Dons v Fulham, Walsall v Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon v Wycombe, Carlisle v Portsmouth and Stevenage v Luton. I also scored three out of five with my best draws: the games at MK Dons, Carlisle and Stevenage.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 21-22

Ten draws: Newcastle v Leicester, Swansea v Bournemouth, MK Dons v Fulham, Port Vale v Chesterfield, Walsall v Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon v Wycombe, Carlisle v Portsmouth, Stevenage v Luton, Aldershot v Wrexham, Eastleigh v Grimsby.

Best draws: MK Dons v Fulham, Carlisle v Portsmouth, Stevenage v Luton, Aldershot v Wrexham, Eastleigh v Grimsby.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Peterborough, Swindon, Bradford City, St Johnstone, Falkirk.

Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Everton, Birmingham, Burnley, Leeds, Millwall, Wigan, Barnet, Newport, Braintree.


Pick of the draws: MK Dons, who are just above the relegation zone in the Championship and clearly out of sorts, are tipped to gain a valuable point against mid-table Fulham, who sacked their manager Kit Symons after a 5-2 home defeat by Birmingham. A lack of goals has seen Portsmouth drop out of the automatic promotion places in League Two. They won't find it easy to regain their scoring touch at Carlisle, who have recovered well from their early-season troubles. Although Stevenage are at the wrong end of the table, you can't fault their spirit. This should serve them well when they clash with  fierce rivals Luton at the Lamex Stadium. Wrexham must improve their away form if they are to gain promotion from the National League. They ought to get something from their visit to Aldershot, who are up one minute and down the next. Eastleigh and Grimsby fill two of the four play-off places and as both are playing really well it is difficult to separate them.

Away days: Arsenal's away record is the best in the Premier League and with their injury problems clearing up, it is hard to see them faltering at West Bromwich Albion, who have struggled on their own ground. Peterborough have surged into promotion contention in League One and are an obvious choice at bottom club Crewe, who have failed to score in four of their past five matches. Lowly Swindon will be boosted by the appointment of Martin Ling as manager and are worth a punt at Fleetwood, who have dropped below them. Phil Parkinson's Bradford City are on a roll and could climb into the play-off places by beating Scunthorpe. St Johnstone are one of the better sides in the Scottish Premiership and must be backed at Dundee United, who have collected only eight points all season. Falkirk, an outside bet for promotion to the top flight, should strengthen their claims with victory at Queen of the South.

Homes sweet homes: The international break has probably helped out-of-sorts Chelsea and I believe they will kick-start their Premier League recovery by beating promoted Norwich at Stamford Bridge. Promotion-seeking Burnley are formidable at Turf Moor and I'm taking them to end Brighton's magnificent unbeaten run of 16 games in the Championship. Barnet's home record stands up in League Two, so don't be surprised if they add Morecambe to their list of victims. The visitors are  reeling from their midweek home FA Cup exit by bottom club Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 14-15

Ten draws: Blackpool v Doncaster, Gillingham v Bury, Rochdale v Wigan, Exeter v Crawley, Luton v Barnet, Barrow v Torquay, Forest Green v Dover, Woking v Macclesfield, Morton v Queen of the South, Airdrieonians v Dunfermline.

Best draws: Blackpool v Doncaster, Gillingham v Bury, Exeter v Crawley, Luton v Barnet, Woking v Macclesfield.

Best weekend away bets: Scunthorpe, Leyton Orient, Stevenage, Eastleigh, Tranmere, Cheltenham.

Best weekend home bets: Barnsley, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Accrington, Oxford, Boreham Wood, Bromley, Grimsby, Falkirk, Ayr.


Pick of the draws: League One strugglers Blackpool will be disheartened by their FA Cup first-round exit at Barnet last Saturday and it is doubtful whether they will gain more than a point from the visit of Darren Ferguson's Doncaster. Bury's away record, as well as their form, is impressive and I believe they will hold Gillingham, who suffered a surprising away defeat by League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup last weekend. Crawley have pulled clear of the League Two relegation zone on the back of some good away results. They can add to that at Exeter, who are up and down like a yo-yo. Barnet are one of the in-form sides in the division and will not fear a trip to Luton, who have regularly flopped at home. Woking's promotion challenge in the National League is fast fading, whereas Macclesfield, their visitors, appear to be on the upgrade.

Away days: Scunthorpe are probably the most improved team in League One and are favourites to inflict another defeat on lowly Swindon. Leyton Orient scored six against non-League Staines in the FA Cup last weekend and will be confident of hitting the target again on Sunday at Hartlepool, who have struggled since the opening weeks of the season. Stevenage are yet to win away but they could put that right against second from bottom Yeovil. Eastleigh, gunning for promotion from the National League and conquerors of League One Crewe in the FA Cup last Saturday, will fancy their chances of another victory at mid-table Guiseley. Tranmere's away form is keeping them in the promotion hunt and they are worth backing at Lincoln. Free-scoring Cheltenham are the new National League leaders and will surely prevail at relegation-threatened Southport.

Homes sweet homes: League One toilers Barnsley ended a long losing run with a midweek victory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. I've a hunch they will win again on Saturday at the expense of an inconsistent Port Vale. Oldham, 19th in League One, have remarkably not lost away this season but Chesterfield, their hosts on Saturday, are in the mood and form to spoil that record. Boreham Wood, who are just above the National League relegation zone, gained an unexpected midweek success at promotion-challenging Bromley, so don't be surprised if they collect another three points against Chester FC.


Pools info: Burton v Millwall (No 4 on coupon), Shrewsbury v Walsall (11), Morecambe v Dagenham & Redbridge (18), Wycombe v Notts County (23), Hibernian v Livingston (38), Raith v St Mirren (40), Rangers v Dumbarton (41) and Peterhead v Stranraer (45) will be adjudicated by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of November 7-8

Ten draws: Norwich v Swansea, West Ham v Everton, Cardiff v Reading, Huddersfield v Leeds, Hull v Middlesbrough, Aberdeen v Dundee United, Stranraer v Stenhousemuir, Arbroath v East Fife, Berwick v Stirling, Celta Vigo v Valencia.

Best draws: Norwich v Swansea, West Ham v Everton, Hull v Middlesbrough, Stranraer v Stenhousemuir, Berwick v Stirling.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Southampton, Ipswich, Hibernian, Forest Green, Cheltenham.

Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, Manchester United, Brighton, Fulham, Mansfield, Dundee, Hearts, Albion, Dunfermline, Clyde.


Pick of the draws: Norwich are sliding towards the Premier League relegation zone but they came agonisingly close to a point at Manchester City last Saturday. They should be encouraged by that and I can see them holding Swansea, who are also on a downward spiral. Despite their sixth placing, West Ham's home form is only average while Everton, their visitors on Saturday, have lost only once away. This looks one of the best scoring draws on the 49-game coupon. Hull are the new Championship leaders, conceding just eight goals so far this season and with two consecutive away victories behind them. They host fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough, whose defensive record is almost as good (nine conceded). A draw is the likeliest outcome here and don't be surprised if it is goalless. Stranraer, fighting relegation from Scottish League One, won't be overly optimistic about their match against Stenhousemuir, who last Saturday fought back from three goals down against Peterhead to win 4-3. Berwick are having only a moderate season in Scottish League Two, so Stirling will be hopeful of at least a point from this fixture.

Away days: Manchester City, at Aston Villa on Sunday, looks an away banker to end all away bankers. Premier League leaders City are justifiably title favourites and also had a good result in Europe in midweek. In stark contrast, Villa are bottom and without a home win this season. What a daunting introduction to English football for their new manager Remi Garde. Southampton are hitting their stride after early-season difficulties and are recommended at lowly Sunderland, who lapsed into their bad old ways when losing 6-2 at Everton last Sunday. Ipswich ended their slump in form in midweek and must be fancied to prevail at Rotherham, who are bottom of the Championship. Hibernian, second in the Scottish Championship, inflicted Rangers' first league defeat of the season last weekend and appear too strong for St Mirren. I'm taking non-League sides Forest Green and Cheltenham to provide two of the upsets in the FA Cup first round. Forest Green, the National League leaders, have a fighting chance at AFC Wimbledon and second-placed Cheltenham won't fear a trip to off-form Hartlepool.

Homes sweet homes: Mid-table Fulham have shown much more enterprise in the Championship recently, including four goals against Reading and Bristol City respectively. I believe they will beat the better placed Birmingham, who are experiencing a rough patch. Mansfield are exceeding expectations in League Two and deserve to be among the promotion contenders. They host Oldham, struggling in League One, in the FA Cup first round and have a good chance of knocking them out. A midweek Scottish Cup second-round exit at the hands of non-League Lothian Thistle won't have done much for the confidence of Montrose, so my money's on Clyde in Saturday's League two fixture.

Pools info: Las Palmas v Real Sociedad (No 47 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Oct 31-Nov 1

Ten draws: Chelsea v Liverpool, West Bromwich v Leicester, Ipswich v Cardiff, Coventry v Peterborough, Doncaster v Colchester, Fleetwood v Chesterfield, Southend v Rochdale, Newport v Northampton, Hamilton v St Johnstone, Kilmarnock v Motherwell.

Best draws: Chelsea v Liverpool, West Bromwich v Leicester, Coventry v Peterborough, Fleetwood v Chesterfield, Newport v Northampton.

Best weekend away bets: Hull, Sheffield United, Burton, Oxford, Ross, Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Newcastle, Southampton, Derby, Middlesbrough, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall, Wigan, Barnet, Falkirk.


Pick of the draws: Jurgen Klopp began his managerial stint at Liverpool with three draws. Don't be surprised if his team draw again at Chelsea, who are lurching from one setback to another. West Bromwich Albion have climbed into the top half of the Premier League on the back of two good results and won't be intimidated by the visit of Leicester, whose midweek League Cup tie against Hull went to extra time. Although Coventry are one of the favourites for promotion from League One, they face tricky opponents in Peterborough, who have regained their scoring touch under Graham Westley. Fleetwood moved out of the relegation zone, courtesy of a 1-0 victory at Barnsley last Saturday, but they play a Chesterfield team who are better away than at home. League Two strugglers Newport are revitalised after two fine away wins. They host Northampton, who are among the promotion contenders, and there's a good chance that the points will be shared.

Away days: Hull, second in the Championship and in the last eight of the League Cup, must be fancied at MK Dons, who have disappointed this season. League One promotion hopefuls Sheffield United look an away banker at injury-ravaged Crewe, who are rock bottom and cannot buy a result at home. Promotion-seeking Burton returned to form last weekend by beating Port Vale 2-0 at home. I believe they will gain their fifth away win of the season at Oldham, who have only two victories to their credit. High-flying Oxford were surprisingly beaten at home by Barnet last Saturday but their away form is good and I think they'll have too much for lowly Stevenage. In the Scottish Premiership, I'm going for Ross to inflict more pain on bottom club Dundee United and Hearts to prevail at second-from-bottom Partick.

Homes sweet homes: Newcastle had much the better of their derby with Sunderland before Coloccini's sending-off just before half-time last Sunday. Following their 6-2 thrashing of Norwich the previous week, there are signs that Steve McClaren's team are on the upgrade and they are worth a punt to beat inconsistent Stoke. Despite losing 4-2 at Fulham last Saturday, seventh-placed Reading are equipped to end Brighton's long unbeaten run in the Championship. Leaders Brighton are the only side in the top four divisions not to have lost this season but Reading can put a stop to that. Barnet's fortunes have picked up in League Two and I'm taking them to make it three wins in a row at the expense of Exeter, who have five points more.

Pools info: Brentford v Queens Park Rangers (No 10 on coupon), Leeds v Blackburn (15) and Cambridge v Bristol Rovers (35) are all void as the matches are being played before Saturday.                                  

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 24-25

Ten draws: Manchester United v Manchester City, Hull v Birmingham, Nottingham Forest v Ipswich, Barnsley v Fleetwood, Blackpool v Crewe, Shrewsbury v Bury, Exeter v Notts County, Morecambe v Leyton Orient, York v AFC Wimbledon, Hearts v Ross.

Best draws: Manchester United v Manchester City, Hull v Birmingham, Exeter v Notts County, Morecambe v Leyton Orient, Hearts v Ross.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Derby, Wigan, Walsall, Coventry, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Norwich, Brighton, Gillingham, Peterborough, Accrington, Bristol Rovers, Northampton, Brora.


Pick of the draws: I'm taking the coward's way out in the Manchester derby. Manchester United did exceptionally well to win 3-0 at Everton last Saturday while Premier League leaders Manchester City have defeated Bournemouth (5-1) and Sevilla (2-1) at home in the past week. I believe the sides will cancel each other out and City will draw for the first time in 30 matches. Hull and Birmingham, who meet on Saturday, are in fine form in the Championship where they are challenging for promotion. It is difficult to separate them. League Two Notts County won convincingly at Stevenage on the opening day of the season but have done little of note since. But don't rule them out of getting something at Exeter, who are increasingly erratic. Goals are never in short supply at Morecambe and I can see a few being scored when they play Leyton Orient, who are also attack-minded. This is one for the short list if you fancy a high-scoring draw. Ross have defeated some good teams in the Scottish Premiership this season, including one-time leaders Aberdeen last Friday, and are well equipped to deny Hearts victory.

Away days: Tottenham, unbeaten in the Premier League since the first day of the season, should be too strong for promoted Bournemouth, who are having wretched luck with injuries. In the Championship, Derby, who are unbeaten on the road and improving by the week, are worth a punt at Huddersfield. Wigan are steadily climbing League One and could further boost their promotion prospects by winning at Bradford City. Second-placed Walsall recovered from their surprise home defeat by Chesterfield with a midweek victory at Barnsley. You have to fancy their chances at Colchester. Coventry's hopes of promotion have been strengthened by the arrival of former England midfielder Joe Cole. They are expected to register their fourth away success of the season at Swindon, who have dropped into the relegation zone. In the Scottish Championship, I'm taking second-placed Hibernian to end the 100% home record of third-placed Raith.

Homes sweet homes: Aston Villa are second last in the Premier League and in desperate need of their first home win of the season. I believe they will achieve it on Saturday at the expense of Swansea, who are badly off form. As long as Norwich have recovered from the shock of losing 6-2 at Newcastle last Sunday, I think they will have enough to see off West Bromwich Albion, who are finding goals hard to come by. There are some intriguing ties in the second round of the Scottish Cup at the weekend and a few League Two teams are in danger of an early exit. One of them is struggling Arbroath, who travel to Highland League high-flyers Brora, who just missed promotion to the Scottish League last season. Brora can follow up their 6-0 romp against Forres Mechanics last Saturday by knocking out Arbroath.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 17-18

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v West Ham, West Bromwich v Sunderland, Birmingham v Queens Park Rangers, Port Vale v Peterborough, Scunthorpe v Shrewsbury, AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe, Cambridge v Northampton, Notts County v Yeovil, Aldershot v Bromley, Barrow v Welling.

Best draws: West Bromwich v Sunderland, Port Vale v Peterborough, Scunthorpe v Shrewsbury, Cambridge v Northampton, Aldershot v Bromley.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Arsenal, Rotherham, Cardiff, Burton, Portsmouth.

Best weekend home bets: Chelsea, Southampton, Burnley, Ipswich, Reading, Coventry, Walsall, Wigan, Dagenham & Redbridge, Leyton Orient.


Pick of the draws: I suspect Premier League strugglers Sunderland will be less easy to beat now that Sam Allardyce has been appointed manager. Sunderland's hosts on Saturday, West Bromwich Albion, are averaging under a goal a game - one of the reasons why they are hovering just above the relegation zone. I'll be surprised if this match doesn't finish in a low-scoring stalemate. The appointment of Graham Westley as manager has perked up Peterborough, who are climbing towards the League One play-off places. They are certainly playing well enough to share the spoils at Port Vale. Shrewsbury fought back from 2-0 down to beat Colchester 4-2 at home last Saturday and I believe they will come away from Scunthorpe with a point. Although Cambridge lost 3-1 at home to League Two promotion favourites Portsmouth last weekend, they were leading until defender Mark Roberts was sent off at half-time. They should be encouraged by that, and I'm taking them to check Northampton's charge up the table. Promoted Bromley are taking the National League by storm but they probably won't have things all their own way at Aldershot, who are making steady progress.

Away days: The appointment of the former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager has provoked much debate this week. I've a hunch that he will start his career at Anfield with victory at Tottenham, although Spurs have yet to lose at White Hart Lane in the Premier League this season. Arsenal, with three away wins to their credit already and lying second, are a more confident selection at Watford, who have scored only once at Vicarage Road this season. Rotherham, 21st in the Championship, are in better form than Brentford, the side immediately above them. They clash on Saturday and I think Rotherham will emerge triumphant. Manager Russell Slade has done a fine job at Cardiff and they must be fancied to prevail at relegation-troubled Preston. I expect League One promotion challengers Burton to recover quickly from their loss at Walsall by beating ailing Fleetwood while League Two high-flyers Portsmouth look set to gain maximum points at bottom club Newport.

Homes sweet homes: Southampton are really hitting their stride after a dodgy start to their Premier League season. Their 3-1 victory at Chelsea two weeks ago showed what they are capable of and they are well worth a punt against Leicester, who are nevertheless unbeaten on their travels. Dagenham & Redbridge are without a home win this season, which partly explains their second from bottom placing in League Two. However, I believe they will break their duck against Hartlepool, whose early promise had faded. Although Leyton Orient unexpectedly lost at Crawley last weekend, they were down to 10 men for most of the match. The O's are genuine promotion contenders and I'm taking them to return to winning ways when they host third-placed Oxford.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 10-11

Ten draws: Finland v Northern Ireland, Bury v Wigan, Oldham v Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury v Colchester, Swindon v Peterborough, Bristol Rovers v Wycombe, Notts County v Plymouth, Boreham Wood v Welling, Braintree v Grimsby, Gateshead v Cheltenham.

Best draws: Shrewsbury v Colchester, Swindon v Peterborough, Bristol Rovers v Wycombe, Notts County v Plymouth, Gateshead v Cheltenham.

Best weekend away bets: Gillingham, Coventry, Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, Lincoln, Dunfermline.

Best weekend home bets: Israel, Norway, Millwall, Southend, Walsall, Barnet, Mansfield, Northampton, Forest Green, Tranmere.


Pick of the draws: Colchester have pulled well clear of the League One relegation zone and will be disappointed not to get something from their visit to Shrewsbury, who have lost four of their five home games. Swindon are dropping down the table and may be pushed to gain more than a point from their match with Peterborough, who scored five against Millwall last weekend and have a new manager in former Stevenage boss Graham Westley. Wycombe's rise to second place in League Two is due mainly to their fine away form. They are unbeaten on their travels and I expect them to remain unbeaten at mid-table Bristol Rovers. Plymouth top the table but they won't find it easy at Notts County, who are a match for anybody on their day. Cheltenham, fresh from their 7-1 rout of lowly FC Halifax in the National League last Saturday, have a more difficult task this week when they travel to promotion-seeking Gateshead.

Away days: League One promotion contenders Gillingham have faltered recently but I believe they will return to winning ways at Chesterfield, who have been struggling at home. Coventry are also in the promotion mix and will probably be too strong for Fleetwood, who have sunk to second from bottom. Portsmouth won 6-2 at Cambridge in League Two last season. Although I can't see them repeating that remarkable scoreline on Saturday, I think they'll have enough to take maximum points again. Leyton Orient's 3-1 home victory over Notts County last weekend enabled them to climb back into the automatic promotion places and they must be fancied to win at Crawley, who are languishing at the other end of the table. Improving Lincoln are worth a punt at Chester FC in the National League and I've a hunch that Scottish League One Dunfermline will upset their Championship opponents St Mirren in the Petrofac Training Cup quarter-finals.

Homes sweet homes: Southend are on a roll in League One and will be confident of extending their winning run against Port Vale. Walsall host Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's Burton in a top-of-the-table clash and I think home advantage will be the decisive factor here. Barnet's troubles in League Two are down to their rotten away record. They have failed to collect a point from six away matches. It's a different story at home, however, where they have triumphed on three occasions. It wouldn't surprise me to see them come out on top against on-form Accrington.


Pools info: Bradford City v Blackpool (No 15 on the coupon) will be adjudicated by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 3-4

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Stoke, Swansea v Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers v Bolton, Reading v Middlesbrough, Port Vale v Sheffield United, Scunthorpe v Fleetwood, AFC Wimbledon v Barnet, Morecambe v Bristol Rovers, Stevenage v Carlisle, Hamilton v Celtic.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Stoke, Swansea v Tottenham, Reading v Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe v Fleetwood, Hamilton v Celtic.

Best weekend away bets: West Ham, Birmingham, Barnsley, Mansfield, Exeter, Livingston.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Bristol City, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Gillingham, Wigan, Plymouth, Portsmouth.


Pick of the draws: It may be a long hard winter for Aston Villa, who have slipped into the relegation zone of the Premier League. I don't see them getting much joy out of Stoke, who are better than their 17th placing suggests. Swansea have hit the wall recently and need to bounce back against Tottenham on Sunday. Spurs are on a roll after three consecutive league wins and should pick up a point at the Liberty Stadium. Reading (third) host Middlesbrough (second) in the Championship. Both teams are playing with flair and confidence and a draw is the likeliest outcome. Scunthorpe and Fleetwood, who meet on Saturday, are on a downward spiral in League One (Fleetwood have just sacked their manager) and neither appear good enough to win. Celtic are riding high in the Scottish Premiership without looking convincing and I believe Hamilton will deny them victory.

Away days: West Ham, with a maximum return from their three away games in the Premier League so far, must be backed at Sunderland, who are without a win and prop up the table. Birmingham are unbeaten away in the Championship and well worth a punt at Leeds, who can't win at home. In League One, Barnsley must be fancied at struggling Doncaster. Mansfield moved into the League Two play-off positions by winning at Stevenage in midweek. They will be confident of making further progress at lowly Dagenham & Redbridge. You are never quite sure what you are going to get with Exeter but they showed what they are capable of by beating Portsmouth away in midweek. A repeat of that performance will surely be enough against bottom club Newport. Livingston climbed off the foot of the Scottish Championship last Saturday with a 3-0 success at Alloa. Don't be surprised if they also come away from Dumbarton with three points.

Homes sweet homes: Although Bristol City are bottom of the Championship, they deserved their 2-2 draw at Ipswich last weekend. City can go one better against MK Dons, who are sinking like a stone. There is light at the end of the League One tunnel for Blackpool, who won at home for the first time this season when defeating Chesterfield 2-0 in midweek. They can triumph again against Swindon, who have been one of the disappointments of the season. Improving Wigan are worth a wager when they host second-placed Walsall.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Sept 26-27

Ten draws: Leicester v Arsenal, Southampton v Swansea, Burnley v Reading, Preston v Wolves, Bury v Coventry, Millwall v Rochdale, Shrewsbury v Blackpool, Luton v AFC Wimbledon, Northampton v Leyton Orient, Forest Green v Gateshead.

Best draws: Southampton v Swansea, Burnley v Reading, Millwall v Rochdale, Luton v AFC Wimbledon, Forest Green v Gateshead.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Brighton, Derby, Portsmouth, Accrington, Grimsby.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester United, Stoke, West Ham, Birmingham, Ipswich, Sheffield United, Carlisle, Exeter, Boreham Wood, Ayr.


Pick of the draws: Swansea's momentum has slowed after failing to score in their past three matches. They also made an early exit from the League Cup, falling to Hull, of the Championship. However, Southampton's form in the Premier League is nothing to shout about either and there's a good chance that Saturday's clash at St Mary's will end in stalemate. Reading have recovered well from a slow start to the season and find themselves in the Championship play-off positions. I'm taking them to gain a point at Burnley, who are two points and two places higher. Millwall have lost all four of their League One home games but they are better at The Den than their fans have seen so far and look good for at least a draw against high-flying Rochdale. Several last-minute goals have hindered Luton's progress in League Two. If they can avoid conceding late, they'll have a better chance of getting something from their match against Wimbledon. Forest Green's lead in the National League has been cut to three points after two defeats and a draw. Don't be surprised if they drop more points against Gateshead, who have won four and drawn one of their six away fixtures.

Away days: Although Chelsea will be without striker Diego Costa, who is serving a three-match ban, they should still be far too strong for Newcastle, early relegation candidates after failing to win any of their first six Premier League matches. Brighton, three points clear at the top of the Championship, are one of the surprise teams of the season and will be confident of extending their unbeaten run at Bolton, who are struggling. Derby are more comfortable away than at home and can record their third away success at fast-fading MK Dons. Manager Paul Cook has turned things around at Portsmouth, who are favourites for promotion from League Two and won't be fearing a trip to Bristol Rovers. Accrington are worth a wager at Crawley, who were trounced by Notts County in midweek, and Grimsby will want to make up some ground in the National League by defeating Southport, who are third from bottom.

Homes sweet homes: Lowly Stoke are overdue a home win in the Premier League and I've a feeling they will get it against Bournemouth, who were taken to extra time and penalties before beating Championship side Preston in the midweek League Cup. Exeter are two points behind Wycombe in League Two but they are a match for any side on their day and worth a punt on Saturday. Boreham Wood ended a long losing run in the National League with victory at Torquay in midweek. I'm taking them to make it two wins in a row when they host Altrincham, who are bad travellers.

Pools info: Huddersfield v Nottingham Forest (No 12 on coupon) and Dover v Woking (46) are being played on Thursday and Friday respectively, so are therefore void.

I correctly forecast five draws last weekend -  Swansea v Everton, Blackpool v Barnsley, Peterborough v Walsall, York v Carlisle and Dundee United v Inverness.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Sept 19-20

Ten draws: Swansea v Everton, Tottenham v Crystal Palace, Brentford v Preston, Bristol City v Reading, Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham, Blackpool v Barnsley, Peterborough v Walsall, York v Carlisle, Dundee United v Inverness, Hearts v Aberdeen.

Best draws: Swansea v Everton, Tottenham v Crystal Palace, Blackpool v Barnsley, Peterborough v Walsall, Hearts v Aberdeen.

Best weekend away bets: Bolton, Cardiff, Notts County, Falkirk, Rangers, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Blackburn, Bury, Coventry, Rochdale, Wigan, Barnet, Hartlepool, Morecambe, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Swansea will want to make amends for their unexpected defeat at Watford last Saturday but may be thwarted by Everton, who played really well in beating Premier League champions Chelsea 3-1 at home. Tottenham were relieved to gain their first win of the season at Sunderland last Sunday. They have drawn both of their home fixtures and I think they will draw again on Sunday when Crystal Palace are the visitors. Palace have won both their away matches and their victory at Chelsea two weeks ago was a huge result. A top six placing for them is not out of the question. Blackpool lost narrowly at League One leaders Gillingham last weekend and their position does not look as hopeless now. They are capable of taking a point off mid-table Barnsley. Peterborough, without a manager, pulled off one of the results of last weekend by winning 5-1 at Oldham. That should give them the confidence they need when they host second-placed Walsall. Aberdeen, top of the Scottish Premiership after seven wins from seven matches, are daunting opposition but third-placed Hearts are well equipped to check their progress.

Away days: Manager Neil Lennon must be disappointed at the way Bolton have started their season in the Championship but they are worth backing at Huddersfield, who are in an even worse position after two draws and a loss from three home games. Cardiff, early promotion contenders, slipped up at home to Hull in midweek but manager Russell Slade is doing a good job there and I fancy them to get back on track against bottom club Rotherham. Apart from their impressive opening-day win at Stevenage, relegated Notts County have not done themselves justice in League Two but a trip to inconsistent AFC Wimbledon on Saturday could be a chance for them to spring a surprise. My other three aways are in the Scottish Championship. Second-placed Falkirk look a banker at lowly Alloa, leaders Rangers should be too strong for Dumbarton and Hibernian are expected to see off bottom club Livingston.

Homes sweet homes: Although Blackburn are without a win from six Championship matches, they were unlucky to lose at Fulham last Sunday and gained a creditable draw at Queens Park Rangers in midweek. They are worth a punt against Charlton, who tend to blow hot and cold. Barnet occupy one of the relegation places in League Two but have been playing better than their record suggests and manager Martin Allen will make sure they are fully motivated when their local rivals Stevenage come to visit. Hartlepool have gone backwards recently but they only succumbed to a last-minute goal at Exeter last Saturday and I believe they will return to winning ways against Cambridge, who are erratic.

Pools info: Derby v Burnley (No 13 on coupon) has been switched to Monday and will be adjudicated by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Sept 12-13

Ten draws: West Bromwich v Southampton, Brighton v Hull, Middlesbrough v MK Dons, Barnsley v Swindon, Burton v Rochdale, Oldham v Peterborough, Southend v Shrewsbury, Stevenage v York, Braintree v Barrow, Bromley v Macclesfield.

Best draws: West Bromwich v Southampton, Brighton v Hull, Barnsley v Swindon, Oldham v Peterborough, Southend v Shrewsbury.

Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Wolves, Wigan, Coventry, Morecambe, Dundee.

Best weekend home bets: Norwich, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Queens Park Rangers, Crewe, Walsall, Exeter, FC Halifax, East Fife.


Pick of the draws: Although West Bromwich Albion have lost their first two Premier League home games of the season, they will be disappointed not to get something from the visit of Southampton. The Saints have not clicked into gear yet, although they showed more promising signs when defeating Norwich 3-0 at home the Sunday before last. Brighton and Hull, first and second respectively in the Championship, clash on Saturday. Both teams have surpassed expectations so far this season and I'm expecting a share of the spoils. In League One, Swindon recovered from a 2-0 home defeat by Sheffield United with a 3-1 victory at Crewe. They are unbeaten away, which should stand them in good stead at Barnsley. Dave Robertson became the first managerial casualty of the season when Peterborough sacked him last Sunday. Posh have underperformed so far but their hosts on Saturday, Oldham, have been no more than average and a draw is on the cards. Southend and Shrewsbury, both promoted from League Two last term, have found life difficult in a higher division but recorded their first league wins of the season last weekend. It is difficult to separate them.

Away days: Swansea's 2-1 home victory over Manchester United the Sunday before last confirmed their Premier League quality and they will surely be too good for promoted Watford, who are struggling for points and goals. Wolves have experienced an early-season wobble in the Championship but they will probably be too strong for Bolton, who are second from bottom after a wretched start to the season. Wigan are steadily climbing League One following two consecutive wins and I believe they'll make it a hat-trick at Port Vale. Coventry are second after beating Burton away last Sunday and will be confident of prevailing at Scunthorpe. Morecambe's impressive form in League Two cannot be overlooked. They came back from 2-0 down at Yeovil to win 4-2 last Saturday and I expect another three-point haul at bottom club Newport. In the Scottish Premiership, Dundee are worth a punt at Partick, who look early relegation candidates.

Homes sweet homes: Norwich's 3-0 defeat at Southampton the Sunday before last was slightly misleading as they were down to 10 men. Apart from that result, Norwich have coped well in the Premier League and I think ground advantage will give them the edge over Bournemouth, another promoted team. Crewe, bottom of League One, are without a win from six matches but, by all accounts, their 3-1 loss to Swindon last weekend was undeserved. They are due a change of luck and they may get it against Millwall, who have been struggling themselves. FC Halifax and Kidderminster, somewhat surprisingly, fill the last two places in the National League and I'm taking Halifax to win their bottom-of-the-table encounter.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of September 5-6

Ten draws: Chesterfield v Wigan, Fleetwood v Rochdale, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Mansfield v AFC Wimbledon, Yeovil v Morecambe, Chester FC v Forest Green, Kidderminster v Braintree, Livingston v Morton, Forfar v Dunfermline, Annan v East Fife.

Best draws: Fleetwood v Rochdale, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Yeovil v Morecambe, Chester FC v Forest Green, Forfar v Dunfermline.

Best weekend away bets: Swindon, Plymouth, Cheltenham, Gateshead, Tranmere, Clyde.

Best weekend home bets: Barnsley, Scunthorpe, Southend, Walsall, Newport, Portsmouth, Wycombe, Aldershot, Torquay, Dumbarton.


Pick of the draws: Fleetwood's progress in League One was checked when they lost 2-0 at Doncaster last Saturday. I believe they will be frustrated again when fifth-placed Rochdale come calling. Oxford are one of the most improved teams in League Two and well equipped on Sunday to take a point off promoted Bristol Rovers, who are adapting well to a higher division. Yeovil showed signs of stirring with a recent victory over Luton and they will be hopeful of at least nicking a point off Morecambe. Leaders Forest Green have maximum points from seven matches in the National League but they could stumble against Chester, who are rapidly climbing the table and scored two late goals to win at Macclesfield last Saturday. It's first against second in Scottish League One where Forfar entertain Dunfermline and a draw is the likeliest result.

Away days: Swindon must be fancied at Crewe, who are second bottom in League One and without a win from five games. Plymouth's early-season form in League Two has been impressive and they can continue in that vein at Stevenage, who have begun sluggishly. Cheltenham are among the early front-runners in the National League and look a good proposition at Altrincham. Ditto Gateshead at Bromley. Relegated Tranmere are finding life tougher in this league than they imagined but they should gain maximum points at Welling, who are among the relegation favourites. In Scottish League Two, Clyde are worth a punt at Arbroath, who only gained their first point of the season last weekend.

Homes sweet homes: Promoted Southend have been struggling in League One but drawing 2-2 at Coventry last Monday will have done wonders for their morale. I'm taking them to beat Peterborough, who are three places and one point above them. Terry Butcher's Newport are at the foot of League Two but playing better than their record suggests. I believe they will defeat York, who are also in the wrong half of the table. Finally, Torquay are stuck in mid-table in the National League but should have enough about them to send Guiseley home pointless.


Pools info: Sheffield United v Colchester (No 10 on coupon), Notts County v Crawley (20) and Falkirk v Hibernian (38) will be decided by the pools panel. Ayr v Stenhousemuir (42) is void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 29-30

Ten draws: Southampton v Norwich, Swansea v Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday v Middlesbrough, Colchester v Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury v Burton, Swindon v Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon v Exeter, Crawley v Wycombe, York v Mansfield, Hamilton v Hearts.

Best draws: Southampton v Norwich, Colchester v Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury v Burton, Swindon v Sheffield United, Crawley v Wycombe.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers, Walsall, Fleetwood, Gillingham, Montrose.

Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, Manchester City, Bristol City, Derby, Rotherham, Accrington, Oxford, Plymouth, Dundee, Berwick.


Pick of the draws: Southampton have begun their Premier League season sluggishly. They will need to raise their game to see off promoted Norwich, who, on the evidence of their first three matches, look more than capable of staying up. It looks as if Colchester are going to experience another long winter in League One but they should take a point from the visit of Scunthorpe. Promoted Shrewsbury have lost their opening two home fixtures but I'm taking them to stop the rot against Burton, even though Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side are acquitting themselves well in a higher division. Swindon and Sheffield United, who narrowly missed promotion to the Championship last season, meet on Saturday and stalemate is the likeliest result. Crawley's confidence was given a huge boost by their 3-0 victory at Cambridge in League Two last Saturday and I believe they will halt Wycombe's progress.

Away days: Arsenal are more comfortable on their travels these days and they can improve on their good record (three wins and two draws in last five seasons) at Newcastle, who have not exactly hit the ground running in the Premier League. Two consecutive wins have put Queens Park Rangers among the front-runners in the Championship and a trip to Huddersfield should hold no fears. Walsall, second in League One and conquerors of Championship team Brighton in the League Cup, are impressing everybody and must be fancied to add to Blackpool's misery.  Fleetwood, eight goals in their past two matches, are backed to beat goal-shy Doncaster and leaders Gillingham seem a good thing at Peterborough, who are out of sorts. In Scottish League Two, Montrose are worth a punt at Annan.

Homes sweet homes: Bristol City got their Championship season up and running with a terrific 1-0 victory at promotion favourites Middlesbrough last Saturday and I think they will further climb the table by defeating Burnley. Derby showed signs of getting their act together in their 1-1 draw at Birmingham last Friday and they are recommended to prevail against Leeds, who, like Derby, have drawn all four of their league games. Bottom club Rotherham can gain their first win of the season at the expense of Fulham, whose manager, Kit Symons, is coming under pressure after the club's stuttering start. In League Two, Northampton have gone off the boil and Accrington, who often punch above their weight, are equipped to take advantage.

Pools info: Blackburn v Bolton (No 11 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. Coventry v Southend (27) has been switched to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel.

Five of my 10 selected draws were correct last weekend. Bolton v Nottingham Forest, Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe v Bury, Oldham v Shrewsbury and Scunthorpe v Millwall.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 22-23

Ten draws: Everton v Manchester City, Bolton v Nottingham Forest, Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe v Bury, Oldham v Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe v Millwall, Walsall v Coventry, Bristol Rovers v Barnet, Stevenage v Hartlepool, Yeovil v Luton.

Best draws: Everton v Manchester City, Bolton v Nottingham Forest, Walsall v Coventry, Bristol Rovers v Barnet, Yeovil v Luton.

Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Chelsea, MK Dons, Swindon, Oxford, Leyton Orient.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Burnley, Barnsley, Fleetwood, Sheffield United, Cambridge, Exeter, Wycombe, Stirling.


Pick of the draws: Manchester City have started the season like an express train thanks to a couple of 3-0 victories but Everton's fine 3-0 win at Southampton last Saturday suggests that the visitors won't have things all their own way at Goodison Park on Sunday. I believe Everton will halt City's early Premier League charge. Championship team Bolton are without a goal in their first three league matches. Nottingham Forest, their visitors on Saturday, don't give much away and my money is on a dour draw. Coventry, top of League One with maximum points from their opening three matches, face tricky opponents in Walsall, who have just achieved two consecutive away wins. This looks one of the best score draws on the coupon. The two promoted sides in League Two, Bristol Rovers and Barnet, play each other on Saturday. Both did well in midweek and it's hard to separate them. Luton seem to be suffering from a hangover from last season and I'm taking hosts Yeovil to gain their first point of the season.

Away days: Swansea, who are establishing themselves as a top-of-the-table Premier League side, must be backed at bottom club Sunderland, who are in complete disarray. All is not well at Chelsea but they have an excellent chance to get their season back on track at West Bromwich Albion, who look out of sorts and have yet to score this campaign. Promoted MK Dons are adjusting well to the Championship and are fancied to prevail at Reading, who have yet to spark. Despite losing some players in the summer, Swindon will probably be among the front-runners in League One and I expect them to beat promoted Southend. Oxford are showing signs of getting into their stride in League Two and are worth a wager at Mansfield. Leaders Leyton Orient are one of only two clubs with maximum points in this division and they can keep up the good work at Newport.

Homes sweet homes: I suspect that Crystal Palace will have an even better season than last in the Premier League and should be too strong for Aston Villa, who are much changed from last season and will probably take time to click. Burnley have hardly set the world alight on their return to the Championship but I'll be surprised if they don't defeat Brentford, who could struggle after dispensing with the services of manager Mark Warburton. In Scottish League Two, relegated Stirling are long overdue a change of luck and it may come when they entertain Berwick.


Pools info: Arsenal v Liverpool (No 1 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be decided by the pools panel. Birmingham v Derby (11) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. Five of my draw selections were correct last weekend - the matches at Tottenham, Bury, Port Vale, Carlisle and Newport.

Betting info: I scored five out of six with last week's away tips. Arsenal, Rochdale, Leyton Orient, Hartlepool and Hearts obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 15-16

Ten draws: Tottenham v Stoke, Fulham v Brighton, Ipswich v Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley v Burton, Bury v Swindon, Port Vale v Gillingham, Carlisle v Cambridge, Newport v Stevenage, Plymouth v Portsmouth, Dundee v St Johnstone.

Best draws: Ipswich v Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley v Burton, Port Vale v Gillingham, Newport v Stevenage, Plymouth v Portsmouth.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Rochdale, Leyton Orient, Accrington, Hartlepool, Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Swansea, Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Oldham, Peterborough, Sheffield United, Crawley, Partick, Dunfermline.


Pick of the draws: Sheffield Wednesday have recorded two convincing wins from their opening two matches, so they'll be going to Ipswich with plenty of confidence. Ipswich have not made the most dynamic of starts in the Championship and they may have to settle for a draw. Promoted Burton have come out of the traps quickly in League One and will be looking for at least a point at Barnsley. Gillingham's 4-0 trouncing of Sheffield United was one of the upsets of last weekend. However, Port Vale won't roll over and will have been encouraged by their midweek League Cup victory over Championship team Burnley. Newport and Stevenage lost their opening League Two fixtures last Saturday and also made early exits from the midweek League Cup. With both teams taking time to find their feet, a draw is the likeliest result here. A much-changed Portsmouth side will want to improve their away form this season but should find Plymouth tricky opponents.

Away days: Arsenal's home defeat by West Ham in the Premier League last Sunday was a real coupon-buster and they will be determined to return to winning ways at Crystal Palace, where they have an impressive record. Rochdale are one of the more attractive teams in League One and can prove it at Blackpool, who are in a sorry state after their relegation last season. Relegated Leyton Orient won their League Two game against Barnet last Saturday and nearly knocked MK Dons out of the League Cup in midweek. They will surely be too good for Dagenham & Redbridge, who have shipped seven goals in their first two matches. Accrington, who gained a creditable home draw against Luton, are worth a punt at Morecambe, who have so far failed to score. Hartlepool, with two wins from two, must fancy their chances at York, who crashed 3-0 at Wycombe last weekend. Promoted Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership with three wins from three games and a trip to Ross should hold no fears.

Homes sweet homes: Manchester City beat West Bromwich Albion so convincingly last Monday that I'm taking them to put one over the Premier League champions Chelsea, where all is not well. Last Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Swansea seemed to confirm that. Although promoted Bristol City have lost their opening two matches, I believe they will stop the rot against Brentford, who may regret their decision to dispense with the services of manager Mark Warburton. Sheffield United's 4-0 away loss to Gillingham last Saturday was a slap in the face but I'm confident they'll recover quickly. That's why I'm backing them to make the most of ground advantage against Chesterfield. I expect Partick, of the Scottish Premiership, to pile on more misery for bottom-of-the-table Kilmarnock.

Pools Info: Liverpool v Bournemouth (No 3 on coupon) will be decided by the pools panel. Aston Villa v Manchester United (1) and Notts County v Mansfield (43) are void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 8-9

Ten draws: Leicester v Sunderland, Blackburn v Wolves, Leeds v Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Coventry v Wigan, Crewe v Port Vale, Swindon v Bradford City, Cambridge v Newport, Hartlepool v Morecambe, Mansfield v Carlisle.

Best draws: Blackburn v Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Coventry v Wigan, Cambridge v Newport, Hartlepool v Morecambe.

Best weekend away bets: Southampton, Derby, Sheffield United, Millwall, Luton, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Everton, Birmingham, Cardiff, Burton, Leyton Orient, Oxford, Stevenage, Raith.


Pick of the draws: Wolves were a whisker away from the Championship play-offs last season and they can carry that momentum into this campaign with a point at Blackburn. Bristol City won League One in such convincing fashion that they will feel confident of getting something from their trip to Sheffield Wednesday, who were so inconsistent last season. Ailing Coventry and relegated Wigan will be looking for better campaigns this time around but I'm plumping for a stalemate on Saturday. Eleven home defeats let Cambridge down in League Two but I'll be surprised if they lose to Newport, who faded at the final hurdle last season. Hartlepool's escape from almost certain relegation was one of the stories of last season but they face a tricky task against Morecambe, who are better away than at home, having won nine times on their travels.

Away days: Newcastle, despite a change of manager and two summer signings, still don't inspire confidence and Southampton, their Premier League visitors on Sunday, can come away with three points. Derby will be keen to make up for last season's late collapse in the Championship, so take a punt on them beating Bolton. In League One, Sheffield United, now managed by Nigel Adkins after Nigel Clough's unexpected dismissal, are worth a gamble at Gillingham and relegated Millwall should start well by winning at promoted Shrewsbury. In the Scottish Championship, Hibernian look too strong for Dumbarton.

Homes sweet homes: Of the three promoted teams to the Premier League, I believe Bournemouth are most likely to stay up. I'm taking them to make the most of ground advantage against Aston Villa, who have lost Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph this summer. Promoted Burton look a force to be reckoned with in League One under the management of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and I'm backing them to take maximum points against Scunthorpe. Teddy Sheringham will be eager to make an immediate impact as manager at Stevenage, who reached the League Two play-offs last season. I've a hunch he'll begin with a victory over relegated Notts County.

Pools info: West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City (No 10 on the coupon) will be decided by the pools panel. Brighton v Nottingham Forest (15) is void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of May 23-24

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Swansea, Manchester City v Southampton, Malaga v Sevilla, Cesena v Cagliari, Genoa v Inter Milan, Udinese v Sassuolo, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen, Paderborn v VfB Stuttgart, Rennes v Lyon, Toulouse v Nice.

Best draws: Crystal Palace v Swansea, Manchester City v Southampton, Genoa v Inter Milan, Paderborn v VfB Stuttgart, Toulouse v Nice.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Dundee, Valencia, Sampdoria, Verona, Monaco.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester, Stoke, Hamilton, Preston, Aberdeen, Marseille, St Etienne.


Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace have lost their last three home games and will be anxious to avoid four consecutive Premier League defeats at Selhurst Park. Winning 3-1 at Anfield last Saturday gave them a huge boost and I believe they will at least share the spoils with an impressive Swansea team. Manchester City have woken up too late to stop Chelsea running away with the title. Southampton, fresh from thrashing Aston Villa 6-1 last weekend, are still in contention for a Europa League place and a draw at the Etihad is not beyond them. Inter Milan have had a mediocre season and will probably be denied victory at Genoa, who won well at Atalanta last weekend. Paderborn are bottom of the German League and I expect their relegation to be confirmed with a draw against third-from-bottom VfB Stuttgart, who could also go down. Toulouse should celebrate avoiding relegation in the French League with a point against mid-table Nice.

Away days: A win for Manchester United on Sunday will see Hull drop out of the Premier League. United are far from perfect but they should be good enough to end the season with three points. I fear Hull sealed their own fate when they lost at home to relegated Burnley two weeks ago. Dundee are better away than at home in the Scottish Premiership and are well worth a punt against their fierce rivals Dundee United on Sunday. United have gone right off the boil and last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Inverness Caledonian Thistle reflected that. Valencia are fancied to finish their Spanish League season in style against relegation-threatened Almeria and Sampdoria, seventh in the Italian League, should be too strong for lowly Empoli. Mid-table Verona look a banker at relegated Parma while Monaco, Arsenal's conquerors in the Champions League, are a confident selection at Lorient.

Homes sweet homes: Everton, deserved 2-1 winners at West Ham last Saturday, are aiming for a top-half finish in the Premier League and I believe they will achieve it by defeating sixth-placed Tottenham, who seem to have switched off recently. Stoke have improved under manager Mark Hughes and maximum points against disappointing Liverpool will round off their season nicely. Preston have a terrible record in play-offs but I'm taking them to end their jinx at Wembley on Sunday when they face Swindon in the League One final. 

Pools info: Lazio v Roma (match No 27 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be judged by the pools panel.

That's it for now: I'll be back with my pools tips and best bets when the new football season starts in early August. Until then, have a happy and prosperous summer.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of May 16-17

Ten draws: Manchester United v Arsenal, Southampton v Aston Villa, Swansea v Manchester City, Tottenham v Hull, Villarreal v Malaga, Verona v Empoli, Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart v Hamburg, Lille v Marseille, Nantes v Lorient.

Best draws: Manchester United v Arsenal, Swansea v Manchester City, Tottenham v Hull, Verona v Empoli, Nantes v Lorient.

Best weekend away bets: Stoke, Newcastle, Leicester, Hamilton, Motherwell, St Etienne.

Best weekend home bets: Liverpool, West Ham, Norwich, Dundee, Partick, Stenhousemuir, Bristol Rovers, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Roma.

Pick of the draws: Arsenal will want to bounce back quickly from their unexpected home defeat by Swansea on Monday. A draw against Manchester United will put them in pole position to finish third in the Premier League and I believe that's what they'll get at Old Trafford. Arsenal's FA Cup sixth-round victory at United this season has removed some of the fear factor while United are still not wholly convincing. What Swansea did to Arsenal, they are capable of doing to second-placed Manchester City, although City have regained some of their swagger recently, beating Tottenham away and thrashing relegated Queens Park Rangers 6-0 at home. However, the Swans look good for at least a point. Hull, who have slipped into the relegation zone, are desperate for a good result at Tottenham. Luckily for them, Spurs seem to have switched off completely after failing to reach the Champions League places, so it wouldn't surprise me if they stumble against Hull.

Away days: Stoke are on course to end the season in the top half of the Premier League and must rate their chances at already-relegated Burnley. Newcastle, just one place away from the drop zone, have a heaven-sent opportunity to record a rare victory. They travel to bottom club Queens Park Rangers, whose relegation was confirmed when they lost 6-0 at Manchester City last weekend. Leicester, with six wins from their past seven matches, are poised to complete a remarkable escape from relegation. They will travel to Sunderland's Stadium of Light full of optimism and boosted by the fact that Sunderland have won only four matches at home all season - the joint lowest number in the Premier League. In the Scottish Premiership, Hamilton will be confident of taking all three points from lowly Ross and I expect Motherwell to have too much for relegated St Mirren. 

Homes sweet homes: West Ham have found it hard going since Christmas but they will want to end their home programme on a high. I believe they will do so against Everton, who have taken one step forward and two back this season. I expect Norwich to reach the Championship play-off final by overcoming their fierce rivals Ipswich in the semi-final second leg at Carrow Road on Saturday. In the Scottish Premiership, Dundee, who were unlucky to lose to Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend, are worth a punt against runners-up Aberdeen, as are Partick against Kilmarnock. Bristol Rovers play Grimsby in the Conference play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. My money's on Rovers.

Pools info: West Bromwich v Chelsea (No 9 on coupon), Fiorentina v Parma (23) and Napoli v Cesena (25) will be judged by the pools panel. 

Betting info: I scored eight out of 10 with my home selections last weekend. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Stoke, Queen's Park, Brora, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Bordeaux all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of May 9-10

Ten draws: Leicester v Southampton, Celta Vigo v Sevilla, AC Milan v Roma, Genoa v Torino, Lazio v Inter Milan, Udinese v Sampdoria, Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoffenheim, Cologne v Schalke, Marseille v Monaco, Toulouse v Lille.

Best draws: Leicester v Southampton, Genoa v Torino, Lazio v Inter Milan, Marseille v Monaco, Toulouse v Lille.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, West Bromwich, Norwich, Partick, Rangers, Celtic.

Best weekend home bets: Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester City, Stoke, Alloa, Queen's Park, Brora, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Bordeaux.


Pools info: Arsenal v Swansea (No 1 on coupon) has been moved to Monday and will be a pools panel judgment. Einar v Espanyol (15), Hamburg v Freiburg (36) and PSG v Guingamp (46) are being played on Friday and are therefore void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of May 2-3

Ten draws: Sunderland v Southampton, Tottenham v Manchester City, Blackburn v Ipswich, Crawley v Coventry, Oldham v Peterborough, Exeter v Dagenham & Redbridge, Morecambe v Southend, Northampton v Wycombe, Alloa v Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton v Raith.

Best draws: Sunderland v Southampton, Blackburn v Ipswich, Crawley v Coventry, Northampton v Wycombe, Alloa v Cowdenbeath.

Best weekend away bets: Birmingham, Bournemouth, Preston, Hartlepool, Bury, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Aston Villa, Derby, Middlesbrough, Norwich, MK Dons, Port Vale, Wimbledon, Accrington, Luton, Partick.


Pick of the draws: It's hard to see relegation-troubled Sunderland obtaining more than a point from Southampton, who have a really good opportunity to finish in the top six of the Premier League. Ipswich need only a point to qualify for the Championship play-offs and I'm sure they will achieve that at Blackburn, who have nothing to play for except pride. Two late goals by Peterborough last weekend left Crawley in the League One relegation zone. A point against Coventry in their final match of the season may be enough to keep them up. Recent poor results mean Wycombe have probably lost out on automatic promotion to League One. They visit Northampton, who are strong at home and well equipped to share the spoils. Alloa, bottom of the Scottish Championship, play Cowdenbeath, who are third bottom. Neither team inspire confidence and stalemate is the likeliest outcome.

Away days: Birmingham are ending the Championship season much better than their hosts, Bolton, who last Monday were beaten more convincingly by Bournemouth than the 3-0 score suggested. Birmingham will want to finish in the top half of the table after their early-season slump and victory on Saturday will make that certain. Promoted Bournemouth will be eager to round off their remarkable season in style and I'm confident they will defeat Charlton. With MK Dons breathing down their neck in League One, Preston will probably have to win at third-from-bottom Colchester to claim the second automatic promotion spot. It will be a major surprise if they fail to do so. Hartlepool's astonishing escape from going out of the Football League may inspire them to gain maximum points at Carlisle, who are only two places above them in League Two. Promotion-seeking Bury look an away banker at Tranmere, who were relegated last Saturday, and Hibernian, contesting a runners-up place in the Scottish Championship, are worth a wager at Falkirk.

Homes sweet homes: Aston Villa were unlucky to lose at Manchester City last weekend. They have markedly improved under Tim Sherwood but still need wins to avoid relegation from the Premier League. I'm backing them to get three points against Everton, despite Everton's fine victory over Manchester United last Sunday. Now that League One Port Vale have finally seen off the threat of relegation, they may be able to relax, which could spell trouble for visitors Fleetwood on Sunday. Luton will be kicking themselves for losing form at just the wrong time in League Two as it has cost them possible promotion. However, in their last match of the season they can partly redeem themselves by beating local rivals Stevenage, who are assured of their play-off place.  

Pools info: Hull v Arsenal (match No 3 on coupon) has been moved to Monday and is subject to a pools panel judgment.

Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections last week. Swansea, Watford, Wolves, MK Dons and Shrewsbury all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 25-26

Ten draws: Arsenal v Chelsea, Burnley v Leicester, West Bromwich v Liverpool, Birmingham v Charlton, Reading v Brentford, Coventry v Crewe, Yeovil v Port Vale, Dagenham & Redbridge v Accrington, Oxford v Cambridge, Southend v Luton.

Best draws: Arsenal v Chelsea, Burnley v Leicester, Birmingham v Charlton, Yeovil v Port Vale, Oxford v Cambridge.

Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Watford, Derby, Wolves, MK Dons, Shrewsbury.

Best weekend home bets: Queens Park Rangers, Stoke, Cardiff, Sheffield Wednesday, Chesterfield, Fleetwood, Plymouth, Wycombe, York, Raith.


Pick of the draws: Chelsea, the Premier League champions elect, will be happy with a draw at the Emirates on Sunday and that's what I believe they will settle for. No team is better than Chelsea at grinding out results and I can see them frustrating second-placed Arsenal, who will be trying for a 10th consecutive victory. Leicester can suddenly see an escape route from relegation thanks to three wins on the trot but I think they will be denied a fourth at Burnley, who, as the bottom club, are as desperate for points themselves. Charlton are the Championship draw specialists with 18 stalemates this season. Don't be surprised if they make it 19 at Birmingham, who are also used to drawing, having shared the spoils on 15 occasions. Although Yeovil have been relegated from League One, they have won their past two games, against Sheffield United (home) and Swindon (away). I'm taking them to avoid defeat against Port Vale, who are just above the drop zone. In League Two, there is little to separate Oxford and Cambridge and a draw is the likeliest outcome.

Away days: I cannot ignore Swansea's claims at crisis club Newcastle, who are going from bad to worse and must be relieved to have picked up so many Premier League points earlier in the season. Watford are in the Championship driving seat as they are now leading the table. They will surely be too strong for Brighton, who have badly tailed off. When Derby are on song there are few better teams in this division. Victory at third from bottom Millwall will guarantee them a play-off place and I'm confident they will get it. It looks as though Wolves will fall short in their quest for the play-offs but they should still be too good for Wigan, whose wretched home record will probably result in relegation. MK Dons are breathing down Preston's neck in the race for automatic promotion from League One. With nine goals from their past two matches, they seem a good bet at Rochdale. Maximum points at relegation-haunted Cheltenham will confirm Shrewsbury's promotion from League Two and I'll be surprised if there is an upset in this one.

Homes sweet homes: Relegation-troubled Queens Park Rangers are well worth a punt in the London derby against West Ham, who look as though they cannot wait for the season to end. Recent results have given QPR a fighting chance of staying in the Premier League and I believe they will gain a  valuable three points. Bristol City, the runaway League One champions, may be tempted to take their foot off the pedal when they visit Chesterfield, for whom a win will confirm their place in the play-offs. York are ending the League Two season with a flourish under manager Russell Wilcox. They were unlucky to lose at Shrewsbury last weekend and are recommended against Newport, whose play-off hopes have faded.

Pools info: Bournemouth v Bolton (match No 12 on coupon) has been switched to Monday and the outcome will be decided by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 18-19

Ten draws: Newcastle v Tottenham, Stoke v Southampton, Charlton v Leeds, Colchester v Scunthorpe, Gillingham v Rochdale, Accrington v Stevenage, Morecambe v Burton, Portsmouth v Bury, Aldershot v Chester FC, Dover v Bristol Rovers.

Best draws: Newcastle v Tottenham, Stoke v Southampton, Gillingham v Rochdale, Portsmouth v Bury, Aldershot v Chester.

Best weekend away bets: Fulham, Derby, Chesterfield, Southend, East Fife, Woking.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Leicester, Manchester City, Brentford, Watford, Doncaster, MK Dons, Swindon, Tranmere, Wrexham.


Pick of the draws: If Newcastle thought they were safe from relegation they could be in for a nasty shock. But although they are in free-fall, they could obtain a point from the visit of Tottenham, who appear to be running out of steam as the season enters its final furlong. Stoke seem set to finish in the top half of the Premier League and will give Southampton something to think about. The Saints, however, give very little away these days and have the best defensive record in the division. This looks one of the best draws on the coupon. League One Gillingham are ending the season on a high but their opponents, Rochdale, have won eight away matches and are capable of nicking a point. Bury are making a late charge for automatic promotion from League Two but Portsmouth at Fratton Park are usually a tricky proposition, even when they are without a manager, and I'm expecting a stalemate. In the Conference, Aldershot's indifferent home form will encourage Chester to come away with something.

Away days: Fulham should banish any lingering relegation fears with victory at rock bottom Blackpool, who will be playing League One football next season. Promotion-seeking Derby look as if they have stopped their alarming slide in the nick of time and I fancy them to gain three Championship points at Huddersfield. League One Chesterfield are bang in form. They scored six without reply against Colchester in midweek and I believe they will follow that up by beating Oldham. High-riding Southend have won their last four games in League Two and I'm taking them to make it five against Exeter, whose hopes of a play-off place are fading. East Fife beat the Scottish League Two leaders Albion last weekend. If they play as well at Annan, they ought to come away with maximum points. Woking will probably have to win both their remaining games to reach the Conference play-offs. They will surely have too much for Nuneaton, who are already doomed to relegation.

Homes sweet homes: Leicester, with two consecutive Premier League wins behind them, can at last see an escape route from relegation and they will fancy their chances of a third victory in a row when they host Swansea. Doncaster, of League One, are one of the least predictable teams in the top four divisions but on their day they are a match for anybody. Although their home record may discourage you, they are well worth a punt against Fleetwood, whose play-off hopes have almost disappeared. These are desperate times for Tranmere, who are bottom of League Two and worryingly out of form. However, they can do themselves a power of good by defeating mediocre Oxford. 

Pools info: Norwich v Middlesbrough (match No 12 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. Five of my forecast 10 draws were correct last weekend - the matches at West Ham, Derby, Barnsley, Doncaster and Cambridge.