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.