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.