Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Dec 31-Jan 1

Ten draws: Leicester v West Ham, Barnsley v Birmingham, Bolton v Scunthorpe, Bristol Rovers v Wimbledon, Grimsby v Blackpool, Luton v Barnet, Stevenage v Colchester, Boreham Wood v Eastleigh, Maidstone v Dover, Woking v Aldershot.

Best draws: Leicester v West Ham, Barnsley v Birmingham, Luton v Barnet, Stevenage v Colchester, Woking v Aldershot.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster, Portsmouth (Friday), Tranmere, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Chelsea, Brentford, Derby, Wolves, Fleetwood, Crewe, Plymouth, Southport, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Leicester, last season's Premier League champions by 10 clear points, are in danger of being relegated and I cannot see them getting more than a point against West Ham, who have turned their season around with three consecutive victories. Birmingham's first two Championship matches under new manager Gianfranco Zola ended in defeat but I believe they will stop the rot by holding Barnsley. Luton's home record in League Two is far from infallible. They surprisingly lost to Colchester at Kenilworth Road on Boxing Day and I'm backing Barnet, who are good away, to take a share of the spoils. Visiting teams must look forward to playing at the Lamex Stadium, where Stevenage are generous opponents. Colchester, this weekend's visitors, are one of the most improved sides in the Football League and look good for at least a point. This weekend's National League fixtures are the reverse of those on Boxing Day when Woking crashed 4-0 at their neighbouring rivals Aldershot. I can't help thinking that Woking's thirst for revenge will help them to a much needed draw in their attempt to avoid relegation.

Away days: Tottenham, fresh from a convincing midweek win at Southampton and with a top four Premier League place in their sights, will probably be too strong for Watford, who were unable to defeat an ailing Crystal Palace at home on Boxing Day. Championship high-flyers Sheffield Wednesday deservedly won at Newcastle, so it shouldn't be beyond them to dish out the same punishment to Preston, who will be without their main man Jermaine Beckford after his sending-off in the 4-1 home defeat by Leeds. A trip to Mansfield won't hold any fears for League Two leaders Doncaster. Like so many sides in this division, Portsmouth's best results have been away. They recovered from 2-0 down to win at Newport on Boxing Day and are worth a wager at Yeovil in a game that has been brought forward to Friday. Tranmere are the new leaders of the National League and I expect them to stay there after their match at Macclesfield. Although Hibernian have lost the leadership of the Scottish Championship, they are worth supporting at inconsistent Falkirk.

Homes sweet homes: Norwich manager Alex Neill is under huge pressure following the team's terrible run of form. I fear Neill will be even more stressed on Saturday when Norwich go to Brentford, who are capable of beating any Championship side on their day. National League strugglers Southport only lost to a late goal at Wrexham on Boxing Day and will be determined to turn the tables on their erratic Welsh opponents. Celtic are so far ahead in the Scottish Premiership that they may as well hand them the trophy now. Perhaps Rangers, firm favourites for the runners-up spot, will be more up for the Old Firm derby than Brendan Rodgers' players. I'm going against the tide and predicting a home win.


Pools info: Yeovil v Portsmouth (match No 33 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

Betting info: I scored nine out of ten with my home selections for December 26 and 27. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barnsley, Brighton, Rotherham, Wolves, Bolton and Sheffield United all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for December 26-28

Ten draws: Burnley v Middlesbrough, Southampton v Tottenham, Ipswich v Fulham, Millwall v Swindon, Port Vale v Walsall, Cheltenham v Barnet, Plymouth v Wycombe, Stevenage v Cambridge, Yeovil v Exeter, Partick v Dundee.

Best draws: Southampton v Tottenham, Ipswich v Fulham, Cheltenham v Barnet, Stevenage v Cambridge, Yeovil v Exeter.

Best away bets for Dec 26-28: Manchester City, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Carlisle, Portsmouth, Rangers.

Best home bets for Dec 26-28: Chelsea, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barnsley, Brighton, Rotherham, Wolves, Bolton, Sheffield United.


Pick of the draws: Southampton's excellent 3-1 win at Bournemouth last Sunday should serve them well against Tottenham, who in the past two matches have strengthened their claims to finish in the top four of the Premier League. Ipswich already have five home draws to their name this season.  Don't be surprised if they add to that tally when they host Fulham, who are the best of the London sides in the Championship. Cheltenham, battling to avoid the drop in League Two, fought back to win at Morecambe last Saturday and can pinch a point off mid-table Barnet. Cambridge's climb from bottom to the League Two play-off positions has been one of the turnarounds of the season and I fancy them to hold Stevenage, who are one point behind them. Exeter's terrific away record (seven wins) is helping them move away from the danger zone and I'm backing them to get a point at Yeovil.

Away days: Manchester City, with two consecutive home victories behind them, will surely be far too strong for Hull, who are bottom of the Premier League and look certain to be relegated. Leeds are responding well to Garry Monk's management and deserve to be in the Championship play-off places. They are worth a punt at Preston. Scunthorpe are the surprising leaders in League One but there is no fluke about their success and they are perfectly capable of inflicting Bradford City's first home defeat of the season. Carlisle, second in League Two and firing on all cylinders, look an away banker at Crewe, who are going backwards at an alarming rate. Portsmouth are a better proposition away from home these days and will expect three points at bottom club Newport. Rangers won't catch Celtic in the Scottish Premiership but they are a sound bet for second and should have too much for St Johnstone.

Homes sweet homes: That 2-2 draw at Stoke last Saturday, despite playing with 10 men for most of the game, will put a spring in Leicester's step and I believe they will make Everton suffer. Leicester are better than their precarious Premier League position indicates while Everton have yet to spark this season. Rotherham, last by a long way in the Championship, were very unlucky to lose to a late goal through a disputed penalty at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. As long as they've recovered from that devastating setback, I reckon they will defeat second-from-bottom Wigan. Wolves gained a sorely needed victory at Nottingham Forest last Saturday, which should encourage them against Bristol City, who have slipped down the table after a dip in form.  

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

Ten draws: Manchester City v Arsenal, Sunderland v Watford, Bristol City v Preston, Fulham v Derby, Wigan v Ipswich, Bury v Oxford, Charlton v Peterborough, Northampton v Rochdale, Swindon v Fleetwood, Barnet v Stevenage.

Best draws: Sunderland v Watford, Fulham v Derby, Wigan v Ipswich, Bury v Oxford, Barnet v Stevenage.

Best weekend away bets: Brighton, Newcastle, Bolton, Milton Keynes Dons, Southend, Falkirk.

Best weekend home bets: Tottenham, Cardiff, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Cambridge, Doncaster, Portsmouth, Wycombe, St Mirren.


Pick of the draws: Watford continue to punch above their weight in the Premier League and deserved to beat Everton at home last Saturday. They can pinch a point at relegation-threatened Sunderland. Derby's upward move in the Championship has been remarkable under Steve McClaren and I think they will continue their progress at Fulham, who are fellow promotion contenders. After their midweek defeat at Birmingham, Ipswich are peering nervously over their shoulders but they should at least gain a point at Wigan, who are fighting to avoid relegation. Bury have lost 10 consecutive matches in League One and sit just above the relegation zone. However, I believe they will stop the rot against Oxford, who have only one away victory to their name this season. In-form Barnet host Stevenage, who play their best football away and seem good value to share the spoils in League Two.

Away days: Brighton are a good bet for automatic promotion to the Premier League and must be fancied to prevail at Birmingham, who have inexplicably sacked their manager Gary Rowett, despite lying just outside the play-off positions. Championship leaders Newcastle are back on the winning path and look an away banker at lowly Burton. In League One, Bolton have rediscovered their mojo and will be confident of gaining another three points at Chesterfield, who are one place off the bottom. MK Dons have won two games in a row since a change of managership and can make it three at Gillingham, who are having a mediocre season. Southend are on the up these days and I'm taking them to win at struggling Oldham. Falkirk are my selection to come away with maximum points at Dumbarton in the Scottish Championship.

Homes sweet homes: Neil Warnock's Cardiff are showing all the battling qualities needed to escape relegation from the Championship and are worth a wager against Barnsley, although the Yorkshire club have arrested their slide by winning successive matches. Blackpool, seventh in League Two after winning 2-0 at Stevenage last weekend, have the ability to go higher and they will overtake Luton if they beat them on Saturday. Two wins in a row have given bottom club St Mirren a ray of hope in the Scottish Championship. Don't be surprised if they achieve a hat-trick of victories against Ayr, who are only two places higher.

Pools info: Everton v Liverpool (match No 3 on coupon) has been moved to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Watford v Everton, Brentford v Burton, Preston v Blackburn, MK Dons v Wimbledon, Rochdale v Scunthorpe, Grimsby v Portsmouth, Mansfield v Colchester, Plymouth v Doncaster, Motherwell v Kilmarnock.

Best draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Brentford v Burton, Preston v Blackburn, Grimsby v Portsmouth, Mansfield v Colchester.

Best weekend away bets: Crystal Palace, Norwich, Exeter, Cambridge, Wycombe, Clyde.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Millwall, Crewe, Newport, Stevenage, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Bournemouth's fantastic comeback against Liverpool last Sunday enabled them to move into the top half of the Premier League. Although their away record is unexceptional, I believe they will stay there by getting a point at Burnley. All but one of Burnley's 14 points this season have been gained at Turf Moor, so they are not easily vanquished at home. Brentford's slide down the Championship must be worrying their supporters. Their latest setback was a 5-0 defeat at Norwich and I'm taking Burton, without an away win this season, to hold them at Griffin Park. Having Jermaine Beckford and Eoin Doyle sent off for fighting each other last weekend will put Preston at a disadvantage in their home match with Blackburn, who are raising hopes of escaping relegation, and I predict a stalemate. Portsmouth are one of several sides in League Two more comfortable away than at home and I rate their game at free-scoring Grimsby the most likely draw on the coupon. Colchester have scored seven and conceded none in their last two fixtures to climb away from the relegation places and can share the spoils at Mansfield, who have been lifted by their new manager, the former Leeds and Rotherham boss Steve Evans.

Away days: Now that Crystal Palace have ended their alarming losing run in the Premier League, I can see them taking maximum points at Hull, who are second from bottom and scoring less than a goal a game. Alan Pardew's teams don't tend to do draws. They either provoke joy or despair. Norwich returned to winning ways in the Championship with a resounding 5-0 home success against Brentford last Saturday and have enough about them to take another three points at Barnsley, who were slightly flattered by their 3-0 win at 10-man Birmingham. Exeter, six away wins out of 10 in League Two despite lying 21st, are well worth a punt at second-from-bottom Cheltenham, who may still be reeling from going out of the FA Cup to non-League Sutton. Cambridge's dreadful start to the season is well behind them and the mid-table outfit will fancy their chances at out-of-sorts Hartlepool. Wycombe have come from nowhere to move into the League Two play-off positions and should prevail at Notts County, who seem to reserve their worst displays when they are at home. Clyde look a banker at bottom club Montrose in Scottish League Two.

Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Newport, bottom of League Two with only one home win to their name this season, will upset erratic Morecambe. Stevenage's home form is nothing to crow about but they gave leaders Doncaster a real fright before going down 4-3 last Saturday. After winning 2-0 at Newport in midweek, Stevenage will be in the mood for the visit of Blackpool, who don't travel that well. Rangers are making a strong claim for the runner's-up spot in the Scottish Premiership and I expect them to get three points against Hearts, who may be adversely affected by their manager Robbie Neilson joining Milton Keynes Dons, of the English League One.

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Liverpool, Sunderland v Leicester, Bristol City v Ipswich, Wigan v Derby, Bolton v Sheffield United, Carlisle v Rochdale, Charlton v MK Dons, Hamilton v Partick, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Barcelona v Real Madrid.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Liverpool, Bristol City v Ipswich, Charlton v MK Dons, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Barcelona v Real Madrid.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Brighton, Wimbledon, Peterborough, Chester, Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Stoke, Tottenham, Birmingham, Blackburn, Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, Sutton, Woking, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Despite losing 3-1 at Arsenal last Sunday, Bournemouth made the Gunners work hard for maximum points and Eddie Howe's enterprising team are capable of checking Liverpool's progress in the Premier League. In the Championship, Bristol City have hit a rough patch which has seen them tumble to mid-table. The side just below them, Ipswich, had a convincing 3-0 home victory over Queens Park Rangers last weekend and will want to keep the momentum going. Charlton v MK Dons is one of the most fascinating ties of the FA Cup second round. Karl Robinson, Charlton's new manager, will be facing the League One club that sacked him a few weeks ago. Despite their problems off the field, Charlton are in an encouraging run of form but Robinson will know that MK Dons have been more effective away this season. There is almost nothing to choose between the teams in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership with only two points covering six sides. So Dundee, sixth from last, look a fair bet to draw at Kilmarnock, second from last. Although Real Madrid are pulling away from Barcelona at the top of the Spanish League, I'm taking Barca to restore a bit of pride by taking a point. Gareth Bale's absence through injury should help them.

Away days: Arsenal, who are unbeaten on their travels this season, are strongly fancied to extend that record at West Ham, who find themselves in a battle to stay in the Premier League. Brighton have closed the gap on Newcastle at the top of the Championship to just two points and I believe they will maintain the pressure by winning at relegation-threatened Cardiff. Wimbledon are worthy League One play-off contenders and it is hard to see them failing at non-League Curzon Ashton in Sunday's FA Cup second-round tie. Peterborough, another good Cup team, are also a confident selection at Notts County, who are rapidly slipping down League Two. Chester have enjoyed two consecutive 3-0 successes in the National League and will be eager for a hat-trick of victories at lowly Guiseley. Hearts climbed to second in the Scottish Premiership after a 2-0 midweek home triumph over Rangers and are recommended at Ross.

Homes sweet homes: Blackburn, struggling in the Championship, caused one of the upsets of the season by winning 1-0 at Newcastle last Saturday. I think they will win again this Saturday when they host Huddersfield, who are losing touch with the division's front-runners. Sutton United crashed 6-0 at home to Dover in a National League midweek fixture but they played most of the match with 10 men. Don't rule them out of Saturday's FA Cup second-round home tie against Cheltenham, who have dropped into the League Two relegation zone. Accrington are another club in League Two who are vulnerable, so don't be surprised if they exit the Cup to National League side Woking on Sunday.

Pools info: Lincoln City v Oldham (No 28 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend - the games at Accrington, Exeter and Macclesfield, the last of which was a panel judgment.

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

Ten draws: Southampton v Everton, Watford v Stoke, Derby v Norwich, Ipswich v Queens Park Rangers, Gillingham v Rochdale, Northampton v Bolton, Walsall v Southend, Accrington v Yeovil, Exeter v Luton, Macclesfield v Dover.

Best draws: Derby v Norwich, Ipswich v Queens Park Rangers, Accrington v Yeovil, Exeter v Luton, Macclesfield v Dover.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, West Bromwich, Peterborough, Grimsby, Boreham Wood, Rangers.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Leicester, Swansea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Wolves, Scunthorpe, Blackpool, Doncaster, Dundee.


Pick of the draws: Although Norwich have lost their last four Championship matches, they showed a lot of spirit when reduced to 10 men after only two minutes at Queens Park Rangers last Saturday and could even have nicked a draw. That should encourage them when they visit Derby, who have greatly improved under Steve McClaren. Ipswich supporters are becoming restless at their side's lack of progress and they can't be confident of success against QPR, who have been lifted by the return of manager Ian Holloway. Yeovil's recent results in League Two are as good as anybody's and they look good for at least a point at Accrington, who are not enjoying the best of seasons. Exeter's home record is unbelievably bad - no wins and seven defeats - but they are a match for the best on their day and I'm taking them to deny Luton victory. Dover, sixth in the National League, have recovered well from their FA Cup first-round exit to Cambridge United and the long journey to Macclesfield will hold no fears.

Away days: Manchester City, with five Premier League away wins under their belt, will be disappointed not to make it six when they go to Burnley on Saturday, especially now that Yaya Toure has made a triumphant comeback to the team. A resounding 4-0 victory over Burnley on Monday moved West Bromwich Albion into the top half of the table and they are a good bet to continue in a winning vein at Hull, who are struggling to escape from the relegation zone. League One promotion contenders Peterborough should be backed at lowly Oldham and the same applies to League Two improvers Grimsby, who go to ailing Crawley. Boreham Wood are one of the success stories of the National League this season and will probably increase the pressure on bottom club Guiseley. Rangers, striving for second place in the Scottish Premiership, are recommended at Partick.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea slipped to the bottom of the Premier League last Saturday and have yet to win at home this season. They will never have a better chance than against Crystal Palace, who have lost their past five league matches after a good start to the campaign and are now only one point away from the relegation zone. Wolves, who have not won a Championship fixture since September, will be anxious to put that right for new manager Paul Lambert. They host Sheffield Wednesday, who have failed to impress on their travels. Dundee may be bottom of the Scottish Premiership but there are only two points separating them from seventh-placed Inverness, whom they play at the weekend. Have a punt on the hosts.

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

Ten draws: Sunderland v Hull, Watford v Leicester, Cardiff v Huddersfield, Leeds v Newcastle, Preston v Wolves, Bolton v Millwall, Northampton v Peterborough, Walsall v Gillingham, Cheltenham v Portsmouth, Notts County v Newport.

Best draws: Sunderland v Hull, Watford v Leicester, Preston v Wolves, Northampton v Peterborough, Cheltenham v Portsmouth.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Chelsea, Port Vale, Coventry, Luton, Tranmere.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Tottenham, Ipswich, Queens Park Rangers, Wimbledon, Fleetwood, Sheffield United, Leyton Orient, Yeovil, St Mirren.

Pick of the draws: Sunderland's 2-1 away win at Bournemouth was a huge relief for the team and their under-pressure manager David Moyes. They can move off the bottom of the Premier League with a point against fellow strugglers Hull, who also gained a welcome victory at home to Southampton. Leicester's bottom-half placing is mainly down to their feeble away record, where they have taken only one point. That could change after Saturday's visit to Watford, who are flattered by their eighth position in the Premier League. I believe Wolves have appointed a good manager in Paul Lambert and that they'll make a point in more ways than one in their Championship fixture at Preston on Saturday. Northampton, who dropped out of the League One play-off places after Gillingham's late winner last weekend, are up against a revitalised Peterborough, who damaged Bolton's chances of promotion by beating them 1-0 at home. Cheltenham's resounding
4-1 triumph at Crewe in a midweek FA Cup first-round replay will put them in the mood for a League Two home encounter with promotion favourites Portsmouth, who tend to blow hot and cold.

Away days: Manchester City must be backed at Crystal Palace, who have already lost three Premier League matches at Selhurst Park and are on a downward spiral. Since losing 3-0 at Arsenal, Chelsea have won five league games in a row without conceding and are clearly capable of extending that run against Middlesbrough, who are averaging less than a goal a match. I think promotion-seeking Port Vale will add to Charlton's problems in League One by winning at The Valley. Charlton are again without a manager, having dismissed the latest incumbent Russell Slade after losing 3-0 at Swindon last Saturday and their fans are furious at the way the club is being run. Despite last Saturday's narrow home defeat by leaders Scunthorpe, Coventry's fortunes are looking up and they are worth a punt at troubled Oxford. Luton, fifth in League Two, are a more confident selection at Morecambe, who have one of the worst home records in the Football League. Tranmere surprisingly dropped two home points to Chester in the National League last Saturday and they'll be determined to make amends at Braintree, who are floundering.

Homes sweet homes: The Ian Holloway effect may be decisive when Queens Park Rangers host Norwich in the Championship on Saturday. The zany Holloway is back as QPR manager and I've a hunch their fortunes will take an immediate turn for the better, especially as Norwich, their visitors, are wobbling at the moment. Leyton Orient's alarming slide down League Two was arrested by a fine 3-0 success at Colchester last weekend. They will be anxious to improve their terrible home form and they have a fighting chance against Blackpool, who are not too clever away. St Mirren, bottom of the Scottish Championship and without a home win in the league, could do with a break and may get one against second bottom Dunfermline, who have yet to prevail on their travels.

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

Ten draws: Coventry v Scunthorpe, Peterborough v Bolton, Port Vale v Fleetwood, Stevenage v Yeovil, Bromley v Boreham Wood, Guiseley v Torquay, Southport v Maidstone, Sutton v Barrow, Wrexham v Braintree, Albion v Stranraer.

Best draws: Coventry v Scunthorpe, Peterborough v Bolton, Stevenage v Yeovil, Guiseley v Torquay, Wrexham v Braintree.

Best weekend away bets: Northampton, Wimbledon, Charlton, Carlisle, Dover, Brechin.

Best weekend home bets: England (Friday), Bury, MK Dons, Crawley, Grimsby, Portsmouth, Wycombe, Eastleigh, Macclesfield, Tranmere.


Pick of the draws: As predicted in this blog, Scunthorpe went out of the FA Cup to Charlton last weekend but they are League One leaders on merit and I reckon they'll resume normal service with a point at Coventry, who are gradually climbing the table after a terrible start to the season. Bolton, in second place, are also formidable opponents but they have a tricky assignment at Peterborough, who are striving to move into the play-off positions. League Two Stevenage have yet to draw at home this season but that may change on Saturday when they host Yeovil. From looking likely relegation candidates earlier in the season, Yeovil are now safely ensconced in mid-table. Torquay continue to struggle in the National League, which makes me believe bottom club Guiseley have a fighting chance of sharing the spoils. Wrexham have been a major disappointment so far and Braintree, their lowly opponents on Saturday, will be inspired by their 7-0 rout of Eastbourne in the FA Cup first round.

Away days: Northampton, aiming for their second consecutive promotion, are a confident selection at Gillingham, whose unexpected slide puts them close to the League One relegation zone. Wimbledon's away record is very impressive and they can improve on it at Oldham, who regularly fail to make the most of home advantage. Charlton seem on the upgrade. If they can knock Scunthorpe out of the FA Cup, then they must rate their chances of beating Swindon, who have dropped into the relegation zone. Carlisle remain the only unbeaten side in the Football League. The League Two outfit will want to close the gap on leaders Plymouth and an away fixture at bottom club Newport gives them a great opportunity. Dover keep punching above their weight in the National League and are worth a punt at mid-table Solihull. Brechin, five away victories in Scottish League One already, can make it six by beating Airdrieonians.

Homes sweet homes: Although Bury have lost their past three home games and are in free-fall, I think they will stop the rot against Southend. Manager-less MK Dons, without a home win in League One this campaign, will be anxious to rectify that against Walsall, who were the victims of an FA Cup upset against National League team Macclesfield last Saturday. By all accounts, Wycombe's FA Cup victory at Portsmouth was well deserved, so a visit from Morecambe should hold no fears, especially as the Lancashire side from League Two concede goals at an alarming rate. If anybody can halt Forest Green's relentless progress at the top of the National League it's Macclesfield, who are seeking promotion themselves and are buoyant after knocking League One Walsall out of the FA Cup.


Pools info: Dundee United v Dunfermline (No 36 on coupon) is void. Queen of the South v St Mirren (38), Raith v Ayr (39) and East Fife v Alloa (42) are being judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Hull v Southampton, Burton v Barnsley, Norwich v Leeds, Nottingham Forest v Queens Park Rangers, Wolves v Derby, Bury v Wimbledon, Colchester v Chesterfield, Mansfield v Plymouth, Shrewsbury v Barnet, Stockport v Woking.

Best draws: Hull v Southampton, Nottingham Forest v Queens Park Rangers, Wolves v Derby, Bury v Wimbledon, Colchester v Chesterfield.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Stoke, Reading, Bristol Rovers, Coventry, Doncaster.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Leicester, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bolton, Boreham Wood, Charlton, Exeter, Blackpool, Hartlepool.


Pick of the draws: Struggling Hull showed signs of improvement last Saturday when they were unlucky to lose at Watford. They can get something from their game against Southampton, whose Premier League progress was halted when they lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea. Nottingham Forest are only one point off the Championship relegation zone and don't inspire confidence. Fortunately for them, neither do their visitors Queens Park Rangers and deadlock seems the likeliest result. Derby had a morale-boosting 2-0 home success over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend and won't make life easy for manager-less Wolves, who have only four league wins to their credit. Although Bury are rapidly sliding down League One, they may find some relief in the FA Cup first round when they host Wimbledon, who are only three points better off. League Two Colchester are another side out of sorts and they will be glad they are facing another ailing team - Chesterfield, second from bottom of League One.

Away days: Manchester United dropped a couple of points at home to Burnley in a goalless draw last Saturday but on another day they would have won by four or five. They are capable of going on a long unbeaten run and should be too strong for Swansea, who are five points off Premier League safety. Stoke are looking better by the week and I believe they will gain maximum points against West Ham, who are having big problems adjusting to their new surroundings at the Olympic Stadium. Championship play-off contenders Reading are responding well to manager Jaap Stam's methods and will be confident of victory at lowly Wigan. Bristol Rovers, making light of life in a higher division (League One), are expected to prevail at League Two Crawley in the FA Cup. Coventry are in a much happier frame of mind these days and will be seeking to eliminate Morecambe at the first time of asking. League Two promotion hopefuls Doncaster are clearly capable of knocking out Oldham, third from bottom in League One.

Homes sweet homes: Boreham Wood continue to confound expectations in the National League and are worth a wager against League Two promotion contenders Notts County in the first round of the FA Cup. I sense another upset when mid-table Charlton, who are improving under manager Russell Slade, host the League One leaders Scunthorpe. Exeter's record in League Two this season is extraordinary. They are without a home win yet have prevailed five times away. I've a hunch they will buck the trend on Saturday when they host high-riding Luton.

Pools info: Eastleigh v Swindon (No 33 on coupon) and Millwall v Southend (38) are being played on Friday and are therefore void. Southport v Fleetwood (45) has been moved to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel.

Four of my five best draw selections were correct last weekend - Barnsley v Bristol City, Birmingham v Aston Villa, Ipswich v Rotherham and Cheltenham v Blackpool.

Betting info: Five of my six aways last weekend were correct. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Portsmouth obliged.

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

Ten draws: Middlesbrough v Bournemouth, Barnsley v Bristol City, Birmingham v Aston Villa, Ipswich v Rotherham, Wimbledon v Bradford City, Cheltenham v Blackpool, Morecambe v Exeter, Yeovil v Grimsby, Boreham Wood v Woking, Braintree v Solihull.

Best draws: Barnsley v Bristol City, Birmingham v Aston Villa, Ipswich v Rotherham, Cheltenham v Blackpool, Boreham Wood v Woking.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Sutton.

Best weekend home bets: Watford, Cardiff, Reading, Charlton, Scunthorpe, Sheffield United, Southend, Doncaster, Notts County, Chester.


Pick of the draws: Barnsley halted their run of poor form in the Championship by winning 2-0 at Brentford but they will be pressed to repeat that success against Bristol City, who have moved into the play-off positions and are responding well to Lee Johnson's management. Two consecutive victories have put Aston Villa in the mood for a derby with their fierce rivals Birmingham on Sunday. However, Birmingham won't be prepared to give an inch, especially as Villa boss Steve Bruce is an ex-Brum manager. I'm taking bottom-of-the table Rotherham to gain their first away point of the campaign at Ipswich, whose lack of goals must be driving their supporters to distraction. They've managed only 10 from 14 games. Cheltenham eased League Two relegation fears with a fine 1-0 victory at Grimsby last Saturday but their visitors, Blackpool, did equally well by defeating high-riding Doncaster 4-2 at home. A draw seems the likeliest outcome. Although Boreham Wood are doing better than expected in the National League, I believe relegation-troubled Woking will take a point off them.

Away days: Liverpool are flying and will be confident of adding Crystal Palace to their list of Premier League victims. Palace's early-season progress has stalled in the past two matches which have been lost against West Ham and Leicester respectively. Arsenal's goalless home draw against lowly Middlesbrough last weekend was a missed opportunity but they will be firm favourites to recover at Sunderland, who are in danger of losing touch with the rest of the Premier League. Leaders Manchester City are stumbling after a wonderful start to the season but there is no doubting their ability. I think they will make that count at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Newcastle look certain to make an instant return to the Premier League and should be three points nearer their objective after their visit to Preston, who crashed 6-0 in their midweek League Cup tie at St James' Park. League Two Portsmouth are struggling for consistency but they travel to Cambridge, where they have been successful in the past two seasons with scores of 6-2 and 3-1. In the National League, mid-table Sutton are worth a wager at York, for whom nothing is going right.

Homes sweet homes: Manager Neil Warnock has already made an enormous difference at Cardiff, who have moved out of the Championship relegation zone by taking seven points from three fixtures. They should be even higher in the table on Saturday evening after defeating Wigan, who are without a manager after the sacking of Gary Caldwell. Notts County are in the League Two play-off places, thanks to their terrific away form. Although their home record leaves much to be desired, I believe they will put that right against fellow promotion-seekers Luton. Chester's improvement in the National League was confirmed by a goalless draw at Macclesfield in midweek and they can upset Lincoln City, who are better placed.

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

Ten draws: Chelsea v Manchester United, Leicester v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Cardiff, Peterborough v Wimbledon, Swindon v Walsall, Colchester v Morecambe, Crawley v Accrington, Newport v Plymouth, Dagenham & Redbridge v Macclesfield, Maidstone v Gateshead.

Best draws: Leicester v Crystal Palace, Swindon v Walsall, Crawley v Accrington, Dagenham & Redbridge v Macclesfield, Maidstone v Gateshead.

Best weekend away bets: Everton, Stoke, Brighton, Bolton (being played on Monday), Charlton, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Liverpool, Swansea, West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Norwich, Blackpool, Crewe, Hartlepool.


Pick of the draws: After eight matches Leicester, the champions, are only two points away from the relegation zone. Unlike last season they don't seem motivated for Premier League games and a draw is well within the capabilities of visitors Crystal Palace. Swindon gained a much-needed League One win in midweek, defeating in-form Rochdale 3-0 at home. However, Saturday's opponents, Walsall, have already drawn four away games and I can see them making it five. Two late goals against Blackpool enabled Accrington to climb into the League Two play-off positions last weekend. They play enterprising, attractive football and won't fear a trip to Crawley, although the Sussex side are also doing well. Dagenham & Redbridge are on course for an instant return to the Football League but they may have their work cut out against fifth-placed Macclesfield, who boast one of the best away records in the National League. Although Maidstone have reached the first round of the FA Cup, they are not finding life easy at home. They may, however, get something from their encounter with Gateshead, who tend to be erratic and went out of the FA Cup in midweek.

Away days: Everton's point in a 1-1 draw at leaders Manchester City last Saturday was a very creditable one and they will probably do better at Burnley, who are only averaging a goal a game in the Premier League and are close to the relegation zone. There are signs that Stoke are on the upgrade after a terrible start to the season and are well worth a wager at Hull, who appear to be going in the opposite direction, especially in view of their 6-1 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend. Brighton, strong promotion contenders in the Championship, will be confident of three points at Wigan, who are short of goals and belief. Bolton are back in business thanks to three consecutive victories in League One. I think they will make that four at Bury, who are badly out of sorts. Charlton could do with some success on the road and I believe it will come at Gillingham, who are nowhere near the team they were for much of last season. A goalless draw at Raith put Hibernian top of the Scottish Championship last weekend. I believe they will stay there after winning at struggling Dunfermline.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea, in their first game under new manager Bob Bradley, showed a lot of spirit in their 3-2 defeat at Arsenal last weekend, which should serve them well when they host Watford. The Swans have not won a Premier League home match this season but I expect that to change on Saturday. Championship strugglers Aston Villa will surely start to turn things around now that Steve Bruce is in charge. Their 2-1 triumph at Reading in midweek will have done wonders for morale and a second home victory of the season beckons when inconsistent Fulham visit on Saturday. Blackpool are in the bottom half of League Two, having dropped some silly points. They are capable of much better and worth a punt against promotion contenders Doncaster, who have lost as many away matches as they have won.

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Hull, Middlesbrough v Watford, Wigan v Burton, Charlton v Coventry, Rochdale v Bury, Barnet v Exeter, Cheltenham v Crawley, Plymouth v Portsmouth, Yeovil v Newport, Partick v Hamilton.

Best draws: Wigan v Burton, Rochdale v Bury, Barnet v Exeter, Plymouth v Portsmouth, Yeovil v Newport.

Best weekend away bets: West Ham, Tottenham, Reading, Bradford City, Luton, Dundee United.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Southampton, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Norwich, Wimbledon, Walsall, Cambridge, Carlisle, Doncaster.


Pick of the draws: Promoted Burton are adjusting well to the demands of the Championship. The same cannot be said of their hosts on Saturday, Wigan, despite a recent 2-1 win over Wolves, and this looks one of the best draws on the coupon. Third-placed Bury have had a couple of setbacks in League One but are talented enough to get something at Rochdale, who have zoomed up the table after five consecutive victories. Barnet have not made the most of home advantage in League Two this season, having won only once. Exeter, their opponents on Saturday, are second from bottom but have done well away and can nick a point. Plymouth have opened a five-point gap at the top of the table but I believe their progress will be halted by fellow promotion challengers Portsmouth. Pompey will also be looking to avenge their narrow defeat in the League Two play-off semi-final last season. Bottom club Newport have a new manager in Graham Westley, formerly at Peterborough and Stevenage. Westley's sides are disciplined and well organised, so I won't be surprised if they hold  Yeovil to a draw.

Away days: West Ham's decline has been one of the surprises of the season so far but although they are in the Premier League relegation zone, I'm backing them to turn things around at Crystal Palace. Perhaps the knowledge that they won 3-1 at Selhurst Park last season will inspire the Hammers to a much-needed victory. Tottenham announced themselves as serious title contenders when they beat leaders Manchester City 2-0 at home. They are the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, having conceded just three goals in seven matches, and should have too much for West Bromwich Albion.  Reading are likely to be in the Championship promotion shake-up and are well equipped to win at Queens Park Rangers. Bradford City are undefeated after 12 games in League One and challenging Scunthorpe for the leadership. I cannot see them being blown off course by Oxford, who slumped 3-1 at home to Wimbledon last Sunday. In League Two, promotion-seeking Luton are favourites to prevail at ailing Leyton Orient. Although Dundee United have still to find their feet in the Scottish Championship, they will be confident of taking three points off lowly St Mirren.

Homes sweet homes: It's high time relegated Aston Villa stopped feeling sorry for themselves and played to their potential in the Championship. I've a hunch they will come good on Saturday against mid-table Wolves, especially as the experienced Steve Bruce has been appointed Villa manager. Blackburn, third from bottom, are in an even worse state than Villa but don't rule out their chances against goal-shy Ipswich, who have only managed eight in 11 matches. Cambridge have hauled themselves away from the League Two relegation zone and I think they will continue to climb the table. They are well worth a punt against promoted Grimsby on Saturday.


Pools info: Liverpool v Manchester United (No 4 on coupon) has been moved to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Inverness v Rangers (47) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Oxford United v Wimbledon, Morecambe v Carlisle, Yeovil v Wycombe, Braintree v York, Eastleigh v Dagenham & Redbridge, Gateshead v Dover, Sutton v Woking, Gloucester v Halifax, Stalybridge v Altrincham, Oxford City v East Thurrock.

Best draws: Morecambe v Carlisle, Yeovil v Wycombe, Braintree v York, Gateshead v Dover, Stalybridge v Altrincham.

Best weekend away bets: Bolton, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Notts County, Lincoln, Forest Green.

Best weekend home bets: Bradford City, MK Dons, Rochdale, Accrington, Colchester, Doncaster, Exeter, Hartlepool, Barrow, Chester.


Pick of the draws: Carlisle are one of only three unbeaten teams in the top four divisions and I predict  that run will be extended after Saturday's tricky assignment at Morecambe. Carlisle's 2-0 win over Colchester last Saturday enabled them to move into the automatic promotion positions in League Two  and they won't relinquish it without a fight. Wycombe have hauled themselves away from the relegation zone with some good results and must rate their chances of sharing the spoils at Yeovil, who need every point they can get. Braintree v York in the Vanarama National League features two sides woefully out of form. Relegation-fearing Braintree have lost twice at home in four days while York have gained only one point on their travels and were heavily beaten by bottom club Guiseley in midweek. A draw seems the best bet here. Dover continue to punch above their weight in this division and can frustrate Gateshead. I'm tipping lowly Stalybridge and Altrincham to cancel each other out in the Vanarama League North.

Away days: Bolton's alarming slide down League One has surprised everybody but I believe they will stop the rot at Swindon, who are no great shakes themselves. Portsmouth's League Two results are difficult to predict but they will be disappointed not to come away from Leyton Orient with three points. Orient are in the doldrums, having sacked their manager Andy Hessenthaler last week, and have already lost four home games. Plymouth have opened a five-point gap at the top and will be confident of success at Stevenage, who are hovering above the relegation zone. Notts County's best results have come on the road and they are worth a punt at Mansfield, who are finding goals hard to come by. Lincoln, in second place in the National League, ought to be too strong for Bromley while new leaders Forest Green, fresh from their midweek 4-0 triumph at Aldershot, look a banker at North Ferriby.

Homes sweet homes: I'm going out on a limb this week and recommending three teams who don't have a home win between them this season. League One MK Dons host Port Vale on Sunday and if they play half was well as they do away, they will break their duck. Exeter, who are second from bottom in League Two, have lost all five at home, despite recording three away wins. I've a hunch they will give their supporters something to cheer on Saturday when they entertain promoted Grimsby. Finally, Hartlepool have in flashes shown what they are capable of. Their 3-0 victory at Grimsby last weekend was a good example and I'm taking them to halt Crawley's progress.

Pools info: Bristol Rovers v Fleetwood (No 2 on coupon), Coventry v Chesterfield (3) and Sheffield United v Walsall (9) have been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 1-2

Ten draws: Tottenham v Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton, Wimbledon v Gillingham, Bury v Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury v Swindon, Walsall v Millwall, Crawley v Blackpool, Grimsby v Hartlepool, Portsmouth v Doncaster, Hamilton v Inverness.

Best draws: Tottenham v Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton, Bury v Scunthorpe, Grimsby v Hartlepool, Portsmouth v Doncaster.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Luton, Celtic.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester United, Bristol City, Leeds, Bolton, Northampton, Southend, Newport, Notts County, Rangers, Alloa.


Pick of the draws: Manchester City are imperious at the moment - top of the Premier League by four points having won all their matches. But Tottenham, their nearest challengers, are also unbeaten after conceding only three goals in their six games and I think they will break City's momentum on Sunday. Sheffield Wednesday v Brighton is probably the best-looking draw on the coupon. Wednesday are going from strength to strength after an uncertain start to the Championship season and Brighton are likely to remain in the mix for promotion. Brighton's defence is serving them particularly well, with only six goals conceded in 10 games. Bury and Scunthorpe, lying second and first respectively, are the surprise packets in League One. They both had terrific results in midweek - Bury winning 3-1 at MK Dons, Scunthorpe 4-1 winners at Walsall - and it is hard to separate them. Hartlepool's best results in League Two have come on the road. That 1-1 draw at leaders Plymouth last Saturday was a good example and I'm backing them to hold promoted Grimsby. High-scoring Doncaster must also be in with a shout at Portsmouth, whose recent fortunes have been mixed.

Away days: Arsenal have shown real purpose and flair in their past two Premier League fixtures against Hull and Chelsea and must be fancied to continue that form at Burnley on Sunday, despite the hosts' well deserved victory over Watford last Monday. Liverpool seem an irresistible force at present and must be supported at lowly Swansea, who are clearly having doubts about their manager. Newcastle have been more comfortable away from St James's Park and are strongly recommended at Rotherham, who have sunk to the bottom of the Championship. There's no stopping Sheffield United, who are promotion contenders after a terrible start to the season in League One and must rate their chances of prevailing at Fleetwood, who have slipped into the bottom half of the table. Promotion-seeking Luton are well worth a punt at struggling Cheltenham in League Two and the claims of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic cannot be ignored at Dundee.

Homes sweet homes: Despite a setback at Bristol City in midweek, Leeds are making good progress in the Championship and can triumph in the Yorkshire derby against Barnsley. Southend have rediscovered their mojo at Roots Hall, beating Millwall and Oxford in League One, so don't be surprised if they send Peterborough home pointless. I believe manager-less Newport, bottom of League Two, will gain their first home success of the season against Stevenage and I expect rapidly improving Notts County to carry on the good work against Morecambe.


Pools info: Everton v Crystal Palace (No 2 on coupon) and Motherwell v Hearts (49) are being played on Friday and are therefore void.

Betting info: Eight of my 10 home selections were correct last weekend. Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds, Norwich, Northampton, Carlisle, Portsmouth and Barrow obliged.

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

Ten draws: West Ham v Southampton, Aston Villa v Newcastle, Brighton v Barnsley, Reading v Huddersfield, Wolves v Brentford, Bristol Rovers v Port Vale, Oxford v Charlton, Scunthorpe v Sheffield United, Colchester v Accrington, Dover v Lincoln.

Best draws: West Ham v Southampton, Aston Villa v Newcastle, Brighton v Barnsley, Oxford v Charlton, Colchester v Accrington.

Best weekend away bets: Everton, Birmingham, Doncaster, Forest Green, Dagenham & Redbridge, Macclesfield.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds, Norwich, Northampton, Carlisle, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Barrow, Clyde.


Pick of the draws: West Ham have made such a bad start to the Premier League season that they can't be guaranteed to beat Southampton on Sunday, even though Southampton have also been unimpressive so far. Aston Villa are the draw specialists of the Championship with five stalemates from eight fixtures. Don't be surprised if they add to that tally against Newcastle, who surprisingly went down at home to Wolves on Saturday. Brighton seem to have recovered from their sticky patch with two consecutive wins but on-form Barnsley, their opponents, won't make it easy for them and boast a 4-0 away victory at Wolves this season. Promoted Oxford are settling well in League One and can hold Charlton, who are faring better away than at home. League Two Accrington have recent wins over Notts County (away) and Portsmouth (home) to their credit, so they should not fear a visit to Colchester, despite the Essex side being in the play-off positions.

Away days: Everton are shaping up to be genuine top-four contenders in the Premier League and must be fancied to prevail at Bournemouth, who are struggling to get going. Birmingham are handily placed in the Championship and playing well. The same cannot be said of their hosts Queens Park Rangers, who crashed 6-0 at home to Newcastle and lost again on Saturday. League Two promotion candidates Doncaster are finally showing their true potential and are well worth a punt at Luton, whose form has dipped. Forest Green, second in the National League, are strong favourites to come away from Braintree with three points and table-topping Dagenham & Redbridge should also be backed at Bromley. Although Macclesfield lost at home to Eastleigh on Saturday they should still be too good for bottom club Guiseley.

Homes sweet homes: Arsenal have a terrible record against Chelsea but I've a hunch they will overcome their jinx on Saturday. The Gunners made it three Premier League wins in a row at Hull at the weekend, having previously defeated Southampton and Watford. Chelsea, on the other hand, have come unstuck against Swansea and Liverpool in their last two matches and may be more vulnerable than usual at the Emirates. Leeds have won their last two games and I expect them to continue climbing the Championship table. I also expect them to beat Ipswich, who have difficulty stringing results together. League Two Forfar are the only team in Scotland to have won all six league matches. It's put them five points ahead of their nearest challengers Clyde, who host them on Saturday. However, Clyde have not dropped a point at home and I believe they will end Forfar's run.


Pools info: Three of my five best draw selections were correct at the weekend. Ipswich v Aston Villa, Barnet v Colchester and Blackpool v Carlisle all obliged.

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

Ten draws: West Bromwich v West Ham, Burton v Brighton, Ipswich v Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest v Norwich, Chesterfield v Northampton, Port Vale v Gillingham, Barnet v Colchester, Blackpool v Carlisle, Wycombe v Stevenage, Boreham Wood v Torquay.

Best draws: Burton v Brighton, Ipswich v Aston Villa, Barnet v Colchester, Blackpool v Carlisle, Boreham Wood v Torquay.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool (Friday), Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Millwall, Bolton, Luton.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham, Blackburn, Newcastle, Charlton, Coventry, Doncaster, Hartlepool, Hibernian.


Pick of the draws: Nigel Clough's Burton are acquitting themselves well in the higher division of the Championship and can take a point off Brighton, whose early-season progress has stalled. Aston Villa have been playing better than their results suggest and I believe they will hold Ipswich, who are hindered by inconsistency. Relegated Colchester are one of the early front-runners in League Two. They visit Barnet, who are never easy to beat at home and this match-up looks the likeliest draw of all. After seven games Carlisle are undefeated on the road and I think they will extend that run at Blackpool, who have yet to hit their stride. Boreham Wood, possibly the most improved side in the National League, host Torquay in a mid-table clash that looks as if it will end in stalemate.

Away days: You are never quite sure which Liverpool will turn up these days but if they are at their best, as they were when beating Leicester 4-1 at home last weekend, they can come away from Chelsea with three points on Friday. Fleetwood have moved into promotion contention in League One and will be disappointed with anything less than maximum points at bottom club Rochdale. Free-scoring Scunthorpe thoroughly deserve their second place and must be confident of continuing the good work at Shrewsbury. It's impossible to ignore Millwall's chances at Southend, who are in the doldrums, and Bolton's at Walsall, who hover just above the relegation zone. Top-of-the-table Bolton are one of only four unbeaten teams in the Football League. League Two promotion challengers Luton were surprisingly beaten at home by Grimsby last Saturday but they will probably recover at Crawley, whose early-season promise has faded.


Homes sweet homes: Blackburn, bottom of the Championship and without a league win in seven matches, will be anxious to get off the mark against Rotherham, who are also at the wrong end of the table. Lowly Coventry gained a well-merited League One point in a 1-1 draw at Millwall last Saturday. Perhaps that will encourage them to better things and they are worth a punt at home to Oldham, who are hardly taxing opposition. Hartlepool returned to winning ways at Yeovil last weekend after being routed 6-1 at Stevenage and I'm tipping them to win at home for the first time this season when they play Mansfield.


Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections last weekend. Barnsley, Sheffield United, Doncaster, Macclesfield and Dagenham & Redbridge obliged.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Hull, Stoke v Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday v Wigan, Bristol Rovers v Rochdale, Fleetwood v Charlton, Oxford v Swindon, Colchester v Blackpool, Newport v Cheltenham, Yeovil v Hartlepool, Barrow v Boreham Wood.

Best draws: Burnley v Hull, Sheffield Wednesday v Wigan, Fleetwood v Charlton, Colchester v Blackpool, Yeovil v Hartlepool.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Doncaster, Macclesfield, Dagenham & Redbridge.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton, Queens Park Rangers, Northampton, Scunthorpe, Luton, Portsmouth.


Pick of the draws: It's no fluke that Hull find themselves fifth after three Premier League matches and they almost held Manchester United last weekend. Hull's hosts Burnley have a win over Liverpool to their credit and can nick a point out of this one. Sheffield Wednesday, beaten Championship play-off finalists last season, have disappointed so far with only one victory from five games. Their opponents on Saturday, Wigan, have also underwhelmed and deadlock seems likely. League One Fleetwood are prospering under manager Uwe Rosler but may find improving Charlton tough nuts to crack. Blackpool made a welcome return to form in League Two with a 3-0 away success at Yeovil last Saturday and I'm backing them to return from Colchester with a share of the spoils. Hartlepool manager Craig Hignett admitted they were an embarrassment when crashing 6-1 at Stevenage last weekend but Yeovil's 3-0 home loss to Blackpool was nearly as bad. I expect Hartlepool to tighten up sufficiently to come away with a point.

Away days: Chelsea, maximum points from their opening three Premier League fixtures, look a sure thing on Sunday at Swansea, who could be fighting relegation. The Championship holds no fears for promoted Barnsley, who lie third in the table. I believe they will keep up the good work at Preston, who are struggling. Sheffield United must fancy their chances of making it three League One wins in a row at Wimbledon. United gave themselves a huge boost by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Gillingham last Sunday and I expect them to continue climbing the table. League Two promotion contenders Doncaster surprisingly slipped up at Crewe last Saturday but can make amends at second-placed Morecambe, who have begun to look vulnerable. Macclesfield are challenging for promotion in the National League and are a confident selection at Bromley. Dagenham & Redbridge's 2-0 home defeat by Boreham Wood was one of last weekend's upsets, so they will be eager to return to winning ways at Solihull, who lost 4-0 at York.

Homes sweet homes: The season-long loan of the Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere should benefit Bournemouth, who have yet to win a Premier League game this season. They can get off the mark against West Bromwich Albion, who will probably struggle. The absence of ace striker Sergio Aguero - banned for three matches - for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday has tilted the balance in favour of United, who have started confidently under Jose Mourinho. United and City have maximum points from their first three games so something has to give. Aston Villa have hardly set the world alight in the Championship so far but ought to win most of their home fixtures. They are worth a wager on Sunday against Nottingham Forest, who are not the best of travellers.


Pools info: Reading v Ipswich (No 18 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Gillingham v Sheffield United, Northampton v MK Dons, Oldham v Shrewsbury, Notts County v Grimsby, Stevenage v Hartlepool, Yeovil v Blackpool, Guiseley v Braintree, Maidstone v Wrexham, Torquay v Lincoln, Worcester v Gainsborough.

Best draws: Northampton v MK Dons, Stevenage v Hartlepool, Yeovil v Blackpool, Torquay v Lincoln, Guiseley v Braintree.

Best weekend away bets: Chesterfield, Doncaster, Barnet, Tranmere, Forest Green, St Mirren.

Best weekend home bets: Bolton, Bury, Peterborough, Colchester, Luton, Plymouth, Eastleigh, Macclesfield, York, Queen's Park.


Pick of the draws: Northampton have drawn all five League One matches this season and I don't put it past them to add to that tally against inconsistent MK Dons in a game that has been switched to Sunday. Hartlepool's 2-2 home draw with Newport last Saturday was a better League Two result than it appeared because they played nearly the whole match with 10 men. They have also come back from 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw at Crewe and seem well capable of taking a point at Stevenage, who have concerns at both ends of the pitch. Blackpool have been disappointing so far but sharing the spoils at Yeovil should not be beyond them. Torquay have picked up recently in the National League and their improvement could be reflected in their result against Lincoln, who are among the early promotion contenders. Guiseley are without a point after seven matches in the same division but I believe it will come against ailing Braintree.

Away days: Promoted Wimbledon, bottom of League One, are struggling to adapt to a higher division and I fancy Chesterfield's chances of increasing their misery on Saturday. In League Two, Doncaster are beginning to find top gear after a stumbling start to the season and Darren Ferguson's side are a confident selection at mid-table Crewe. Barnet had a disappointing result against Carlisle last weekend but I expect them to recover at Newport, who have yet to get off the mark at home. Tranmere dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw at Southport last Saturday but they are topping the National League on merit and are worth a punt at Aldershot. Free-scoring Forest Green, regular promotion contenders, are hot on Tranmere's heels and are recommended at Chester. St Mirren, of the Scottish Championship, are a good bet to prevail at League One Albion in the Irn-Bru Cup.

Homes sweet homes: Bury will be in good heart after recovering from 3-0 behind against Walsall to force a 3-3 away draw in League One and are worth backing against the higher-placed Port Vale. Although York lost away to Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday, I think they are on the upgrade and will see off the challenge of National League newcomers Solihull Moors. If you are looking for an upset in the Irn-Bru Cup then League One Queen's Park could provide one when they host an out-of-sorts Morton, of the Championship.


Pools info: Bristol Rovers v Walsall (No 3 on coupon), Scunthorpe v Charlton (12), Darlington v Kidderminster (40) and Telford v Halifax (46) will be judged by the pool panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 27-28

Ten draws: Tottenham v Liverpool, Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield v Wolves, Newcastle v Brighton, Chesterfield v Millwall, Coventry v Northampton, Southend v Fleetwood, Walsall v Bury, Accrington v Morecambe, Crawley v Notts County.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Wolves, Newcastle v Brighton, Coventry v Northampton, Southend v Fleetwood, Crawley v Notts County.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds, Portsmouth, Rangers (Friday), Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Manchester City, Barnsley, Cardiff, Bradford City, Charlton, Sheffield United, Grimsby, Celtic, Hibernian.


Pick of the draws: Unbeaten Huddersfield are the unexpected leaders of the Championship after four matches but Wolves, also unbeaten, are hot on their heels in third place. I believe they'll cancel each other out and a draw is the likeliest result. Newcastle have put a shaky start behind them, having won their last three games (two in the Championship, one in the League Cup) but they will be hard-pushed to defeat second-placed Brighton, who are determined to make up for last season's promotion near miss. Brighton have already drawn twice away and it wouldn't surprise me to see them make it three in a row at St James's Park. Coventry are a club in crisis, no wins in League One, fourth from bottom and thrashed 6-1 at Norwich in the League Cup in midweek. Confidence is so low at the moment that I can't see them beating promoted Northampton. The Cobblers will be in good spirits as well after knocking West Bromwich Albion out of the League Cup. Fleetwood seem to be thriving under Uwe Seeler's management and look good for a point at Southend. Notts County at last got their League Two show on the road with victory at Hartlepool last Saturday and they can check Crawley's early progress.

Away days: Jose Mourinho has had an instant impact at Manchester United with a Community Shield triumph and maximum points from their first two Premier League fixtures. You have to fancy their chances at Hull, although the promoted side have also made a fine start to the season and are responding to the coaching of Mike Phelan, once of Old Trafford. Arsenal should have all their Euro players back for the visit to Watford and ought to repeat last season's win at Vicarage Road. Watford's morale will surely have been damaged by their League Cup defeat to League One Gillingham. Manager Garry Monk seems to be turning things around at Leeds. Consecutive wins at Sheffield Wednesday (Championship) and Luton (League Cup) have put the team in better heart and they are worth a punt at mid-table Nottingham Forest. I feel that League Two promotion favourites Portsmouth have to click sometime and it could be on Saturday at lowly Exeter. In the Scottish Premiership, table-topping Rangers look a good thing at Kilmarnock on Friday and Hearts are expected to have the edge on Partick.

Homes sweet homes: Bolton are the only side in the Football League with maximum points from four matches but I predict their winning streak in League One will end on Saturday. Relegated Charlton, their hosts, have woken up recently and manager Russell Slade says there is more to come. Nobody would have predicted Sheffield United to be rock bottom but the table doesn't lie. However, I'm taking them to start putting things right against Oxford. League Two Grimsby have hit the wall after their success against Morecambe on the opening day of the season and they will want to cash in on home advantage against Stevenage.


Pools info: Burton v Derby (match No 16 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

Six of my 10 draw selections came up last weekend - the matches at Leicester, Blackburn, Derby, Ipswich, Cambridge and Newport. Three of my five best draws were also correct: Leicester v Arsenal, Blackburn v Burton and Newport v Crewe.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 20-21

Ten draws: Leicester v Arsenal, Blackburn v Burton, Derby v Aston Villa, Ipswich v Norwich, Scunthorpe v Gillingham, Swindon v Port Vale, Cambridge v Carlisle, Newport v Crewe, Yeovil v Morecambe, Braintree v Aldershot.

Best draws: Leicester v Arsenal, Blackburn v Burton, Scunthorpe v Gillingham, Newport v Crewe, Yeovil v Morecambe.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Chelsea, Wigan, Brighton, Chesterfield, Luton.

Best weekend home bets: Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion, Queens Park Rangers, Bolton, Bury, Northampton, Accrington, Cheltenham, Hartlepool, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Leicester, the Premier League champions, and Arsenal, the runners-up, flopped on the opening weekend of the season, Leicester losing to relegation favourites Hull and Arsenal going down at home to Liverpool. Early indications are that Leicester will find life more difficult this season but the same can be said for Arsenal and stalemate is the likeliest outcome on Saturday. Promoted Burton gained their first points of the campaign in the Championship with an impressive
3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek and a journey to troubled Blackburn should hold no fears. Scunthorpe and Gillingham are among the early front-runners in League One and there's a good chance that neither side will gain the upper hand here. By all accounts, Newport, of League Two, were unlucky to lose at table-topping Luton in midweek and, judged on their early form, are capable of holding relegated Crewe to a draw. Three consecutive wins (two in League Two, one in League Cup) have put Morecambe in great heart and they can take a point off Yeovil, who have also started well.

Away days: Liverpool were sensational at times when beating Arsenal 4-3 at the Emirates last Sunday and will fancy their chances at promoted Burnley. Chelsea, under a new manager, are bound to be a more formidable proposition this season and will be confident of taking maximum points at Watford. Wigan look as if they will adjust to life in a higher division, in this case the Championship, and are well worth a punt at Nottingham Forest, who don't inspire confidence. Early leaders Brighton have yet to concede a goal this season and they will no doubt relish a trip to Reading, who were feeble when losing 2-0 at Wolves last Saturday. League One Chesterfield are thriving under manager Danny Wilson and should be backed at Shrewsbury, who have only one point from three games. League Two leaders Luton must be confident of success at Stevenage, who may have a long, hard winter ahead of them.

Homes sweet homes: West Bromwich Albion got their Premier League season up and running by beating Crystal Palace away last weekend. Everton will be trickier opponents on Saturday but new manager Ronald Koeman is still settling in and I'm going for a home win. Cheltenham seem to be taking League Two in their stride after winning promotion from the National League as champions and I'm taking them to send Doncaster, relegated from League One, home pointless. Plymouth will be feeling better, having moved off the bottom of the table with a 2-1 midweek victory at Notts County.  It gives them a fighting chance of defeating Mansfield, who are so far unbeaten in League Two.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 13-14

Ten draws: Burnley v Swansea, Brentford v Ipswich, Burton v Bristol City, Wolves v Reading, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Chesterfield v Swindon, MK Dons v Millwall, Barnet v Accrington, Notts County v Stevenage, Dundee v Rangers.

Best draws: Burnley v Swansea, Burton v Bristol City, Wolves v Reading, MK Dons v Millwall, Dundee v Rangers.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Leicester, Derby, Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool, Dundee United.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Manchester City, Southampton, Aston Villa, Norwich, Leeds, Gillingham, Doncaster, Luton, Forfar.


Pick of the draws: Burnley, promoted to the Premier League as champions last season, have had a more settled summer than Swansea, who have lost key players in Ayew and Ashley Williams and may take a while to gel. Bristol City have won their opening two matches in the Championship and League Cup but promoted Burton, under Nigel Clough, will be no pushover and were unlucky to lose a seven-goal thriller at Nottingham Forest last Saturday. A change of manager at Molineux may not bring immediate benefit to Wolves. They host Reading, who have started well under their new manager Jaap Stam. One suspects that MK Dons and Millwall will be among the front-runners in League One and I think this fixture on Saturday is as near a banker draw as you can get. Dundee's fine 3-1 win at Ross in the Scottish Premiership last weekend has increased the chances of them holding promoted Rangers.

Away days: FA Cup winners Manchester United have spent big during the summer and it's impossible to ignore their claims at Bournemouth on Sunday. Leicester, the Premier League champions, are strongly fancied to prevail at Hull, who have been weakened by the loss of manager Steve Bruce and numerous close-season injuries. Derby are worth following at Barnsley, who have begun this season with two defeats (Ipswich in the Championship, Northampton in the League Cup). Queens Park Rangers looked impressive when defeating Leeds 3-0 in the Championship last weekend and I believe they'll carry on the good work at Cardiff on Sunday. Relegated Blackpool are determined to go straight back to League One and a visit to nearby Morecambe gives them another chance to gain maximum points. Dundee United, another relegated team, are tipped to beat Dumbarton in the Scottish Championship.

Homes sweet homes: The lack of big-name signings is hindering Arsenal but Liverpool have had problems of their own in the summer and will also have key players missing through injury at the Emirates on Sunday. Take a punt on a home win. Leeds manager Garry Monk criticised his team after they crashed at QPR and I'm expecting a response when they host Birmingham on Saturday, especially as the Midlanders have started none too convincingly (no goals in games against Cardiff in the Championship and Oxford in the League Cup). Although Doncaster have lost their first two matches, I still rate their chances of promotion in League Two and think they will break their duck against Crawley.


Pools info: Chelsea v West Ham (No 4 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Brighton v Nottingham Forest (14) is void as it will take place on Friday.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 6-7

Ten draws: Bristol City v Wigan, Derby v Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa, Bolton v Sheffield United, Cheltenham v Leyton Orient, Plymouth v Luton, Yeovil v Notts County, Hearts v Celtic, St Johnstone v Aberdeen, Falkirk v Hibernian.

Best draws: Bristol City v Wigan, Derby v Brighton, Cheltenham v Leyton Orient, Plymouth v Luton, Falkirk v Hibernian.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Newcastle (playing on Friday), Charlton, Wycombe, Mansfield, Motherwell.

Best weekend home bets: Blackburn, Ipswich, Rotherham, Bradford City, Millwall, Walsall, Blackpool, Grimsby, Portsmouth, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Wigan won League One impressively last season and I believe they'll take that form into the Championship. They have a tough opening game at Bristol City but they are good enough to get something from it. Chris Hughton's Brighton were unlucky not to be promoted to the Premier League and they are capable of holding Derby, whose challenge faded alarmingly last season. Cheltenham are back in League Two after topping last season's National League. I think the feel-good factor will enable them to share the spoils with Leyton Orient. Plymouth failed to do themselves justice in last season's League Two play-off final against AFC Wimbledon and I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop points against Luton. Falkirk and Hibernian were very well matched in last season's Scottish Championship and it's difficult to separate them now.

Away days: Manchester United, now managed by serial winner Jose Mourinho, will be eager to make a statement of intent in Sunday's FA Community Shield. Boosted by big-name signings in the summer, United will probably be too strong for Leicester, unexpected but deserved winners of last season's Premier League. Newcastle are favourites for an automatic return to the Premier League and Rafa Benitez's players should make no mistake when visiting Fulham on Friday. Relegated Charlton are expected to be among the League One front-runners and a trip to Bury should hold no fears. In League Two, Wycombe's prospects look brighter than Saturday's opponents, Crawley, and I'm backing Mansfield to kick off with three points at Newport, who only just avoided relegation. In the Scottish Premiership, Motherwell are a confident selection at Kilmarnock, who were embarrassingly beaten by Albion, of Division One, in the Betfred Cup.

Homes sweet homes: Owen Coyle has returned to management at Blackburn, who have a fighting chance against Norwich, who may still have a hangover from last season's relegation from the Premier League. Rotherham can take advantage of the recent upheaval at Wolves and gain maximum Championship points. The surprising dismissal of manager Kenny Jackett so close to the start of the season has not gone down well with Wolves fans. Grimsby are back in the Football League and I expect them to celebrate by beating Morecambe in their League Two clash. Rangers are also back where they belong - in the Scottish Premiership. Put your money on them defeating Hamilton at Ibrox.

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

Ten draws: Swansea v Manchester City, West Bromwich v Liverpool, Espanyol v Eibar, Sporting Gijon v Villarreal, AC Milan v Roma, Lazio v Fiorentina, Palermo v Verona, Hoffenheim v Schalke, Caen v Bordeaux, St Etienne v Lille.

Best draws: Swansea v Manchester City, West Bromwich v Liverpool, Sporting Gijon v Villarreal, AC Milan v Roma, Palermo v Verona.

Best weekend away bets: Leicester, West Ham, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Hull, Dundee United.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Manchester United, Southampton, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Juventus, Napoli, Werder Bremen, Aberdeen.


Pick of the draws: Manchester United's midweek defeat at West Ham leaves Manchester City needing only one point to secure Champions League football in 2016-17. I think they will achieve this at Swansea in the final weekend of the Premier League season. City played well last Sunday and arguably deserved better than a 2-2 home draw against Arsenal but Swansea have beaten Liverpool (3-1 at home) and West Ham (4-1 away) in their past two games and will not be accommodating opponents. In normal circumstances I would have had Liverpool down to win at West Bromwich Albion but they play in the Europa League final next Wednesday, which will be a distraction, and there are bound to be key players missing. West Brom will also be anxious to atone for recent home defeats against Watford and West Ham. Villarreal, fourth in the Spanish League, may not have recovered sufficiently from their Europa League semi-final defeat by Liverpool to beat relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon. Roma should at least share the spoils with AC Milan after their successful season in the Italian League. At the other end of the table, relegated Verona, shock 2-1 winners over champions Juventus last weekend, can nick a point off Palermo.

Away days: Premier League champions Leicester have been such a revelation this season that it is impossible to ignore their chances at mid-table Chelsea on Sunday. They have won more matches on the road than the other 19 top-flight teams and I believe they will round off an incredible campaign with another away victory. West Ham are another side whose best results this season have come away from home. Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the clubs who have been vanquished by the Hammers and I believe Stoke will suffer the same fate. The race for the Spanish League title goes to the last weekend of their season. Barcelona are in pole position and will surely beat struggling Grenada. Champions League finalists Real Madrid, one point behind Barcelona, will be just as confident of maximum points at Deportivo La Coruna. I believe that Steve Bruce's Hull will be more streetwise than Derby in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final on Saturday. Although Dundee United have been relegated from the Scottish Premiership, they have shown more spirit than second from bottom Kilmarnock, whom they play on Saturday, and are worth a punt.

Homes sweet homes: I suspect that Europa League finalists Sevilla will play with the handbrake on at Athletic Bilbao, who have enough quality to take advantage. Still in the Spanish League, Valencia gave Real Madrid a searching test last weekend before succumbing 3-2 away. A repeat of that form should see them prevail over the better-placed Real Sociedad. Werder Bremen need a win to be certain of avoiding relegation from the German League and I'm confident it will come against lowly Eintracht Frankfurt.

Pools and betting info: That's my lot for this season. Normal service will be resumed in August. Enjoy the summer and the Euros.

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

Ten draws: Sunderland v Chelsea, Tottenham v Southampton, Cardiff v Birmingham, MK Dons v Nottingham Forest, Preston v Leeds, Bury v Southend, Colchester v Rochdale, Port Vale v Walsall, Luton v Exeter, Portsmouth v Northampton.

Best draws: Sunderland v Chelsea, Tottenham v Southampton, Cardiff v Birmingham, Preston v Leeds, Luton v Exeter.

Best weekend away bets: Newcastle, Burnley, Brighton, Burton, Crewe, Cambridge.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, West Ham, Hull, Wolves, Oldham, Peterborough, Accrington, Bristol Rovers, Morecambe, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Sunderland's stoppage-time equaliser at Stoke last Saturday may be the point that keeps them in the Premier League. I can see them gaining another against Chelsea. Although the west Londoners' season is ending in anti-climax, they showed their spirit in a fractious derby with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last Monday when they came back from 2-0 down to draw. The Spurs players, in their vain pursuit of the Premier League title, completely lost their discipline and composure in that match and could feel the effects on Sunday against Southampton, who on their day are a match for the best top-flight teams. Cardiff's faint hopes of a play-off place in the Championship disappeared last weekend when they lost 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday and they will probably be demotivated against Birmingham. Preston are no stranger to home draws this season and I believe they will share the spoils with Leeds, a side of similar ability. Luton's home form in League Two hasn't done them any favours, which is why I think Exeter will hold them.

Away days: Newcastle have Premier League survival in their sights after beating Crystal Palace at home last Saturday. The victory moved them out of the relegation zone and puts them in good heart for their game at doomed Aston Villa on Saturday. Poor old Villa, whose relegation was confirmed the previous weekend, cannot buy a draw, let alone a win at the moment and will end the season with an embarrassingly low points total. Burnley will replace Villa in the top English division next season and will surely celebrate their promotion by defeating Charlton, who are going down rather than up. The match of the day is probably at Middlesbrough, who have a shoot-out with Brighton to determine who gains automatic promotion to the Premier League. A draw will be sufficient for Boro but I've a hunch that Brighton will be equal to the task and obtain the victory they need. Burton are odds-on favourites to join Wigan in the Championship next season and I'm taking them to finish the job at Doncaster, who are all but down from League One. Although relegated Crewe have had a dreadful season, they may be worth a punt at lowly Fleetwood, who are still not safe from the drop. Crewe got in the mood last Saturday by beating Doncaster 3-1, their first win in ages. Cambridge's up and down season in League Two should end in victory at Mansfield, who have faded out of contention.

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth's results have gone awry since they made certain of Premier League safety but they have a chance to stop the rot against West Bromwich Albion, who have also switched off since reaching 40 points. Now that Sheffield Wednesday have qualified for the Championship play-offs, they may take their foot off the gas at Wolves, who will be eager to finish their disappointing season with a win at Molineux. Oldham have enjoyed a much better second half to the season under new manager John Sheridan and look good value to end their League One campaign with three points against underperforming Coventry.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 30-May 1

Ten draws: Southampton v Manchester City, Swansea v Liverpool, Bristol City v Huddersfield, Chesterfield v Bury, Rochdale v Swindon, Carlisle v Oxford, Hartlepool v Portsmouth, Leyton Orient v Mansfield, Barrow v Wrexham, Bromley v Aldershot.

Best draws: Swansea v Liverpool, Carlisle v Oxford, Hartlepool v Portsmouth, Leyton Orient v Mansfield, Bromley v Aldershot.

Best weekend away bets: Sunderland, Hull, Sheffield United, Doncaster, Bradford City, Bristol Rovers.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Newcastle, Watford, Ipswich, Leeds, Barnsley, Barnet, Cambridge, Dagenham & Redbridge, Braintree.


Pick of the draws: Although Liverpool are in a rich vein of form, their minds may be more on the Europa League than the Premier League. You suspect that Villarreal in the two-legged semi-final will be more of a priority than the trip to Swansea next Sunday and I can see the hosts nicking a point. Carlisle's League Two play-off ambitions may have vanished but they are good enough to hinder Oxford's chances of automatic promotion and I believe they'll take something from this fixture. A couple of months ago Hartlepool looked on their way out of the Football League but they have made a remarkable recovery. Indeed, they have improved so much that a draw against Portsmouth on Saturday is not out of the question. Leyton Orient and Mansfield have missed the play-off boat in League Two and two disappointed teams seem set for a point apiece. Bromley's form in the National League has dipped and as Aldershot, their opponents on Saturday, are better away than at home, I'm predicting a share of the spoils.

Away days: Stoke, becalmed in mid-table, appear to have little interest in the rest of this season and Sunderland, fighting for their Premier League lives, can take full advantage. Hull, who are assured of a place in the Championship play-offs, need a win against already relegated Bolton to restore confidence and I think they will get it. Sheffield United are not giving up on a League One play-off place and will have more desire than mid-table Coventry, who have faded badly. Home wins over leaders Wigan and Coventry have given Doncaster a fighting chance of escaping relegation and they could have no more suitable opponents than bottom club Crewe, who just cannot buy a positive result. Nobody is playing better than Bradford City at the moment and I expect them to prevail at Southend, whose second half of the season has been far worse than the first. Perhaps the biggest away banker is Bristol Rovers, aiming for their second consecutive promotion, at York, whose relegation from League Two was confirmed at the weekend.

Homes sweet homes: Newcastle, with two of their last three fixtures at home, can see an escape route from Premier League relegation, especially after a fine comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Saturday. I'm taking them to gain maximum points against Crystal Palace, who have reserved their best displays for the FA Cup.  Cambridge, 7-0 home winners over Morecambe in League Two last week, host promotion-seeking Plymouth, who were on the wrong end of one of the upsets of the season on Saturday - a 3-2 home defeat by bottom club Dagenham & Redbridge. Cambridge are well worth backing here. Although Dagenham & Redbridge are doomed to relegation, they can end their home programme on a winning note against off-colour Crawley.


Pools info: Chelsea v Tottenham (No 2 on coupon) is being played next Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Birmingham v Middlesbrough (11) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Fulham v Nottingham Forest, Doncaster v Coventry, Peterborough v Scunthorpe, Sheffield United v Barnsley, Morecambe v Stevenage, Notts County v Cambridge, Aldershot v Southport, Eastleigh v Tranmere, Gateshead v Bromley, Wrexham v Braintree.

Best draws: Fulham v Nottingham Forest, Peterborough v Scunthorpe, Sheffield United v Barnsley, Aldershot v Southport, Wrexham v Braintree.

Best weekend away bets: Brighton, Brentford, Burton, Northampton, Dover, Hibernian.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Manchester City, Sunderland, Cardiff, Huddersfield, Wigan, Accrington, Luton, Plymouth, Lincoln.


Pick of the draws: Fulham and Nottingham Forest, who have both had disappointing seasons, are among the draw specialists of the Championship and I think they'll continue the habit when they face each other at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Scunthorpe are one of the most improved sides in League One to such an extent that they have given themselves an outside chance of making the play-offs. However, they will have their work cut out at Peterborough, who are also running into form. Sheffield United are also making a late surge into play-off contention but Barnsley, their opponents on Saturday, are in an even stronger position and below Gillingham only on goal difference. Nobody in the National League has lost more home fixtures than middle-of-the-table Aldershot but they should at least avoid defeat against Southport, who are of similar mediocre quality. Braintree are bang in form and well placed to contest the play-offs. I'm backing them to share the spoils at Wrexham.

Away days: Brighton, edged out of the automatic promotion places in the Championship only by goal difference, are the team on a roll. They showed their intent with a 4-0 beating of Queens Park Rangers in midweek and they are a confident selection to prevail at Charlton, whose relegation to League One has been confirmed. MK Dons are almost down and have lost their past three home games, so Brentford will go there full of confidence. Burton, second in League One, have stumbled recently but I believe they'll get back on the winning track at Colchester, whose upturn in form will not save them from relegation. Northampton are already champions of League Two and heading for a huge points total. They should have few problems at 20th-placed Yeovil. Dover are the surprise promotion challengers in the National League and will surely triumph at relegated Kidderminster. Hibernian, third in the Scottish Championship, will have gained confidence from reaching the Scottish Cup final and they are recommended at Morton, who have little to play for except pride.

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth have had an encouraging first season in the Premier League and will fancy their chances against Chelsea, who were desperately poor in losing 3-0 at home to Manchester City last weekend and may struggle to finish in the top half of the table. Sunderland have played the best of all the teams threatened by relegation from the Premier and gained a crucial victory at Norwich last Saturday. They host Arsenal on Sunday and will probably have too much passion and desire for the dispirited Gunners, whose season has been one long anti-climax. Few sides are more unpredictable than Huddersfield, of the Championship, but they are a match for anybody on their day. I've a hunch they'll have too much for Birmingham, whose play-off ambitions have bitten the dust.


Pools info: Preston v Burnley (No 10 on the coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. Five of my draw selections were correct last weekend: Everton v Southampton, Leicester v West Ham, Brentford v Bristol City, Burton v Barnsley and Fleetwood v Oldham. Next week's blog will appear earlier than usual - on Sunday.

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

Ten draws: Everton v Southampton, Leicester v West Ham, Birmingham v Burnley, Blackburn v Huddersfield, Brentford v Bristol City, Burton v Barnsley, Colchester v Peterborough, Fleetwood v Oldham, Swindon v Bury, Bromley v Torquay.

Best draws: Birmingham v Burnley, Brentford v Bristol City, Burton v Barnsley, Colchester v Peterborough, Swindon v Bury.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Derby, Scunthorpe, Wigan, Bradford City, Barrow.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Norwich, West Bromwich, Preston, Rotherham, Accrington, Bristol Rovers, Exeter, Hartlepool, Portsmouth.


Pick of the draws: Promotion-seeking Burnley, of the Championship, would have hoped for an easier match on Saturday than a trip to St Andrew's. Birmingham slipped up at home to Leeds in midweek, having won at Reading last weekend, but I feel they will make life difficult for the division's second-placed team. Brentford are bound to miss Alan Judge, who was seriously injured in their 3-1 win at Ipswich last Saturday and fast-improving Bristol City, fresh from beating Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 at home, are in the mood to take advantage. League One promotion contenders Burton have lost their zip recently and may find Barnsley tricky opponents. Barnsley, winners of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley two weeks ago, have a fighting chance of making the play-offs as well as a good away record. Colchester's revival has probably come too late to save them from relegation and they will be hard-pushed to defeat mid-table Peterborough. Two sides who have disappointed this season, Swindon and Bury, play each other on Saturday and stalemate looks the likeliest result.

Away days: When Liverpool are on song, as they were in beating Stoke 4-1 last Sunday and Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League in midweek, they are a formidable proposition and I believe they will come out on top at Bournemouth, who seem more vulnerable at home than away. Derby, flying high in the Championship, are rejuvenated after victories over Nottingham Forest and Bolton and shouldn't be inconvenienced by a trip to Charlton, who will almost certainly go down. Scunthorpe, of League One, are thriving under the management of Graham Alexander. They deserved their win over Burton last weekend and will surely chalk up another victory at bottom-of-the-table Crewe, whose relegation was confirmed after losing 3-0 at Port Vale last Saturday. There seems no stopping leaders Wigan, who are 10 points clear of League One's third-placed club Bradford City. I'm backing them to gain maximum points at Doncaster, whose survival hopes are fading. Bradford City are in great form and look too strong for relegation-threatened Shrewsbury. It's been hard to ignore Barrow's climb up the National League and they are a confident selection to prevail at Kidderminster, who are surely doomed to relegation.

Homes sweet homes: I fancy Norwich to triumph in their crucial Premier League relegation battle against Sunderland at Carrow Road on Saturday. Both teams are finding goals hard to come by but I think Norwich will make the most of ground advantage. Now that Northampton's promotion to League One has been confirmed, they may take their foot off the gas. If that happens, it will suit Exeter, who are making a late charge for the League Two play-offs on the back of some fine results. Portsmouth have their eye on automatic promotion from League Two. The momentum is more with them than Plymouth, their fading opponents on Saturday, and I'm going for a home win at what should be a packed Fratton Park.


Pools info: Stoke v Tottenham (No 9 on the coupon) has been switched to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Hull v Wolves (17) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

Betting info: I scored four out of six with my away selections last week. Bournemouth, Oxford, Accrington and Portsmouth all obliged.

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

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Norwich, Sunderland v Leicester, Fulham v Cardiff, MK Dons v Rotherham, Bury v Doncaster, Peterborough v Rochdale, Barnet v Leyton Orient, Morecambe v Hartlepool, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Plymouth v Wimbledon.

Best draws: Sunderland v Leicester, Fulham v Cardiff, Bury v Doncaster, Morecambe v Hartlepool, Northampton v Bristol Rovers.

Best weekend away bets: Bournemouth, Chelsea, Oxford, Portsmouth, Accrington, Dundee.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Southampton, Derby, Middlesbrough, Reading, Barnsley, Millwall, Oldham, Sheffield United, Carlisle.


Pick of the draws: Sunderland, who are fighting for their Premier League lives, were desperately unlucky not to beat West Bromwich Albion last Saturday. The table suggests they have little chance against the league leaders but Leicester have found goals hard to come by lately and it wouldn't surprise me if they dropped a couple of points on Sunday. Down at the wrong end of the Championship, Fulham can breathe a little easier after two consecutive wins. Cardiff, their opponents on Saturday, are contenders for a play-off place and gained a creditable point in a goalless draw at Burnley in midweek. Doncaster, battling relegation from League One, halted a terrible run of results by drawing at Rochdale last Saturday. I believe another draw is on the cards at Bury, who have not fulfilled their early-season promise. Hartlepool's revival in League Two ended with a midweek defeat at Carlisle but they have banished the fear of relegation and look good for a point at Morecambe. Bristol Rovers, third in League Two with 10 away victories to their credit, will fancy their chances of getting something at leaders Northampton, although it's a question of when, rather than if, the Cobblers will be promoted.

Away days: Bournemouth have recently been battered by Manchester City (home) and Tottenham (away) and will be anxious to return to winning ways in the Premier League. There are few more accommodating opponents than a rudderless Aston Villa, who are doomed to relegation. Chelsea have not lost in the league since Guus Hiddink took over as manager and may even finish the season in the top six. I rate their chances at Swansea, who have only scored 15 goals at home this campaign. League Two promotion favourites Oxford made League One Barnsley work hard for their win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley last Sunday and will surely be too strong for Crawley. Portsmouth, who lie sixth, have been efficient on their travels and should be backed at Dagenham & Redbridge, who seem certain to drop out of the Football League. Accrington, whose away wins are into double figures, are a confident selection at Luton, who often stumble at home. Dundee, after putting five past Ross, held leaders Celtic to a goalless draw in the Scottish Premiership in midweek and I expect them to see off Hamilton.

Homes sweet homes: Reading are progressing under Brian McDermott's managership and must be fancied against Birmingham, whose Championship play-off hopes have almost disappeared after consecutive defeats by Charlton (away) and Brighton (home). Oldham's form near the foot of League One has also picked up and they are worth a punt against third-placed Walsall, who have wobbled recently as their hopes of automatic promotion fade. High-flyers Gillingham are also stumbling. They visit Sheffield United, who defeated Walsall last weekend and are capable of beating anybody on their day.


Pools info: Nottingham Forest v Brighton (No 19 on coupon) is being played on Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. Hearts v Aberdeen (49) will be played on Friday and is void.