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.