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.