Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Dec 30-31

Ten draws: Huddersfield v Burnley, Bristol City v Wolves, Blackburn v Scunthorpe, Blackpool v Plymouth, Southend v Shrewsbury, Cambridge v Crewe, Cheltenham v Newport, Grimsby v Accrington, Hibernian v Kilmarnock, Brechin v Inverness.

Best draws: Bristol City v Wolves, Blackpool v Plymouth, Southend v Shrewsbury, Cheltenham v Newport, Grimsby v Accrington.

Best weekend away bets: Leeds, Fulham, Fleetwood, Peterborough, Colchester, Notts County.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Brentford, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Crawley, Exeter, Lincoln.


Pick of the draws: Bristol City, worthy conquerors of Manchester United in the League Cup, have climbed to second in the Championship but if anybody can halt their charge it is Wolves, who lead the table by eight points and, even at this early stage of the season, look certainties for promotion. A 4-1 win at home to Oldham last Saturday and a 1-0 victory at MK Dons on Boxing Day confirmed that Plymouth are on the upgrade in League One and a point at Blackpool, who have stalled recently, shouldn't be beyond them. Shrewsbury are second in League One on merit but a trip to Southend, who have lost only once at home this campaign, is probably harder than it looks. Cheltenham's rollercoaster of a season in League Two continued over the Christmas holiday when they beat Barnet away 2-0 and then lost at home to Yeovil by the same score. Cheltenham's visitors Newport have more than held their own on their travels this season and I expect them to come away with something. Although Accrington have dropped out of the League Two play-off places, I feel their loss of form is only temporary and believe they will leave mid-table Grimsby with a point.

Away days: Leeds are getting into their stride as 2017 comes to an end and it will be an upset if the fifth-place side in the Championship gain anything less than maximum points at bottom club Birmingham, who cannot shake off their mid-season blues. Fulham are up and running after a fine 4-2 away win over promotion hopefuls Cardiff on Boxing Day and will travel to relegation-threatened Hull with confidence. In League One, mid-table Fleetwood are recommended at Bury, who are being cast adrift of the rest, while Peterborough, two wins out of two over the holiday period, are well worth a punt at MK Dons, who suffered two defeats. Colchester, who have moved into the League Two play-off positions, will really rate their chances at Chesterfield, who occupy one of the two relegation places. Notts County, who are Luton's only genuine title challengers, are an attractive proposition at Swindon, who are terrible at home and lost 5-0 there on Boxing Day.

Homes sweet homes: By all accounts, Bournemouth, in the Premier League relegation zone, were unlucky not to defeat West Ham at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day and I believe they are worth supporting against Everton, who have tightened up since Sam Allardyce's appointment as manager but are showing little attacking threat. Brentford have enjoyed a good December in the Championship, including beating Aston Villa, and things could get even better after they have hosted manager-less Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. I'm backing Brentford to take three points, despite Wednesday's impressive Boxing Day victory at Nottingham Forest. Although Crawley's sorry home form has kept them in the bottom half of League Two, I fancy them to edge out fast fading Stevenage, who have lost their last five away.


Pools Info: Tottenham v West Ham (match No 8 on coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Tottenham, Southampton v Huddersfield, Aston Villa v Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers v Doncaster, Plymouth v Oldham, Shrewsbury v Portsmouth, Barnet v Cheltenham, Forest Green v Carlisle, Celtic v Aberdeen, Motherwell v Dundee.

Best draws: Burnley v Tottenham, Aston Villa v Sheffield United, Plymouth v Oldham, Shrewsbury v Portsmouth, Celtic v Aberdeen.

Best weekend away bets: Crystal Palace, Cardiff, Bristol City, Bradford City, Blackburn, Hearts.

Best weekend home bets: Brighton, Stoke, Fulham, Leeds, Wolves, Charlton, Peterborough, Accrington, Colchester, Crewe.


Pick of the draws: Stuttering Tottenham, who have slipped to seventh in the Premier League after that 4-1 thumping by Manchester City, could have chosen easier opponents than Burnley, who have lost only four league matches this season and have conceded just 12 goals. I expect Spurs to enjoy more possession but to come away from Turf Moor with no more than a draw. Sheffield United, with four defeats and a draw in their past five Championship fixtures, have gone right off the boil but they will be determined to arrest their decline at Aston Villa, who have overtaken them in the table but are not wholly convincing. Plymouth play Oldham in League One this Saturday. Both teams gained a well earned point last weekend (Plymouth at Rotherham, Oldham at Doncaster) and both will probably enjoy better second halves of the season. Oldham are now six points clear of the drop zone after looking certs for relegation and I'll be surprised if they lose to the side sitting in 22nd place. Celtic's magnificent 69-game unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership was brought to a shuddering halt by Hearts last Sunday. I've a hunch Celtic will drop more points this weekend when they play Aberdeen, their most realistic title challengers.

Away days: Roy Hodgson is doing a fabulous job of steering Crystal Palace away from relegation. Their 3-0 victory at Leicester last Saturday spoilt more than a few betting slips and they are well equipped to take three points from Swansea, who are floundering at the foot of the Premier League and have sacked their manager Paul Clement. Cardiff, four points behind leaders Wolves in the race for automatic promotion to the top flight, are recommended at Bolton, whose hopes of escaping relegation from the Championship were dealt a blow when they lost 1-0 at home to Burton last Saturday. A trip to Queens Park Rangers should not faze Bristol City, especially after knocking Manchester United out of the League Cup in midweek, while Bradford City, fourth in League One and boasting eight away wins, are a good bet to overcome struggling Wimbledon. Third-placed Blackburn are strong favourites to prevail at lowly Northampton and Hearts, after beating Celtic 4-0 at home, will look forward to taking on St Johnstone.

Homes sweet homes: Although promoted Brighton are enduring a dodgy spell in the Premier League, Watford, their visitors on Saturday, are leaking goals at an alarming rate and it's worth having a punt on the Seagulls. Stoke host West Bromwich Albion in what will be called a relegation six-pointer. Neither of these sides inspires confidence in their attempts to stay in the Premier League but I believe ground advantage will tip the balance Stoke's way. Crewe halted a wretched run of League Two results by beating Crawley 3-0 at home last weekend. Swindon, their opponents on Saturday, have been slipping down the table and are susceptible to an upset.


Betting info: Nine of my 10 home selections last weekend were correct. Arsenal, Chelsea, Cardiff, Millwall, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Coventry and Kilmarnock all obliged.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Burnley, Stoke v West Ham, Birmingham v Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich v Reading, Preston v Sheffield United, Fleetwood v Peterborough, Gillingham v Bristol Rovers, Cambridge v Newport, Lincoln v Accrington, Inverness v Dumbarton.

Best draws: Birmingham v Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich v Reading, Gillingham v Bristol Rovers, Cambridge v Newport, Lincoln v Accrington.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Oldham, Walsall, Bradford City, Morecambe, Luton.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Chelsea, Brentford, Cardiff, Millwall, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Coventry, Kilmarnock.


Pick of the draws: Birmingham, third from bottom of the Championship, can't score and Queens Park Rangers, their visitors, can't win away. Birmingham have netted only 10 times this season and this fixture points towards a low-scoring stalemate. Ipswich may appear favourites to beat Reading but the Berkshire side are a match for anybody on their day and it wouldn't surprise me if they come away with something. Mid-table Bristol Rovers are the only League One team without a draw this season but I believe that sequence will end when they visit relegation-troubled Gillingham. Like Birmingham, Gills are averaging under a goal a game and have just four victories to their credit. There's almost nothing to choose between Cambridge and Newport in League Two and Saturday's outcome will probably reflect that. Lincoln have moved into the play-off places after a praiseworthy 2-0 win at Yeovil last Saturday but there's no guarantee they'll do the same to Accrington, who keep surpassing expectations and deserve their third placing.

Away days: Manchester United, still hurting from their 2-1 home loss to runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City last Sunday, will surely take their frustration out on struggling West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. A resurgent Oldham hit Northampton for five in League One last weekend, a result that should give them the confidence to prevail at Doncaster, who are finding it hard to adapt to life in a higher division. Walsall are nothing special but they may not have to be to win at Northampton, who are leaking goals and in big trouble near the foot of the table. I'm backing promotion contenders Bradford City to continue their fine away form at mid-table Southend. Morecambe's unexpected 2-0 triumph over Coventry in League Two was one of the best results of last weekend and they can add bottom club Barnet to their list of victims. It's impossible to ignore the claims of goal-hungry leaders Luton at Forest Green, who have slipped into the drop zone.

Homes sweet homes: Unfancied and unfashionable Millwall have recently defeated Sheffield United at home and drawn with Aston Villa away in the Championship, results that give them more than a sporting chance against Middlesbrough, who have not made as much progress as expected under new manager Garry Monk. It's been far too long since lowly Sunderland last won at home but with Chris Coleman now in charge I've a hunch they'll do it against Fulham, who are consistently inconsistent.
Kilmarnock seem on the upgrade in the Scottish Premiership. Beating Partick 5-1 at home and drawing at Ross after being 2-0 down in midweek will make them confident of coming out on top against Motherwell.

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

Ten draws: Huddersfield v Brighton, Manchester United v Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers v Leeds, Bristol Rovers v Southend, Charlton v Portsmouth, Peterborough v Blackburn, Accrington v Swindon, Cheltenham v Crewe, Colchester v Exeter, Port Vale v Cambridge.

Best draws: Manchester United v Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers v Leeds, Bristol Rovers v Southend, Charlton v Portsmouth, Colchester v Exeter.

Best weekend away bets: Leicester, Chelsea, Brentford, Mansfield, Lincoln, Dundee United.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Fulham, Wolves, Oldham, Wigan, Chesterfield, Luton, Rangers, Ayr.


Pick of the draws: Manchester United, second in the Premier League, have won all seven of their home matches. Their visitors, leaders Manchester City, have won all seven of their away games. Something has to give at Old Trafford on Sunday in the biggest Premier League fixture of the season so far. I think both records will be blemished in a low-scoring stalemate. My feeling is that United will be more cautious than they were when beating Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates last Saturday and that free-scoring City will find it hard to penetrate their defence. Queens Park Rangers were only minutes away from drawing their Championship game at Preston last weekend, despite playing most of the match with 10 men. A repeat of that spirited display should be enough to deny Leeds, who are falling short of expectations. Bristol Rovers ended their losing run in League One by defeating Rotherham at home last Saturday but will probably find Southend tougher opponents. Charlton may have a hangover after suffering an unexpected exit from the FA Cup at Wimbledon last Sunday. If that is so, then Portsmouth are well equipped to take advantage. Exeter are credible promotion challengers in League Two but Colchester don't give much away at home and this fixture is one of the likeliest draws on the coupon.

Away days: Leicester, who have moved well clear of the Premier League relegation zone under their new manager Claude Puel will fancy their chances at Newcastle, who are heading in the opposite direction. Chelsea's away form is better than how they fare at Stamford Bridge and they will be disappointed with anything less than three points at second-from-bottom West Ham in Saturday's early match. Brentford's fluent football in the Championship has caught the eye this season and they are worth backing at Hull, who are in danger of slipping into the drop zone. Mansfield have climbed into the League Two play-off places and will further strengthen their position with victory at Crawley, who are fragile on their own ground. Ambitious Lincoln are eager to gain promotion in successive seasons and a win at lowly Yeovil will improve their prospects. Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United are highly recommended at Morton.

Homes sweet homes: Roy Hodgson is turning things around at Crystal Palace. After a dreadful start to the season they have moved off the foot of the Premier League and are in the mood to climb higher. They have an excellent opportunity to get three points from the visit of Bournemouth, who have just had disappointing home results against Burnley (lost) and Southampton (drawn). Chesterfield are playing much better than their bottom placing in League Two suggests and should relish the visit of second-last Barnet, who can hardly do a thing right. Leaders Luton have scored a stunning 48 goals from 20 matches - a statistic that ought to tilt the balance their way when they play Notts County, who are second, on Saturday.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of December 2-3

Ten draws: Arsenal v Manchester United, Watford v Tottenham, Brentford v Fulham, Bristol City v Middlesbrough, Sunderland v Reading, Aberdeen v Rangers, Ross v Dundee, Airdrieonians v Forfar, Clyde v Montrose, Mainz v Augsburg.

Best draws: Arsenal v Manchester United, Watford v Tottenham, Brentford v Fulham, Sunderland v Reading, Ross v Dundee.

Best weekend away bets: Wolves (Monday), Sheffield United, Charlton, Leyton Orient, Hibernian, East Fife.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Chelsea, Leicester, Bolton, Cardiff (Friday), Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham, Livingston, Peterhead.


Pick of the draws: Jose Mourinho has lost only once (last season) to an Arsene Wenger team in a competitive match and I think he'll maintain that record when Manchester United visit the Emirates on Saturday evening. United, who are just about keeping leaders Manchester City within reach, won well at in-form Watford in midweek and I fancy them to dent Arsenal's flawless home record in the Premier League this season. Tottenham will be anxious to halt a run of three away league defeats in a row and can do so at Watford, who are not as convincing at home as they are on the road. Brentford have a habit of drawing Championship games they should win. They were at it again on Monday, conceding two injury-time goals at Queens Park Rangers to draw 2-2. I reckon they'll have similar difficulty beating Fulham, who recently scored five at Sheffield United. Struggling Sunderland have been boosted by the appointment of Chris Coleman as manager. They are looking for their first home win this season but Reading, impressive 3-0 home victors over Barnsley in midweek, can deny them. Dundee, second from bottom in the Scottish Premiership, got a much needed boost by defeating Rangers 2-1 at home last Friday. Although their away record is terrible, they can build on that by gaining a point at Ross.

Away days: Wolves, top of the Championship and scoring goals for fun, are highly recommended at Birmingham, who are at the other end of the table. Note the match has been moved to Monday. Sheffield United, in third place, can bounce back from a couple of home lapses with victory at Millwall, who are finding goals elusive. It's the FA Cup second round this weekend and Charlton, sixth in League One, are well worth a punt on Sunday at Wimbledon, whose home is anything but a fortress. Leyton Orient's misery in the National League continues but they will be disappointed with anything other than three points at bottom club Solihull Moors, who have just one home win to their name. Hibernian have not lost away in the Scottish Premiership and if their home form were as good, they would challenging leaders Celtic. Hibs will probably be too strong for lowly Partick. East Fife should relish their trip to bottom side Queen's Park in Scottish League One, especially after scoring six at home to Airdrieonians last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth, despite losing at home to Burnley in midweek,  should have enough in their armoury to beat Southampton, who are too close to the drop zone for comfort. Leicester climbed into the top half by defeating Spurs 2-1 at home in midweek and I'm taking them to see off Burnley as well. Forget Bolton's 5-1 defeat at Wolves in the Championship last weekend. Bolton manager Phil Parkinson said Wolves were exceptional and will win the division by at least 10 points. Apart from that result, bottom club Bolton have recovered well from a calamitous start to the season and I reckon they'll have too much for Barnsley.


Pools info: Birmingham v Wolves (No 11 on coupon) has been rearranged for Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel. Leeds v Aston Villa (No 17 on coupon) has been rearranged for Friday and is therefore void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 25-26

Ten draws: Liverpool v Chelsea, Newcastle v Watford, Middlesbrough v Derby, Nottingham Forest v Cardiff, Reading v Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham v Oldham, Shrewsbury v Bradford City, Cambridge v Stevenage, Exeter v Accrington, Lincoln v Port Vale.

Best draws: Liverpool v Chelsea, Newcastle v Watford, Middlesbrough v Derby, Shrewsbury v Bradford City, Exeter v Accrington.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Everton, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Wigan, Luton.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Sheffield United, Wolves, Blackburn, Southend, Barnet, Mansfield, Notts County, Wycombe.


Pick of the draws: Liverpool, so good going forward, have serious issues in defence. Relinquishing a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 against Sevilla in the Champions League in midweek was a worrying lapse and Chelsea are well equipped to take advantage of Liverpool's vulnerability. The Londoners must be fancied to come away with at least a point. Watford are one of the surprise packets of the Premier League and on current form are capable of denying Newcastle victory at St James' Park. Derby are Championship promotion contenders and I expect them to share the spoils with fellow high fliers Middlesbrough. Bradford City's superb away record (six wins, two draws and one defeat) has kept them in the League One promotion frame and I believe they'll get something at leaders Shrewsbury, who unexpectedly lost at bottom club Bury in midweek. Exeter, fourth in League Two, host difficult opponents in third-placed Accrington, who often play their best football away from home.

Away days: Mid-table Huddersfield are finding goals hard to come by and will surely suffer against all-conquering Manchester City, who have dropped only two points in their opening 12 Premier League matches. Everton are one of three teams in the Premier League yet to win away this season. That could change on Sunday when they visit Southampton, who look to be on the slide. Bournemouth, coming off the back of a 4-0 home triumph over Huddersfield last Saturday, will be in a much better frame of mind than their hosts Swansea, who lie second from bottom and are probably in for a long, hard winter. Chris Coleman's first game in charge of Championship strugglers Sunderland ended in a midweek defeat at Aston Villa but Saturday's match at goal-shy Burton is far more winnable. Wigan, second in League One, are admirably consistent this season and they are well capable of taking maximum points at Rotherham. New League Two leaders Luton, 46 goals from 18 matches, are a formidable force. They put seven past Cambridge last Saturday and must be rated an away banker at ailing Crewe.

Homes sweet homes: Crystal Palace, who prop up the Premier League, were unlucky not to beat Everton at Selhurst Park last weekend and there are signs they are getting their act together. A repeat of the form they showed last Saturday should be enough to account for Stoke. Apart from leaders Shrewsbury, Southend are the only side in League One not to have lost at home. That record ought to be intact after Saturday when they entertain Oxford, who shipped four goals at home to Blackburn in midweek. Two goals in the last three minutes of normal time gave lowly Barnet in League Two a surprising and desperately needed 2-1 midweek victory at Newport. It was a timely boost for their new manager Mark McGhee and I suspect they'll follow it up by defeating Grimsby at The Hive.


Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend. Crystal Palace v Everton (2-2), Hull v Ipswich (2-2) and Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City (0-0).

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 18-19

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Everton, Hull v Ipswich, Queens Park Rangers v Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Northampton v Scunthorpe, Oldham v Rochdale, Rotherham v Shrewsbury, Yeovil v Swindon, Eastleigh v Barrow, Gateshead v Tranmere.

Best draws: Crystal Palace v Everton, Hull v Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Rotherham v Shrewsbury, Gateshead v Tranmere.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn, Exeter, Carlisle, Annan.

Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Liverpool, Norwich, Sunderland, Charlton, Plymouth, Colchester, Wycombe, Dundee, Bromley.


Pick of the draws: Beleaguered Everton gained a much-needed victory over Watford, fighting back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Goodison Park, and they can build on that with a point at Crystal Palace, who prop up the Premier League and are in danger of being cast adrift. For their part, Palace will be encouraged by the way they played in a narrow defeat against Tottenham at Wembley. Ipswich are without a draw in 15 Championship games but that unusual sequence could end when they visit Hull, who will be anxious to halt their slide. Sheffield Wednesday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park in their last match was an eye-catching result but fourth-placed Bristol City are in even better shape and have lost only once away. League One leaders Shrewsbury were the last side in the top four divisions to lose their unbeaten record. It doesn't seem to have damaged their confidence and they look set for at least a point at free-scoring Rotherham, who have yet to draw at home. I sense that Tranmere are at last finding their feet in the National League and beating Dagenham & Redbridge 2-0 at home last Saturday should bode well. Despite Tranmere's heavy midweek defeat in their FA Cup replay against League One Peterborough, I believe they'll share the spoils at Gateshead, 3-0 winners at Maidenhead.

Away days: Chelsea's away form has kept them in the Champions League qualifying places and they are recommended at West Bromwich Albion, who have managed just two Premier League wins. Nottingham Forest's resounding 4-0 home victory over Queens Park Rangers will put them in good heart for their trip to Birmingham, who have so far failed to respond positively to Steve Cotterill's management and find themselves in the Championship relegation zone. Although Blackburn are outside the League One play-off spots, they have matches in hand. They can make up lost ground by winning at bottom club Bury, who crashed out of the FA Cup to non-League Woking in midweek. I think League Two high fliers Exeter will have too much knowhow for bottom-of-the-table Chesterfield and an improving Carlisle are well worth a punt at Grimsby. In Scottish League Two, Annan should be backed at Cowdenbeath, who are in dire straits.

Homes sweet homes: It's about time the tide turned for Sunderland and I've a hunch it will when they host Millwall on Saturday. It seems that Sunderland, bottom of the Championship, can't buy a win at the moment but they've played better recently and they'll be encouraged by the fact that Millwall have yet to triumph on their travels. League One strugglers Plymouth have arrested their slump and their  victory at promotion contenders Bradford City was one of the upsets of last weekend. I fancy them to defeat mid-table Oxford, who have gone off the boil. Dundee, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, could do with a lift and they may get it against third-from-bottom Kilmarnock, who appear equally fragile.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 11-12

Ten draws: Blackpool v Portsmouth, Rochdale v Wigan, Cambridge v Accrington, Crawley v Forest Green, Ebbsfleet v Leyton Orient, Halifax v Woking, Alfreton v York, Boston v Stockport, Airdrieonians v Stranraer, Peterhead v Stenhousemuir.

Best draws: Blackpool v Portsmouth, Rochdale v Wigan, Crawley v Forest Green, Ebbsfleet v Leyton Orient, Peterhead v Stenhousemuir.

Best weekend away bets: Luton, Wycombe, Notts County, Sutton, Alloa, Stirling.

Best weekend home bets: Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Coventry, Crewe, Exeter, Swindon, Dover, Tranmere, Berwick, Montrose.


Pick of the draws: Blackpool play Portsmouth, two off-form League One teams trying to recover from being knocked out of the FA Cup by lower division sides. Neither inspire much confidence at the moment and I predict deadlock here. Wigan are strong favourites for promotion to the Championship but Rochdale, on their day, are well capable of checking their charge. Crawley's home record in League Two (six defeats from eight games) is deplorable but they should get something from the visit of Forest Green, who are just below them in the table. Although Leyton Orient can't buy a win in the National League, they travel to Ebbsfleet with some optimism. Ebbsfleet's morale may have been damaged by that 6-2 home loss against Doncaster in the FA Cup first round last weekend. Stenhousemuir have lost only once on their travels in Scottish League Two, which should put them in good heart for their journey to Peterhead, who are one place above them.

Away days: Luton put their League Two blip against Coventry behind them by beating League One Portsmouth in the FA Cup. The Hatters go to Cheltenham, who were on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset against National League side Maidstone last Saturday and may take time to recover. Wycombe, lying seventh and with four League Two victories on the road this season, will fancy their chances at second-from-bottom Morecambe while leaders Notts County are recommended at Stevenage, who are on a downward spiral. National League promotion contenders Sutton will be banking on three points at bottom club Solihull and Alloa, in Scottish League One, will hope to take advantage of Albion's terrible home form. Stirling's flawless away record in Scottish League Two (five wins out of five) looks set to continue at struggling Clyde.

Homes sweet homes: Darren Ferguson's Doncaster are better than their position in League One suggests and scoring six away from home in the FA Cup last weekend won't do them any harm. They are worth a punt against higher-placed Rotherham, who are bad travellers. Crewe have recently defeated League Two leaders Notts County and League One Rotherham at Gresty Road, so a visit from promoted Lincoln ought to hold no fears, although Lincoln are enjoying a better season. Tranmere, mid-table in the National League, took League One Peterborough to an FA Cup replay last weekend. I believe they'll build on that with victory over Dagenham & Redbridge, despite the visitors occupying one of the play-off positions.



Pools info: Newport v Port Vale (match No 21 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void. Blackburn v Walsall (2), Shrewsbury v Charlton (10) and Southend v Oldham (11) have been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of November 4-5

Ten draws: Huddersfield v West Bromwich Albion, Southampton v Burnley, Swansea v Brighton, Ipswich v Preston, Ross v Motherwell, Livingston v Inverness, Morton v Queen of South, Arbroath v Ayr, Elgin v Peterhead, Celta Vigo v Athletic Bilbao.

Best draws: Southampton v Burnley, Swansea v Brighton, Ipswich v Preston, Ross v Motherwell, Elgin v Peterhead.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Liverpool, Queens Park Rangers, Aberdeen, Stirling, Scunthorpe.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Derby, Middlesbrough, Hibernian, Rangers, Brechin, Dundee United, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: In complete contrast to last season, Burnley have hardly put a foot wrong away from home. They've won at Premier League champions Chelsea and drawn at Tottenham, so they won't feel apprehensive about a trip to mid-table Southampton. Swansea's poor home form has put them dangerously near the relegation zone and I can't see them beating Brighton, who have adjusted well to life in a higher division. Ipswich and Preston had disappointing midweek results in the Championship and are losing touch with the division's front-runners. Ipswich have yet to draw this season but I think they'll end that sequence on Saturday. Motherwell's good run in the Scottish Premiership was ended by Hibernian last weekend. The Well travel to Ross on Saturday and the hosts showed grit when losing narrowly away to high-flying Aberdeen. Peterhead's fine away record has kept them in the chase for the Scottish League Two title and it should benefit them at Elgin.

Away days: All is not well at Chelsea. Indifferent results and stories of player unrest have done nothing to lift the pessimistic mood at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United, their visitors on Sunday, can cash in. United appear to be Manchester City's only challengers for the Premier League title and nobody is better than Mourinho at grinding out results. Liverpool's 3-0 home victory over Huddersfield last weekend came in the nick of time for under-fire manager Jurgen Klopp. By the end of the match his team were playing with a bit of swagger, which doesn't bode well for their lowly hosts West Ham. Queens Park Rangers have defeated Championship high-flyers Wolves and Sheffield United in the past week. I'm taking them to make it a hat-trick at Nottingham Forest and win away for the first time this season. Aberdeen, second in the Scottish Premiership, should have the measure of Hamilton and League Two leaders Stirling are a confident selection at Edinburgh City. League One Scunthorpe are showing signs of getting back in the groove and I'm backing them to win at struggling Northampton in the FA Cup first round.

Homes sweet homes: Managerless Everton, in the Premier League drop zone, deserved better than to lose their League Cup tie at Chelsea last week and I've a feeling they'll raise their game against Watford at Goodison Park on Sunday. Watford seem to have lost their way since making disparaging comments about Arsenal and look there for the taking. Brechin, bottom of the Scottish Championship and without a win from 11 matches, gave Livingston a good game last Saturday and have a fine opportunity to get off the mark against Dumbarton, who are mediocre. Dundee United moved back into promotion contention with a 2-0 away success at Dumbarton last Saturday and they are worth a punt against leaders St Mirren.


Pools info: Wolves v Fulham (No 21 on coupon) and Real Betis v Getafe (47) are being played on Friday and are therefore void.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 28-29

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Chelsea, Burton v Ipswich, Hull v Nottingham Forest, Bristol Rovers v MK Dons, Bury v Doncaster, Fleetwood v Oxford, Portsmouth v Bradford City, Wigan v Blackburn, Colchester v Crewe, Boreham Wood v Bromley.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Chelsea, Burton v Ipswich, Fleetwood v Oxford, Portsmouth v Bradford City, Boreham Wood v Bromley.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wolves, Carlisle, Aldershot, Dunfermline.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Cardiff, Fulham, Preston, Charlton, Peterborough, Plymouth, Accrington, Port Vale, Woking.


Pick of the draws: Chelsea were far from convincing when beating Watford at Stamford Bridge last Saturday and it wouldn't surprise me if they dropped points at Bournemouth, who eased their relegation worries by winning at Stoke last weekend and defeating Middlesbrough in the League Cup in midweek. Burton, are third from bottom and with the worst goal difference (-19) of any team in the Championship. Yet they could get something from the visit of Ipswich, who, after a great start to the season, have slumped to 10th in the table and were beaten by their bitter rivals Norwich at Portman Road last Sunday. Fleetwood are not quite the League One force they were last season and they may not get the better of Oxford, who lie just outside the play-off places. Portsmouth will be anxious to recover from two successive away defeats but third-placed Bradford City are expected to provide tough opposition and are particularly strong away from home. Only one place separates Boreham Wood from Bromley in the upper reaches of the National League and deadlock is the likeliest outcome.

Away days: Manchester City, five points clear at the top of the Premier League and scoring for fun, look an away banker at West Bromwich Albion, who have notched only seven goals so far and are slipping towards the relegation zone. Aston Villa's early-season problems in the Championship appear to be in the past. They have climbed into the play-off positions and I'm backing them to beat their struggling neighbours Birmingham at St Andrew's on Sunday. Leaders Wolves are on a roll and their momentum will surge with maximum points at Queens Park Rangers. League Two Carlisle already have four away wins to their credit and they will be disappointed not to make it five at Chesterfield, who are in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom. Aldershot are a confident selection at Barrow, who have sunk into the National League relegation zone while Dunfermline, second in the Scottish Championship, should return with three points from Inverness.

Homes sweet homes: It's no more than a hunch that I'm going for mid-table Peterborough to end the unbeaten run of League One leaders Shrewsbury on Saturday. Although Shrewsbury's astonishing rise has been the success story of the season, this remarkable sequence has to end sometime and the Posh are capable of beating most sides on their day. Beleaguered Plymouth were mightily relieved to win at Wimbledon last weekend and three more points against inconsistent Rochdale are well within their reach. Port Vale's three consecutive victories under new manager Neil Aspin have seen them move away from the League Two drop zone and they won't fear the visit of higher-placed Swindon.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 21-22

Ten draws: Everton v Arsenal, Stoke v Bournemouth, Ipswich v Norwich, Millwall v Birmingham, Blackpool v Wigan, MK Dons v Oldham, Scunthorpe v Peterborough, Morecambe v Grimsby, Swindon v Wycombe, Dagenham & Redbridge v Wrexham.

Best draws: Everton v Arsenal, Stoke v Bournemouth, Ipswich v Norwich, Millwall v Birmingham, Swindon v Wycombe.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Hull, Lincoln, Luton, Tranmere, Ayr.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Swansea, Derby, Middlesbrough, Wolves, Doncaster, Coventry, Stevenage, Dover, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Everton, sitting just above the Premier League relegation zone, have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season so far. However, Arsenal, their opponents at Goodison Park on Sunday, are especially brittle away from home and a draw between two mediocre sides seems the likeliest outcome. Bournemouth, second from bottom, have lost all four of their away games in the league but I fancy them to get something from their visit to Stoke, who are on the slide. Ipswich have been overtaken by fierce rivals Norwich in the Championship and the two meet at Portman Road on Sunday. Norwich are in undeniably better form and can come away with a point. I expect Birmingham to climb the table after the appointment of Steve Cotterill as manager. They had a morale-boosting home win over promotion contenders Cardiff last Friday and they can hold Millwall at the New Den. Wycombe maintained their unbeaten away record in League Two with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Carlisle in midweek and I believe that run will continue at Swindon.

Away days: Manchester United, second in the Premier League and undefeated, are highly recommended at Huddersfield, where the goals have dried up after a bright start to the season. Hull's 10 men were unlucky to concede a late equaliser at Norwich in the Championship last Saturday and I think they'll take their frustration out on Barnsley. Promoted Lincoln are on the cusp of the League Two play-off places following their fine 1-0 win at Swindon in midweek. What they did to Swindon they can do to mid-table hosts Cheltenham. New leaders Luton, 11 goals in their past two matches, must be backed at Crawley, who are hopeless at home, and in the National League the underachieving Tranmere can surprise Aldershot. Ayr, second in Scottish League One, ought to make short work of bottom club Forfar.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea gained their first home victory in the Premier League by beating Huddersfield 2-0 last weekend. I believe they'll follow that up with a further three points against Leicester, whose poor start to the season has left them in the drop zone and without a manager. Derby's 2-0 defeat of their fierce rivals Nottingham Forest in the Championship last Sunday will have improved their mood considerably and I'm taking them to beat Sheffield Wednesday, who may struggle to recover from going down 2-1 to bottom club Bolton. Although Middlesbrough have been a bit of a letdown, they are capable of beating anybody in this division and I've a feeling they'll put high-flying Cardiff to the sword. Doncaster's home record in League One is nothing special but they should have enough in the tank to see off Walsall.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v West Ham, Norwich v Hull, Wolves v Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Northampton v Wimbledon, Oldham v Blackburn, Forest Green v Newport, Port Vale v Cheltenham, Yeovil v Crewe, Ross v Hearts.

Best draws: Norwich v Hull, Wolves v Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Oldham v Blackburn, Forest Green v Newport.

Best weekend away bets: Chelsea, Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Coventry, St Mirren.

Best weekend home bets: Manchester City, Swansea, Tottenham, Brentford, Leeds, Fleetwood, Peterborough, Wigan, Luton, Partick.


Pick of the draws: By thrashing Birmingham 6-1 at home in the Championship two weeks ago, Hull, unimpressive before then, may have turned a corner. A repeat of that display should be good enough to earn them a point at Norwich, who have had some good results themselves recently. Although Wolves are in one of the two automatic promotion slots, they face a resurgent Aston Villa side at Molineux and could be denied a home victory. Bristol Rovers have yet to draw in League One this season but that could end on Saturday when they entertain Oxford. Both teams are in fine form and were convincing winners last weekend - Rovers 6-0 at Northampton, Oxford 3-0 at home to Wimbledon. There's every chance they could cancel each other out. A few weeks ago Oldham v Blackburn would have looked an away banker but Oldham's improvement under caretaker manager Richie Wellens has been astonishing. They have moved clear of the relegation zone and look set to continue their rise. League newcomers Forest Green climbed out of the League Two relegation zone with a well merited point at high-flyers Notts County last Saturday. They won't find things easy against in-form Newport but I believe they'll collect another point.

Away days: Chelsea have a perfect Premier League record away from home and I can't see that changing when they visit Crystal Palace, whose plight - bottom of the table with no points or goals -becomes more desperate by the week. Even the fixture list seems to be conspiring against Palace. Watford are not Arsenal's favourite opponents but the north Londoners have recovered well from that 4-0 mauling at Anfield in August and, lying fifth, now have as many points as Chelsea. They will be looking for three more at Vicarage Road. Sheffield Wednesday gave a statement of intent by beating Leeds 3-0 at Hillsborough just before the international break. That result should serve them well at the Championship's bottom club Bolton, who have the worst record of anybody in the Football League. League One promotion contenders Bradford City are away day specialists with four wins and two draws from six matches on the road. They are a confident bet at Bury, who appear to be in for a long hard winter. Coventry's parsimonious defence - only six goals conceded from 12 League Two fixtures - may be the decisive factor in their visit to Accrington. In the Scottish Championship I predict leaders St Mirren will recover from last weekend's surprising home defeat by Raith in the Irn-Bru Cup by defeating Dumbarton.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea have lost all three of their Premier League home games but I've a hunch they'll end that hoodoo against Huddersfield, who seem to have hit a wall after their whirlwind start to the season and are struggling to score. Brentford, 19th in the Championship, have played better than their results suggest, which is why I believe they'll beat mid-table London rivals Millwall and register their first home win of the campaign. In the Scottish Premiership I'm taking home advantage to count when Partick, second from bottom, host fellow strugglers Kilmarnock, who prop up the rest.


Pools info: Birmingham v Cardiff (match No 10 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Slovenia v Scotland, Cyprus v Greece, MK Dons v Bradford City, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Plymouth v Fleetwood, Scunthorpe v Wigan, Cambridge v Wycombe, Morecambe v Crawley, Barrow v Leyton Orient, Boreham Wood v Halifax.

Best draws: Slovenia v Scotland, MK Dons v Bradford City, Plymouth v Fleetwood, Cambridge v Wycombe, Morecambe v Crawley.

Best weekend away bets: Portsmouth, Shrewsbury, Coventry, Mansfield, Hartlepool, Queen of  South.

Best weekend home bets: Oxford, Rochdale, Cheltenham, Lincoln, Notts County, Port Vale, Maidstone, Wrexham, Inverness, St Mirren.


Pick of the draws: I suspect Scotland need to win in Slovenia to have a realistic chance of qualifying for next year's World Cup finals but I believe they'll fall short. Gordon Strachan's players have perked up recently but it looks a case of too little too late. Bradford City are League One promotion contenders for the second season in a row and unbeaten away but they may have to settle for a point at MK Dons, who appear to be on the upgrade. Bottom club Plymouth face another out-of-form side in Fleetwood at Home Park, where they should at least halt their run of home defeats. Three consecutive have enabled Wycombe to climb into the League Two play-off places and I expect their progress to continue at mid-table Cambridge. Morecambe are notoriously brittle at home and will probably struggle to get more than a point out of Crawley.

Away days: Although Portsmouth are inconsistent in League One, it will be a surprise if they don't obtain maximum points at lowly Gillingham on Sunday. Leaders Shrewsbury have been the success story of the season with just four points dropped from their first 11 matches. They are in the mood to take on all-comers and are expected to add Walsall to their list of victims on Saturday. Relegated Coventry are eager to return to League One at the first attempt and will be confident of victory at Barnet, who have already lost three at home this season. Mansfield gained a morale-boosting win over League Two leaders Notts County last weekend and should have no reason to be apprehensive about a visit to Colchester. Hartlepool are climbing the National League after a dreadful start and are recommended at struggling Solihull Moors. Queen of South ought to asset their superiority over Scottish League Two Montrose in the fourth round of the Irn-Bru Cup.

Homes sweet homes: Rochdale are at last showing signs of life in League One and are worth a punt against the better-placed Rotherham, who are weak away from home with four losses from five games. Cheltenham have moved swiftly away from the League Two relegation zone with some impressive displays and are looking forward to the visit of erratic Swindon. Although Port Vale are in desperate trouble near the foot of the table I'm backing them to record their first home win of the season against Grimsby, who tend to blow hot and cold.

Pools info: Blackpool v Blackburn (No 16 on coupon), Charlton v Peterborough (17) and Oldham v Bury (22) have been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel.

Betting info: For the second weekend in a row I scored five from six with my away selections. Tottenham, Wolves, Norwich, Accrington and Rangers all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Sept 30-Oct 1

Ten draws: Stoke v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United, Wimbledon v Rochdale, Shrewsbury v Scunthorpe, Chesterfield v Cheltenham, Crawley v Carlisle, Luton v Newport, Swindon v Cambridge, Dundee v Hearts.

Best draws: Stoke v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, Wimbledon v Rochdale, Luton v Newport, Swindon v Cambridge.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Wolves, Norwich, Leeds, Accrington, Rangers (Friday).

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Cardiff, Preston, Blackburn, Bury, Portsmouth, Southend, Exeter, Kilmarnock.


Pick of the draws: Southampton played much better in defeat against Manchester United than Stoke did against Chelsea last weekend and they can come away from the Potteries with a point. Watford's maximum points haul from three Premier League away matches is one of the surprises of the season so far but they will do well to continue that sequence at The Hawthorns, where Tony Pulis's West Brom are especially obdurate. Wimbledon have fallen into the League One relegation zone after two consecutive losses and I feel that even lowly Rochdale will deny them victory on Saturday. Newport are unexpected promotion contenders in League Two and won't fear a trip to Luton, who have the same number of points. Swindon's home form isn't the best (three defeats already) and an improving Cambridge United can take advantage.

Away days: With three wins out of three on the road in the Premier League, Tottenham are highly recommended at Huddersfield, whose early-season spark is fading. It's hard to see Wolves, flying high in the Championship, failing at Burton, who crashed 4-0 at home to Aston Villa in midweek. Norwich's 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough in midweek caused a few raised eyebrows and they can repeat that scoreline at Reading, who have been unconvincing. Leeds, beaten 3-1 at Cardiff in midweek, weren't helped by going down to 10 men. I believe they will hit back straight away by winning at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Wednesday are still reeling from their 4-2 home defeat by their bitter Sheffield rivals, United, last weekend. Accrington, third in League Two after beating struggling Port Vale 2-1 away in midweek, cannot be ignored at basement boys Forest Green and   Rangers should be too strong for Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: Bury's 3-0 home victory over Oxford United in midweek lifted them out of the League One relegation zone and was just the tonic they needed. They also held Charlton to a 1-1 draw at The Valley last Saturday, so don't be surprised if they defeat the higher-placed MK Dons. There are signs that Southend's slump is over after victories over Fleetwood (4-2 away) and Wimbledon (1-0 at home) and I'm counting on them to make it a hat-trick against Blackpool. Although bottom club Kilmarnock are without a win from seven games in the Scottish Premiership, Ross County, their opponents on Saturday, are not much better. Ross have appointed Owen Coyle as manager but I think Killie's miserable run will end.


Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections last weekend. Tottenham, Brentford, Cardiff, Hibernian and Dunfermline all obliged.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Newcastle, Norwich v Bristol City, Reading v Hull, Norwich v Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United, Northampton v Bradford City, Peterborough v Wigan, Scunthorpe v Portsmouth, Shrewsbury v Blackburn, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Motherwell v Aberdeen.

Best draws: Norwich v Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United, Scunthorpe v Portsmouth, Shrewsbury v Blackburn, Motherwell v Aberdeen.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Brentford, Cardiff, Blackpool, Hibernian, Dunfermline.

Best weekend home bets: Leicester, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Preston, Wolves, Charlton, Accrington, Luton, Notts County, Partick.


Pick of the draws: Bristol City's 3-3 draw at Championship front-runners Wolves last midweek was well deserved and they improved on that by beating Derby 4-1 at home on Saturday. They are a side on the up and I expect them to gain at least a point at Norwich, who surprised Sheffield United 1-0 away at the weekend. The two Sheffield clubs are in the top half of the table and, despite United's setback against Norwich, thriving. Promoted United are not fazed at all by the Championship and I believe they will share the spoils at Hillsborough. Portsmouth's 4-1 home success against Fleetwood on Saturday was the best result of their League One season so far and they can come away with a point at Graham Alexander's Scunthorpe. League One leaders Shrewsbury are the team of the moment. The Shrews have dropped only two points from eight matches and have a perfect home record. Although their visitors, Blackburn, lost 1-0 at home to Wimbledon at the weekend, I regard this as only a temporary lapse and think they will deny Shrewsbury victory at home for the first time this season. Motherwell, who recovered from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Hibernian, are climbing the Scottish Premiership and can hold second-placed Aberdeen.

Away days: Tottenham were held to a goalless draw by Swansea at Wembley on Saturday but their luck was out. On another day they could have won by three or four and I suspect they will make amends by defeating West Ham in the early Saturday fixture. Brentford are without a win in the Championship this season but I can see that changing when they visit Bolton, who are in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom. Cardiff's Championship surge has been checked recently but they must still be fancied to win at Sunderland, who have only one victory to their credit. In League One, Blackpool are gaining momentum by the week and are recommended at Bristol Rovers, who can't find any consistency. Promoted Hibernian should edge their Scottish Premiership battle against Ross while Dunfermline, the Scottish Championship leaders, will surely confirm their superiority over bottom club Brechin.

Homes sweet homes: You are never sure which Liverpool team is going to turn up these days and Leicester, their hosts on Saturday, will be hoping to use that to their advantage. Although Leicester are in the wrong half of the Premier League, they have had some tough fixtures and are due a break. Another home side worth a punt are Aston Villa, who stopped the rot by winning 3-0 at Barnsley on Saturday. Villa's fans deserve more than they have been getting, especially at Villa Park, and I've a hunch Steve Bruce's team will put that right against Nottingham Forest. I'm backing second-from-bottom Partick to break their duck in the Scottish Premiership, where they are without a win this season. They played well when holding Rangers to a 2-2 draw at home last Friday and they can defeat mid-table Hearts.

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

Ten draws: Huddersfield v Leicester, Newcastle v Stoke, Bristol City v Derby, Nottingham Forest v Wolves, Oldham v Shrewsbury, Portsmouth v Fleetwood, Walsall v Peterborough, Cambridge v Coventry, Crawley v Notts County, Hibernian v Motherwell.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Leicester, Newcastle v Stoke, Oldham v Shrewsbury, Portsmouth v Fleetwood, Cambridge v Coventry.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Fulham, Leeds, Northampton, Newport, Rangers (Friday).

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Brentford, Hull, Sheffield United, Blackburn, Wigan, Swindon, Aberdeen, Ayr.


Pick of the draws: Leicester have suffered from having some tough opening Premier League fixtures but they will probably find promoted Huddersfield a less fearful proposition. The Terriers were unimpressive when going down 2-0 at West Ham on Monday and had a reality check. Stoke have a victory over Arsenal and a draw against Manchester United to their credit - results that should give them a reasonable chance at Newcastle, who had a good result of their own when winning 1-0 away to Swansea last Sunday. Oldham climbed off the bottom of League One with a terrific 3-2 away win against Bristol Rovers in midweek. This followed last weekend's 2-2 draw at highly rated Fleetwood which has put them in the mood to deny leaders Shrewsbury, who have surprised everybody so far. Portsmouth, last season's League Two title winners, are struggling to adapt to a higher division and will not relish facing Fleetwood, who are among the early promotion contenders. Coventry are back in business after some disappointing early results and look good for a point against mid-table Cambridge.

Away days: Manchester City showed what they are capable of when thrashing Liverpool 5-0 at home last Saturday and I suspect they will be too strong for Watford, although the Hertfordshire club have begun the season surprisingly well, winning at Bournemouth and Southampton. Fulham were the first Championship side to take a point off Cardiff this season and they will be expecting a maximum points haul when they travel to lowly Burton. Leeds, the new Championship leaders, are a formidable force at the moment and are recommended at Millwall, who had to play most of their midweek 2-2 away draw against Queens Park Rangers with 10 men. League One Northampton have two wins from two under their new manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and I'm backing them to make it three in a row at fast-fading Southend. Newport continue to confound expectations in League Two and are worth a punt at Morecambe, who are more vulnerable at home. Rangers have two away wins from two in the Scottish Premiership and will be confident of making it a hat-trick at struggling Partick.

Homes sweet homes: Crystal Palace, bottom of the Premier League, were much the better side at Burnley last Sunday, despite suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, so don't be surprised if they take their frustration out on Southampton. Former England boss Roy Hodgson will also be anxious to start his managerial career at Selhurst Park with a win. I'm taking Palace to score their first league goals of the season and to gain three points. Brentford's lowly position in the Championship does not do them justice and I believe they will come out on top against Reading, who have yet to click this season. The Stevenage bandwagon in League Two appears to have stopped rolling and Swindon, their hosts on Saturday, can take advantage.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v West Bromwich Albion, Leicester v Chelsea, Norwich v Birmingham, Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich, Sunderland v Sheffield United, Peterborough v Bradford City, Plymouth v MK Dons, Colchester v Crawley, Newport v Wycombe, St Johnstone v Hibernian.

Best draws: Leicester v Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich, Sunderland v Sheffield United, Plymouth v MK Dons, Colchester v Crawley.

Best weekend away bets: Liverpool, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Exeter, Aberdeen.

Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Swansea, Fulham, Wolves, Wimbledon, Charlton, Northampton, Coventry, Crewe, Rangers.


Pick of the draws: Although there are signs that Chelsea have their mojo back, I like the look of this Leicester side under Craig Shakespeare's managership and won't be surprised if they share the spoils. Ipswich, who are second in the Championship, suffered their first league defeat of the season when losing 2-0 at home to Fulham but I believe they will recover at Queens Park Rangers, who seem set for a mid-table berth. Relegated Sunderland are finding life almost as difficult in the Championship and there is no guarantee they will beat Sheffield United, who have made such an encouraging start in a higher division. Two consecutive defeats have seen Plymouth slide down League One and I fancy MK Dons, who fought back well to draw 1-1 at home to Oxford last Saturday, to get something at Home Park. Rookie manager Harry Kewell looks to have turned things round at Crawley, who have won their past two games in League Two. I'm taking them to continue their revival by drawing at Colchester.

Away days: Since stumbling at Watford on the opening weekend of the season free-scoring Liverpool have looked the real deal and they can enhance their Premier League title credentials by coming away from Manchester City with maximum points on Saturday. Manchester United lead the Premier League on merit and will expect another three points at Stoke. It will be a brave man who bets against them. Middlesbrough, under Garry Monk, have yet to hit their stride in the Championship but that will probably change when they go to bottom club Bolton. Blackburn's confidence is returning after a rocky start and they are recommended at Rochdale, who have slipped into the League One relegation zone. League Two leaders Exeter look a sound bet at struggling Forest Green while Scottish Premiership leaders Aberdeen should prevail at Hearts.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea, 2-0 winners at Crystal Palace two weeks ago, are in a healthier frame of mind than their Premier League opponents Newcastle, where manager Rafa Benitez was frustrated by their lack of progress in the last transfer window. Fulham are better than their position in the Championship indicates. They were convincing 2-0 winners at Ipswich two weeks ago and I've a hunch they will also beat Cardiff, despite the Welsh side having gained maximum points from their first five matches. Northampton, pointless and bottom of League One after four games, sacked manager Justin Edinburgh last week. His replacement, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, will be keen to make an instant impact and I think he will do just that when promoted Doncaster visit Sixfields on Saturday.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of September 2-3

Ten draws: Spain v Italy, Estonia v Cyprus, Blackpool v Wimbledon, Gillingham v Shrewsbury, Carlisle v Mansfield, Chesterfield v Coventry, Exeter v Newport, Port Vale v Notts County, Halifax v Fylde, Hartlepool v Maidstone.

Best draws: Blackpool v Wimbledon, Carlisle v Mansfield, Chesterfield v Coventry, Exeter v Newport, Port Vale v Notts County.

Best weekend away bets: Scunthorpe, Peterborough, Oxford, Crewe, Accrington, Chester.

Best weekend home bets: Wales, Israel, Ukraine, Southend, Walsall, Lincoln, Wycombe, Barrow, Leyton Orient, Tranmere.


Pick of the draws: Wimbledon gave their best display of the season so far when defeating Doncaster 2-0 at home in League One last Saturday and a repeat of that form should see them share the spoils at Blackpool, who have made an encouraging start to life in a higher division. Mansfield, the bookmakers' favourites for promotion from League Two, will be disappointed to have conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw at home to Luton last weekend and will want to make amends at Carlisle, who came a cropper at Lincoln. Bottom-of-the-table Chesterfield (4-1 losers at Newport) and Coventry (beaten 2-0 at Yeovil) are two ailing sides and it's hard to make a case for either of them winning on Saturday. Newport's second place in League Two is no fluke. They are playing good football and can hold leaders Exeter to a draw. Port Vale's 10 men put up a spirited fight when losing 1-0 to Crewe last weekend and can gain their first home point of the season against an improved Notts County.

Away days: Scunthorpe got their season up and running with a 4-0 victory at Plymouth last Saturday and will be confident of another three points at Bury. Peterborough are the only League One team with a perfect record so far and I'm taking them to carry on the good work at promoted Doncaster. Although Oxford were held to a home draw by Shrewsbury last weekend, I expect them to be among the promotion contenders and they should be too strong for MK Dons. Fourth-placed Crewe are unbeaten in League Two and will probably extend the sequence after their visit to troubled Grimsby. Accrington keep punching above their weight and I fancy them to come away from Morecambe with maximum points. Chester, of the National League, upset high-flying Aldershot 2-1 away last Saturday, so a trip to bottom club Torquay should hold no fears.

Homes sweet homes: A win for Wales in Group D is imperative if they hope to qualify for next year's World Cup finals and I think they'll achieve it against Austria, who have the same number of points but are generally poor travellers. Promoted Lincoln gave Carlisle a football lesson last Saturday when winning their League Two encounter 4-1, so they are definitely worth a punt against Luton, even though they are among the favourites for promotion. Although Barrow, of the National League, have been no more than mediocre so far, they may get the better of Boreham Wood, whose high placing has surprised most pundits.


Pools Info: Blackburn v Fleetwood (match No 15 on coupon) and Wigan v Northampton (25) have been postponed because of international calls and will be pools panel verdicts.

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

Ten draws: Huddersfield v Southampton, Millwall v Norwich, Nottingham Forest v Leeds, Bristol Rovers v Fleetwood, Rotherham v Charlton, Colchester v Forest Green, Mansfield v Luton, Port Vale v Crewe, Barrow v Maidenhead, Ebbsfleet v Gateshead.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Southampton, Nottingham Forest v Leeds, Rotherham v Charlton, Colchester v Forest Green, Mansfield v Luton.

Best weekend away bets: West Ham, Derby, Peterborough, Exeter, Wycombe, Coventry.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Cardiff, Blackpool, Rochdale, Walsall, Newport, Swindon, Aldershot, Ayr.


Pick of the draws: Promoted Huddersfield, with maximum points from their opening two Premier League matches, just about got over the line at home to Newcastle last Sunday but I believe Southampton, who defeated West Ham 3-2 at St Mary's last Saturday, will provide a sterner test. Mark Warburton is doing a good job at Nottingham Forest but Leeds, who have won both their away games in the Championship, can take a point here. Rotherham's last home match in League One ended in a 5-0 victory over Southend. It will be a major surprise if they do half as well against Charlton, who have begun the season well, and the hosts may even have to settle for a point. Colchester, with no wins from three, are among the early toilers in League Two and will have to improve to get the better of promoted Forest Green, who have not been overawed so far. Mansfield had their first setback of the season when losing 2-1 at Accrington last Saturday and could be playing easier opponents than Luton, who will again be among the promotion contenders.

Away days: Ten-man West Ham deserved better than to lose to a disputed penalty at Southampton in the dying minutes and I think they will take it out on Newcastle, who are struggling to adapt to the Premier League. Neither has a point to show for their efforts so far but something's got to give on Saturday. Derby clicked into gear with a 2-1 win at Bolton in the Championship last Saturday and I'm taking them to repeat that success at promoted Sheffield United, who are due a home loss. Peterborough, second in League One with maximum points from three games, are fancied to continue the good work at lowly Northampton while in League Two, high-flying Exeter look a sound bet at troubled Cheltenham. Wycombe are recommended at Grimsby, who were feeble when losing 3-1 at Stevenage last weekend and keep having players sent off. Coventry unexpectedly lost at home to Newport last Saturday but I expect them to recover at Yeovil, who have already conceded 14 goals in three matches.

Homes sweet homes: Crystal Palace, although pointless from their opening two Premier League fixtures, made Liverpool work hard for their 1-0 victory at Anfield last Saturday and I believe they'll get off the mark against Swansea, who shipped four at home against Manchester United. Although Rochdale have made a disappointing start in League One, they should have enough in the tank to beat Bury. Walsall have a habit of upsetting more fashionable sides. They deserved their point in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth last Saturday and have the ability to see off the higher-placed Bradford City.


Pools info: Macclesfield v Dover (match No 49 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

Betting info: I scored eight out of 10 with my home selections last weekend. Leicester, Liverpool, Charlton, Fleetwood, Carlisle, Forest Green, Aberdeen and Dunfermline all obliged.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v West Brom, Bolton v Derby, Sunderland v Leeds, Wolves v Cardiff, Bury v Bristol Rovers, Doncaster v Blackpool, Southend v Plymouth, Accrington v Mansfield, Crawley v Cambridge, Forest Green v Yeovil.

Best draws: Sunderland v Leeds, Wolves v Cardiff, Doncaster v Blackpool, Southend v Plymouth, Accrington v Mansfield.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Manchester United, Birmingham (Friday), Oxford, Ross, Ayr.

Best weekend home bets: Leicester, Liverpool, Tottenham, Bristol City, Charlton, Fleetwood, Shrewsbury, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Dunfermline.


Pick of the draws: Despite two goalless draws in their opening three matches, I expect Leeds to challenge for promotion to the top flight this season. Sunderland will present a tough test on Saturday but I believe Leeds will pass it. One of the games of the weekend is at Molineux where Wolves host Cardiff in the Championship. Both sides have maximum points from their first three fixtures but I fancy they will have to settle for a point each. In League One, Blackpool got off the mark by defeating Milton Keynes Dons 1-0 at home last weekend. I think they will build on that result by gaining a point at Doncaster, who won even more convincingly (3-1) at Blackburn. Southend came crashing back to earth when losing 5-0 at Rotherham last Saturday. In normal circumstances I would have taken Southend to beat promoted Plymouth but now I'm backing the Devon team to hold them.  Accrington surprisingly came unstuck by 3-2 at Yeovil last Saturday but they have a lot going for them and can share the spoils with Mansfield, the bookmakers' favourites for promotion from League Two.

Away days: Arsenal will want to repeat their Premier League success at Stoke last May and have the firepower to do so, as shown in their thrilling 4-3 home victory over Leicester last Friday. Manchester United looked ominously good when thrashing West Ham 4-0 at Old Trafford last Sunday and will be disappointed to come away from Swansea with anything less than three points. Burton are the only Championship team without a point after three matches. They are probably in for a long, hard season and visitors Birmingham will be optimistic about their chances on Friday evening. Oxford are the early leaders in League One and look full of goals. I'm taking them to score a few more at Scunthorpe, who are struggling to produce last season's form. In the Scottish Premiership, Ross are recommended at Motherwell, who will be without the three players sent off in a 4-1 defeat at St Johnstone last weekend, and top-of-the-table Ayr are a confident selection at Stranraer in Scottish League One.

Homes sweet homes: Tottenham will be anxious to lay their Wembley bogey this season and their home game against Chelsea on Sunday gives them a good opportunity to do so. The Premier League champions are in disarray on and off the pitch and I reckon they will be even more downcast after the weekend. Bristol City have made an encouraging start to their Championship campaign and should have too much for Millwall, who are finding life more difficult in a higher division. Unfashionable Shrewsbury have two wins from two in League One. I'm backing them to make it a hat-trick against Rochdale, who have been slow out of the blocks.

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

Ten draws: Southampton v Swansea, Barnsley v Ipswich, Norwich v Sunderland, Reading v Fulham, Northampton v Fleetwood, Rotherham v Southend, Colchester v Stevenage, Grimsby v Coventry, Swindon v Exeter, Hamilton v Dundee.

Best draws: Southampton v Swansea, Norwich v Sunderland, Northampton v Fleetwood, Rotherham v Southend, Grimsby v Coventry.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Bradford City, Luton, Accrington.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal (Friday), Everton, Manchester United, Birmingham, Leeds, Blackburn, Blackpool, Wigan, Lincoln, Kilmarnock.


Pick of the draws: Swansea ended last season with a flourish to escape relegation from the Premier League and I think they will carry on the good work at Southampton, who may take time to adjust to a new manager. Norwich are one of those teams tipped to be among the Championship front-runners but relegated Sunderland will want to atone for last season's debacle and should be up for this challenge on Sunday. Uwe Rosler has done a great job as manager of League One Fleetwood. They had a good start to this campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Rotherham and I'm backing them to deny Northampton on Saturday. Southend got off to a flier by beating relegated Blackburn 2-1 at home but their hosts, relegated Rotherham, will be trying to stop the rot as quickly as possible. Grimsby and Coventry, who face each other in League Two, had excellent starts to the season last weekend and it's difficult to pick a winner.

Away days: Manchester City have spent big during the summer and they will be expecting instant reward at promoted Brighton, who could scarcely have had a harder start to 2017-18. Newcastle may have won the Championship last season but I get the feeling that all is not well at St James' Park and manager Rafa Benitez is unsettled. Tottenham, who are hoping to improve on last season's second place, can capitalise. Liverpool are strongly recommended in the mid-day kick-off at Watford, who are expected to be among the Premier League strugglers. Bradford City were unlucky not to go up from League One last season and ought to begin their away programme with three points at Gillingham. Luton's 8-2 home thrashing of Yeovil was the most eye-catching result in League Two last weekend. Similar firepower should be enough to see off Barnet. Accrington, 3-1 winners over Colchester last Saturday and League Cup conquerors of Championship side Preston in midweek, have my support at Yeovil.

Homes sweet homes: Despite narrow defeats in their opening two games - 2-1 at Bradford City and 2-1 at Wigan in the League Cup - I believe promoted Blackpool will recover and gain maximum points in their League One home fixture against Milton Keynes Dons. Lincoln, winners of the National League last season and FA Cup giant-killers, won't be overawed playing in League Two. They deserved their 2-2 draw at Wycombe last Saturday and I'm taking them to beat Morecambe. Although Kilmarnock are nothing special in the Scottish Premiership, they appear to be in better shape than manager-less Hearts and are on course to gain their first points of the season.


Pools Info: Newport v Crewe (match No 40 on coupon) is being played at Crewe because of unfinished work on Newport's ground.

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

Ten draws: Burton v Cardiff, Ipswich v Birmingham, Queens Park Rangers v Reading, Oldham v Oxford, Portsmouth v Rochdale, Crawley v Port Vale, Crewe v Mansfield, Morecambe v Cheltenham, Stevenage v Newport, Dundee v Ross.

Best draws: Burton v Cardiff, Ipswich v Birmingham, Portsmouth v Rochdale, Crewe v Mansfield, Morecambe v Cheltenham.

Best weekend away bets: Derby (Friday), Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Wigan, Blackburn, Peterhead.

Best weekend home bets: Aston Villa, Fulham, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest (Friday), Charlton, Peterborough, Carlisle, Forest Green, Luton, Hibernian.


Pick of the draws: Nigel Clough's Burton surprised everybody by avoiding relegation from the Championship last season and can confound the pundits again. They look good for a share of the spoils against Neil Warnock's Cardiff. Birmingham's chances will be boosted by the appointment of Harry Redknapp as manager but Ipswich, their opponents on Saturday, will be anxious to put some poor pre-season results behind them. Promoted Portsmouth should have few alarms in League One but Rochdale are no mugs and can come away from Fratton Park with a point. Mansfield are the bookmakers' favourites to go up from League Two, mainly because they have made so many summer signings. However, they may be held by Crewe, who must be hoping to improve on last season's disappointment. Morecambe's home form continually let them down last season, so don't be surprised if they drop another couple of points to Cheltenham.

Away days: Relegated Sunderland are still in turmoil under new manager Simon Grayson and Gary Rowett's Derby will fancy their chances in this Championship opener. I believe Sheffield Wednesday will be among the Championship front-runners again and I expect them to start their campaign with a win at Preston. Middlesbrough, now managed by former Leeds and Swansea boss Garry Monk, will be eager to return to the Premier League as quickly as possible and are worth a punt at Wolves. In League One, relegated Wigan are recommended at MK Dons while another demoted side, Blackburn,  should be too strong for Southend. Free-scoring Peterhead are a confident selection at Annan in Scottish League Two.

Homes sweet homes: Sheffield United, League One title winners last season, have a winnable opening Championship fixture against Brentford. I'm taking Carlisle, who reached the play-offs last season, to heap more misery on relegated Swindon in League Two and don't bet against the Football League's newcomers, Forest Green Rovers, continuing their winning ways against Barnet. Neil Lennon's Hibernian, promoted to the Scottish Premiership, will be confident of maximum points against Partick.

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

Ten draws: Leicester v Bournemouth, Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Stoke, Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, Leganes v Alaves, Valencia v Villarreal, Empoli v Atalanta, Udinese v Sampdoria, Guingamp v Metz, Lille v Nantes.

Best draws: Leicester v Bournemouth, Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Stoke, Valencia v Villarreal, Empoli v Atalanta.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Manchester City, Motherwell, Aberdeen, Rangers, York.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Burnley, Chelsea, Liverpool, Swansea, Falkirk (Friday), Bradford City, Celtic, Peterhead, Cowdenbeath.


Pick of the draws: Bournemouth would be delighted with a top 10 finish to their Premier League season and a point at Leicester on Sunday will do the job for them. Because of their impending Europa League final, Manchester United have taken their eye off the ball in the league. They are bound to field a weakened side at Old Trafford on Sunday and Crystal Palace, safe from relegation at last, will probably take advantage. With little except pride to play for, Southampton and Stoke seem to be just going through the motions and I envisage a low-scoring stalemate at St Mary's. Valencia have had an underwhelming season in the Spanish League and on the final weekend of their campaign I expect no more than a draw against the better-placed Villarreal. A point at Empoli in the Italian League will confirm a top-five finish for Atalanta.

Away days: Premier League runners-up Tottenham, fresh from their 6-1 rout of Leicester in midweek, look a sure thing at Hull, who are demoralised after their relegation last weekend. Manchester City need only a draw at Watford to ensure their Champions League qualification but given their recent form, I believe they'll go one better against a team who are in free-fall. Consecutive victories have enabled Motherwell to stay in the Scottish Premiership and I'm backing them to gain a hat-trick of wins on Saturday at the expense of bottom club Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Second-placed Aberdeen are into double figures for away wins and I think they'll get another at Partick on Sunday. Rangers are eager to end the season with a flourish and are recommended at St Johnstone. Although York were relegated from the National League, their end-of-season form was impressive and I've a hunch they'll win the FA Trophy final on Sunday when Macclesfield are their opponents.

Homes sweet homes: If West Ham play as badly as they did when losing 4-0 against Liverpool last Sunday, then Burnley, who are good at Turf Moor, will be strongly fancied to beat them. Swansea, having ensured their Premier League safety by defeating relegated Sunderland 2-0 away last weekend, will want to finish their season on a high and can do so against fast-fading West Bromwich Albion. Bradford City are my choice to win the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday. They were unbeaten at Valley Parade all season and seem less flaky than their opponents Millwall, who lost last season's play-off final against Barnsley.


Pools info: Granada v Espanyol (No 15 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Middlesbrough v Southampton, West Ham v Liverpool, Real Sociedad v Malaga, Fiorentina v Lazio, Roma v Juventus, Torino v Napoli, Leipzig v Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen v TSG Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg v Borussia Monchengladbach, Twente v Groningen.

Best draws: Middlesbrough v Southampton, West Ham v Liverpool, Roma v Juventus, Torino v Napoli, Wolfsburg v Borussia Monchengladbach.

Best weekend away bets: Arsenal, Swansea, Chelsea (Friday), Motherwell, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Everton (Friday), Manchester City, Tottenham, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Rangers, Tranmere, Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal.


Pick of the draws: Middlesbrough's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on Monday when they were outplayed by leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but mid-table Southampton, their opponents on Saturday, have little incentive save pride, so Boro could nick a point. Liverpool are making hard work of clinching a Champions League place. They are arguably playing West Ham at the wrong time as the Hammers have found a bit of form and beat Tottenham last Friday. Liverpool were held to a goalless home draw by Southampton last weekend, so don't be surprised if they slip up again. Juventus, Champions League finalists and Italian champions-elect, may have to settle for a draw at second-placed Roma, who beat AC Milan 4-1 away last weekend. Napoli, in third, are also enjoying a fine season and can share the spoils with Torino. Although Wolfsburg won 2-0 away to Eintracht Frankfurt in last weekend's German League, they will probably find Borussia Monchengladbach a tougher proposition.

Away days: Stoke is not a happy hunting ground for Arsenal but their greater need for Premier League points could tip the scales in their favour. Arsene Wenger and his players also know that they owe themselves a good performance away from home. If Swansea win their final two matches they will escape the dreaded drop. Although their hosts, bottom club Sunderland, upset the form book last Saturday by winning at Hull, I'm backing the Welshmen to gain maximum points, particularly after playing so well in defeating Everton at home. Victory at West Bromwich on Friday will confirm Chelsea as deserved champions and I expect the London team to get the job done. I've a hunch Motherwell will prevail at Hamilton in the battle of the strugglers in the Scottish Premiership. Despite suffering disappointment in the Champions League semi-final, Atletico Madrid will be strongly fancied at Real Betis in the Spanish League. In the German League, Borussia Dortmund seem a sound bet at Augsburg.

Homes sweet homes: Three consecutive defeats have put Crystal Palace in danger of relegation again but victory against Hull at Selhurst Park on Sunday will ensure their Premier League safety. There is little to choose between these lowly teams but on this occasion I believe ground advantage will be crucial. Sunday will be Tottenham's last match at their White Hart Lane ground and they will want to sign off in style against Manchester United, who are clearly prioritising the Europa League. Dundee have perked up in the Scottish Premiership recently and three points against Ross County will confirm they are moving in the right direction. It's the National League play-off final at Wembley on Sunday and Tranmere, who finished the season in second place, get my vote for promotion over Forest Green Rovers, who came third.



Pools info: Everton v Watford (No 3 on coupon) and West Bromwich v Chelsea (9) are playing on Friday, so these matches will be void.

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

Ten draws: Arsenal v Manchester United, Bristol City v Birmingham, Burton v Reading, Norwich v Queens Park Rangers, Wolves v Preston, Newport v Notts County, Stevenage v Accrington, Wycombe v Cambridge, Stranraer v East Fife, Berwick v Edinburgh.

Best draws: Arsenal v Manchester United, Wolves v Preston, Newport v Notts County, Stevenage v Accrington, Wycombe v Cambridge.

Best weekend away bets: Derby, Leeds, Mansfield, Plymouth, Falkirk, Arbroath.

Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Hull, Liverpool, Swansea, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool, Luton, Portsmouth, Elgin.


Pick of the draws: Arsenal should really be favourites to defeat a Manchester United team depleted by injuries on Sunday but Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has never beaten United boss Jose Mourinho in a competitive fixture and morale at Arsenal is at its lowest for many years as they look certain to miss out on a top-four place in the Premier League. Wolves are ending their Championship season with a whimper and their home record is nothing to boast about. That gives Preston a good opportunity of coming away with a point. Newport play their final fixture of the season and I think they will avoid defeat against Notts County, which should be enough to keep them in the Football League. Their recovery from an almost impossible position at the bottom of the table has been one of the noteworthy achievements of the season. Stevenage have one last chance to claim a League Two play-off place after faltering recently but they face Accrington, who are no soft touch and have recorded some notable victories away from home. Wycombe and Cambridge have an outside chance of making the play-offs but I believe they'll cancel each other out and fall short.

Away days: Derby must be disappointed at not being in the Championship play-off mix and they'll probably take their disappointment out on Rotherham, who were relegated a long time ago. Dropped home points in a 3-3 draw against Norwich last Saturday ended Leeds' interest in promotion. They'll finish just outside the play-off positions but should still have too much for Wigan, whose relegation was confirmed last weekend. Mansfield, although only 12th in League Two, have won more away games than they've lost and I expect them to continue in that vein at Crawley, who have had an unhappy season and have just parted with their manager. Promoted Plymouth know a win will have them crowned as champions and I'm backing them to achieve that at mid-table Grimsby.  Falkirk, second in the Scottish Championship, are a good bet to prevail at Dumbarton. Arbroath, the Scottish League Two leaders, are also worth backing at Stirling as three points will confirm them as champions.

Homes sweet homes: Burnley eased any lingering fears of relegation from the Premier League with their first away success of the season at Crystal Palace last Saturday. They are fancied to build on that against West Bromwich Albion, who cannot buy a win or a goal at the moment. The odds are against Swansea staying in the Premier League but they deserved their draw at Manchester United last Sunday and are worth a punt against Everton, who have had two poor results in the last couple of weeks. Nottingham Forest need a victory to ensure they avoid relegation from the Championship. I think they'll get it against Ipswich, who even managed to lose against Rotherham recently.


Pools info: Chelsea v Middlesbrough (No 4 on coupon) has been rearranged for next Monday and will be judged by the pools panel. West Ham v Tottenham (10) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend - Southampton v Hull, Barnsley v Burton and Wimbledon v Oldham.                    

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

Ten draws: Southampton v Hull, West Bromwich v Leicester, Barnsley v Burton, Queens Park Rangers v Nottingham Forest, Wimbledon v Oldham, Bristol Rovers v Millwall, Cheltenham v Hartlepool, Doncaster v Exeter, Mansfield v Portsmouth, Dunfermline v Morton.

Best draws: Southampton v Hull, Barnsley v Burton, Wimbledon v Oldham, Cheltenham v Hartlepool, Doncaster v Exeter.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Colchester, Wycombe, Blackpool.

Best weekend home bets: Crystal Palace, Brighton, Leeds, Reading, Charlton, Fleetwood, Rochdale, Cambridge, Yeovil, St Mirren.


Pick of the draws: Hull are making a noble effort to avoid relegation from the Premier League but they will be anxious to improve a dismal away record. They have a reasonable chance to do that at Southampton, who are becalmed in mid-table. Burton need just a point to be safe from the drop from the Championship and I wouldn't bet against them at Barnsley, who have already drawn 10 matches at home this season. In League One, mid-table Wimbledon seem to be going through the motions, which should suit their visitors Oldham, who, against the odds, have managed to stay in the division. Whoever wins between strugglers Cheltenham and Hartlepool in League Two will probably stay in the Football League but as both sides are alarmingly off-colour I'm predicting a point apiece. Doncaster have taken their foot off the pedal since being assured of promotion and it wouldn't surprise me if they were held by Exeter. The Grecians are in the play-off positions and have won more matches on the road than any League Two team apart from Plymouth.

Away days: Manchester City, despite their FA Cup semi-final loss against Arsenal last Sunday, are a confident choice at Middlesbrough, who are surely destined for the drop. Bournemouth must have high hopes of a third away victory of the season at Sunderland, who are in an even worse state than Middlesbrough. In the Championship, Aston Villa are worth a wager at Blackburn, who look as if they are on their way down. Colchester, who still have a faint chance of making the League Two play-offs, must be thinking they only have to turn up to see off a demoralised Leyton Orient. Other play-off hopefuls, Wycombe, will be travelling to those generous hosts Morecambe (13 home defeats) while Blackpool ought to continue their late surge by winning at Notts County.

Homes sweet homes: Keith Hill's Rochdale are capable of beating any League One team on their day and I've a feeling Sunday will be their day - the final League One weekend of the season. This is provided they play well against highly respected opponents in Bradford City, who have already booked their play-off place. In League Two, I believe lowly Yeovil will cash in on the slump suffered by Stevenage and I'm backing St Mirren, second from last in the Scottish Championship, to climb above Raith by beating them. St Mirren's recent form has been as good as anybody's after looking certs for relegation.

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

Ten draws: Swansea v Stoke, Huddersfield v Fulham, Nottingham Forest v Reading, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Bury v Northampton, Oldham v Rochdale, Colchester v Plymouth, Newport v Accrington, Stevenage v Mansfield, Braintree v Barrow.

Best draws: Swansea v Stoke, Huddersfield v Fulham, Bury v Northampton, Colchester v Plymouth, Stevenage v Mansfield.

Best weekend away bets: Everton, Ipswich, Charlton, Southend, Carlisle, Aldershot.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Hull, Brentford, Bristol City, Wolves, Blackpool, Exeter, Hartlepool, Bromley, Dover.


Pick of the draws: Swansea's hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League have faded and I cannot see them getting more than a point from the visit of Stoke, who regained their faltering confidence by beating Hull 3-1 at home last Saturday. Fulham have recently been the most impressive of all the teams occupying play-off positions in the Championship and a draw is not beyond them at Huddersfield, who lie third. League One strugglers Bury gained a creditable point in a goalless draw at Bolton in midweek but their home record leaves much to be desired (11 defeats) and they may have to settle for a point against Justin Edinburgh's Northampton. Colchester are still in League Two play-off contention and were unlucky not to beat promoted Doncaster at home on Good Friday. They face Plymouth, another promoted club, this weekend and look good for at least a share of the spoils. Play-off hopefuls Stevenage have drawn only once at home this season but I believe they'll add to that tally against Mansfield in what seems a finely balanced contest.

Away days: Everton are fighting hard for a top-five place in the Premier League and are fancied to come away from West Ham with three points. The Hammers don't inspire much confidence these days. Mick McCarthy's Ipswich had a profitable Easter with two wins out of two, including a 3-1 defeat of Championship promotion favourites Newcastle on Monday. I think they'll make it three victories in a row at Rotherham, who are doomed to relegation. Charlton are eager to finish an indifferent League One season on a high and are hotly fancied to prevail at relegated Chesterfield. Southend can enhance their play-off aspirations by winning at lowly Shrewsbury and Carlisle, in League Two, are worth a punt at Crawley, who are finishing the season on a downer. Aldershot, who are National League play-off contenders, will surely be too strong for North Ferriby, who are destined to go down.

Homes sweet homes: Hull's home form could be their salvation as they try to stay in the Premier League and I'm backing them to defeat Watford, who are safe in mid-table but don't travel too well. Bristol City have climbed four points clear of the Championship drop zone and can move further away from trouble by beating Barnsley. Although Hartlepool are in grave danger of dropping out of the Football League, they will be relieved to be facing Barnet, who have eight points more but are in even worse form. I expect a bet on a home victory will be worthwhile.

Pools guide and best bets for April 15-17 coupon

Ten draws: Manchester United v Chelsea, Southampton v Manchester City, Stoke v Hull, Birmingham v Bolton, Cardiff v Nottingham Forest, Northampton v Shrewsbury, Walsall v Swindon, Dumbarton v Dunfermline, Raith v Morton, Stenhousemuir v Livingston.

Best draws: Southampton v Manchester City, Stoke v Hull, Birmingham v Burton, Cardiff v Nottingham Forest, Stenhousemuir v Livingston.

Best away bets: Arsenal, West Ham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bolton, Airdrieonians.

Best home bets: Everton, Brighton, Derby, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol Rovers, Charlton, Scunthorpe, Dundee, Rangers, Arbroath.

Pick of the draws: Manchester City have won more away games than anybody in the Premier League apart from leaders Chelsea but that won't guarantee them three points at Southampton, who on their day are a match for any of the top six clubs. It's easy to see off-form Stoke dropping points against Hull, who are fighting bravely against the threat of relegation. Nigel Clough's Burton continue to confound expectations in the Championship and they will be disappointed with anything less than a draw at ailing Birmingham. Neil Warnock has done a terrific job in reviving Cardiff's fortunes but Nottingham Forest should also prosper under new manager Mark Warburton and a share of there spoils is likely. As Livingston have already been crowned Scottish League One champions, they may took their foot off the pedal at bottom club Stenhousemuir, who won last Saturday and can still escape relegation. Don't be surprised if this one ends all square.

Away days: Although Arsenal are nobody's idea of a banker these days, they should still come away from their Easter Monday evening match at Middlesbrough with maximum points. If the Gunners cannot beat a goal-shy Boro side seemingly certain to go down, then a top-four finish is out of the question. I believe West Ham will pile more misery on bottom club Sunderland, who are as good as relegated and I'm backing Liverpool to prevail at West Bromwich Albion, who have rather switched off since reaching the 40-point mark. Newcastle, second in the Championship, will welcome a trip to underachieving Ipswich and Bolton, having lost at Scunthorpe in League One last weekend, will be keen to return to winning ways at Oldham. Airdrieonians, with seven victories on the road in Scottish League One this season, are recommended at lowly Stranraer. 

Homes sweet homes: Derby are determined to end a mixed bag of a season on an encouraging note and I'm taking them to defeat Huddersfield, who are five places higher in the Championship. I've a hunch that Ian Holloway's Queens Park Rangers will thwart the play-off ambitions of Sheffield Wednesday. Although Dundee are on the crest of a slump in the Scottish Premiership, they ought to have enough to beat Hamilton Academical, who have yet to record an away victory this season. 

Pools guide and best bets for April 14-15 coupon

Ten draws: Brentford v Derby, Bristol City v Queens Park Rangers, Gillingham v Bristol Rovers, MK Dons v Scunthorpe, Peterborough v Fleetwood, Blackpool v Accrington, Grimsby v Cambridge, Hartlepool v Carlisle, Bromley v Barrow, Bishop's Stortford v Gosport Borough.

Best draws: Brentford v Derby, Bristol City v Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons v Scunthorpe, Grimsby v Cambridge, Hartlepool v Carlisle.

Best away bets: Birmingham, Brighton, Southend, Dagenham & Redbridge, Eastleigh, York.

Best home bets: Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest, Bradford City, Millwall, Shrewsbury, Swindon, Exeter, Newport, Dover, Forest Green.


Pick of the draws: Derby have found an extra gear under new manager Gary Rowett but Brentford have beaten some good teams in the Championship this season and won't succumb easily. Bristol City arrested their slump with a fine 3-1 home victory over Wolves but their opponents, Queens Park Rangers, will be anxious to halt a run of three consecutive defeats and will be disappointed not to take a point. The mood at Scunthorpe has improved after beating League One promotion rivals Bolton 1-0 at home last Saturday but their hosts MK Dons have also raised their game recently. The timing of manager Marcus Bignot's dismissal at League Two Grimsby was puzzling, coming straight after the 3-1 win at Blackpool last weekend, which must have been one of their best results of the season. Russell Slade has replaced Bignot and I expect him to start with a draw against Cambridge, who have revived their hopes of a play-off place. Newport's surge has put Hartlepool in danger of relegation. A few months ago you would have had their fixture against Carlisle as an away banker but the Cumbrian team have lost their way in the second half of the season.

Away days: Birmingham have been embarrassingly poor under Gianfranco Zola in this season's Championship but even they should come away with maximum points at Rotherham, who are already relegated. Brighton have an excellent chance of ending their campaign as champions and they appear to have the mental strength to cope with a trip to rapidly improving Wolves. Southend have been edged out of the League One play-off positions but the spirit at the club is good and they will be banking on three points at Chesterfield, who are as good as down. Promotion-chasing Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League look a good bet at Boreham Wood, who are becalmed in mid-table and Eastleigh must be fancied at second from bottom North Ferriby, who have lost 14 home games this season. Finally, York, who have made an astonishing recovery, are well worth a punt at Solihull Moors, who were thrashed 9-0 at Tranmere last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Shrewsbury, who lie one point above the League One drop zone, can climb further away from trouble by beating mid-table Walsall. Swindon are another club struggling to stay in the division but I'm backing them to get the better of Wimbledon, who seem to be just going through the motions. Newport have given themselves a real chance of avoiding relegation from League Two. Their win at promotion-seeking Exeter was one of the results of last weekend and they will confident of following that up against fast fading Yeovil.