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

Ten draws: Southampton v Liverpool, Tottenham v Arsenal, West Ham v Watford, Brentford v Preston, Southend v Wigan, Coventry v Accrington, Exeter v Wycombe, Morecambe v Chesterfield, Dover v Sutton United, Ebbsfleet v Solihull Moors.

Best draws: Tottenham v Arsenal, West Ham v Watford, Brentford v Preston, Coventry v Accrington, Ebbsfleet v Solihull Moors.

Best weekend away bets: Bournemouth, Manchester United, Brighton, Portsmouth, Luton, Aldershot.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Swansea, Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Blackpool, Gillingham, Crawley, Hearts, Bromley.


Pick of the draws: Arsenal have been invigorated by their two new signings, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, and they'll be playing at Wembley, one of their favourite grounds. They will also be keen to rectify their poor Premier League away form which has cost them so many points this season. Arsenal badly need a good result away from the Emirates and I believe they'll dig in to deny Spurs victory. West Ham's lack of transfer activity last month was a worrying sign as they are still in the relegation mire. They won't find it easy against Watford, whose morale received a huge boost when they beat Chelsea 4-1 at home on Monday. Preston, who are pushing for a Championship play-off place, have drawn on no fewer than 12 occasions this season and I can see them adding to that tally at mid-table Brentford, whose draw column is also into double figures. Coventry's surprising defeat at Forest Green last Saturday led to them slipping out of the League Two play-off slots and they could encounter another setback against unfashionable Accrington, who have won their past two matches and moved into third place. Solihull Moors looked certain to be relegated from the National League this time last month but they have been transformed and are now close to climbing out of the drop zone. A point at mid-table Ebbsfleet should not be beyond them.

Away days: Although Huddersfield put four past Birmingham in a midweek FA Cup fourth-round replay, they are second from bottom and the joint worst scorers in the Premier League. That should encourage Bournemouth, their visitors on Sunday. Victories over Arsenal, Chelsea and Stoke have seen the Cherries climb into the top half of the table and I think they'll add Huddersfield to their list of victims. There was an over-reaction to Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham last week and, with Sanchez invigorated, I'm confident they'll return to winning ways at Newcastle, who are plainly short of Premier League quality. Brighton were convincing 3-1 winners over West Ham in a crucial relegation battle last weekend and I'm taking them to carry on the good work at Stoke, who have dropped into the bottom three. Portsmouth have had some disappointing results recently but they should have enough in their locker to see off struggling Milton Keynes Dons. Luton, the runaway League Two leaders, are fancied to complete the double over Stevenage while Aldershot, third in the National League, are recommended at fast-fading Dagenham & Redbridge.

Homes sweet homes: Rapidly improving Swansea, now out of the Premier League relegation places and 8-1 victors over League Two Notts County in a midweek FA Cup fourth-round replay, are well worth a punt against Burnley, who have lost that winning habit. Blackpool's form in League One since the turn of the year has been worrying but they have a good opportunity to relieve the pressure against Walsall, who are only three places above them and none too convincing on the road. Gillingham have come on in leaps and bounds since Steve Lovell was appointed manager and I believe they'll win their League One clash against Peterborough, whose promotion challenge is faltering.


Pools info: Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion (No 1 on coupon) has been put back to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel. Millwall v Cardiff (18) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.