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

Ten draws: Burnley v Manchester United, Liverpool v Wolves, Millwall v Brentford, Queens Park Rangers v Hull, Accrington v Burton, Fleetwood v Bristol Rovers, Tranmere v Blackpool, Colchester v Exeter, Celtic v Rangers, Livingston v Hibernian.

Best draws: Burnley v Manchester United, Millwall v Brentford, Accrington v Burton, Fleetwood v Bristol Rovers, Celtic v Rangers.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Leicester, Leeds, Oxford, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Aberdeen.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Southampton, Watford, Fulham, Huddersfield, Preston, Gillingham, Forest Green, Plymouth, Motherwell.

Pick of the draws: Manchester United have a poor record against the Premier League's lesser teams, as shown when they lost 2-0 at Watford last Sunday. They'll be facing a Burnley side who have won their past two matches without conceding and may have to settle for a point. Brentford's arrival in the Championship play-off positions is no fluke. They drew at leaders West Bromwich Albion last weekend and can also deny Millwall victory. Burton away are as good as Burton at home in League One and I believe they'll force a stalemate at Accrington. A change of manager has not hindered promotion-chasing Bristol Rovers and I tip them to come away from Fleetwood with a point. Celtic v Rangers is the big match in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday. Rangers were unlucky to be beaten by their fierce rivals in the League Cup final and I rate their chances of being the first team to gain a point at Celtic Park this season.

Away days: Leicester's unbeaten Premier League run was ended by Manchester City last Saturday but a visit to West Ham is a far less daunting task and I think they'll return to winning ways. The narrow defeat suffered by second-in-the-table Leeds at Fulham in the Championship was probably only a temporary setback and they will surely have too much for Birmingham. Oxford, sixth in League One, gave Manchester City a real test in the League Cup before admitting defeat. They then beat leaders Wycombe last Saturday and are warmly recommended at Wimbledon. Faltering Ipswich have slipped out of the top two but their recovery can start at Lincoln. Portsmouth will start firm favourites at MK Dons, who are in the drop zone, and Aberdeen look an away banker at Hearts, who are bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: Southampton are out of the Premier League relegation zone after a merited 3-1 victory at Aston Villa last weekend. They are in the mood to climb higher and I'm taking them to beat Crystal Palace. Watford's first home win this season against Manchester United last Sunday has given them hope of survival. They are certainly playing better than Aston Villa, their struggling visitors, and they'll be confident of a second consecutive victory at Vicarage Road. Huddersfield, moving further away from the relegation zone in the Championship, are well worth a punt against Blackburn, who are better-placed.

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

Ten draws: Everton v Arsenal, Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v Chelsea, Fulham v Leeds, Bolton v Southend, Doncaster v Accrington, Oxford v Wycombe, Rotherham v Fleetwood, Mansfield v Northampton, St Johnstone v St Mirren.

Best draws: Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Fulham v Leeds, Bolton v Southend, Doncaster v Accrington, Oxford v Wycombe.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Wolves, Swansea, Wimbledon, Plymouth, Newport, Crewe.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Brighton, Manchester City, Cardiff, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Coventry, Gillingham, Bradford City, Colchester, Exeter.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace are more effective away than at home in the Premier League and should get something from their visit to Newcastle, who reverted to type when losing 1-0 at Burnley last Saturday. Championship promotion contenders Leeds will be kicking themselves for letting slip a 3-0 lead against Cardiff at Elland Road last weekend but they should have enough about them to gain a point at Fulham, who are brilliant one week and mediocre the next. Bolton v Southend is a battle of the no-hopers at the foot of League One and it's hard to make a case for either of them winning. Accrington's 4-1 home victory over Portsmouth was one of the best results of the weekend and they look good for at least a point at Doncaster, who are fading. Wycombe's runaway lead at the top of League One is the success story of the season but if any side can halt their surge it's Oxford, who have recovered so well from a terrible start.

Away days: Wolves, unlucky to lose at home to Tottenham last Sunday, will be eager to make amends and should do so at second-from bottom Norwich. Swansea stopped their slide in the Championship by beating Middlesbrough 3-1 at home last Saturday and will fancy their chances of a second consecutive win at Luton, who are close to the relegation zone. Although Wimbledon are only one place above Tranmere at the wrong end of League One, their form is more encouraging and I believe they'll come out on top. In League Two, Plymouth are recommended at cash-strapped Macclesfield and Newport are a confident selection at bottom club Morecambe. Crewe's best displays have come away this season and their record at struggling Stevenage is good.

Homes sweet homes: Brighton, who had much the better of their 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday and play attractive football, can inflict the first Premier League away defeat of the season on fifth-placed Sheffield United. Manchester City cruised to victory at Arsenal last Sunday. Leicester, second in the table and unbeaten in their past nine Premier League games, will be much tougher opponents but I'm taking City to gain three more points. Preston, third, are looking down on Cardiff, 12th, in the Championship but they are not the same threat away and I believe Cardiff will follow their 3-3 draw at Leeds with victory here.

Pools info: Blackburn v Wigan (No 10 on coupon) will be assessed by the pools panel while Middlesbrough v Stoke (16) is void.

I correctly forecast six out of ten draws last weekend: Manchester United v Everton, Stoke v Reading, Wigan v Huddersfield, Sunderland v Blackpool, Leyton Orient v Bradford City and Scunthorpe v Colchester.

My pools tips and best bets for the weekend of December 28-29 will appear on Christmas Eve.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Newcastle, Manchester United v Everton, Wolves v Tottenham, Nottingham Forest v Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke v Reading, Wigan v Huddersfield, Shrewsbury v Coventry, Sunderland v Blackpool, Leyton Orient v Bradford City, Scunthorpe v Colchester.

Best draws: Burnley v Newcastle, Wolves v Tottenham, Wigan v Huddersfield, Shrewsbury v Coventry, Sunderland v Blackpool.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth, Oxford, Rotherham, Livingston.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Chelsea, Leicester, Sheffield United, Southampton, Preston, Wimbledon, Peterborough, Wycombe, Carlisle, Crewe.

Pick of the draws: Manager Steve Bruce is gaining favour with Newcastle fans after their climb up the Premier League and move away from the drop zone. Newcastle look good for at least a point at Burnley, who are travelling in the opposite direction. Tottenham are revitalised under Jose Mourinho but they'll have their work cut out at Wolves, who have lost only two league matches this season. Of all the Championship relegation candidates, Huddersfield look the most likely to escape. Having beaten Charlton 1-0 away in midweek, they can share the honours at Wigan. Shrewsbury have surprised many with their impressive League One form and they can deny victory to Coventry, who sit in the play-off positions and knocked Ipswich out of the FA Cup in midweek. Sunderland, who were among those fancied for promotion, languish in mid-table and won't be confident of seeing off an in-form Blackpool, who lie fourth.

Away days: Queens Park Rangers halted their Championship slump by defeating Preston 2-0 at home last Saturday. If they play as well at bottom club Barnsley they will surely gain three more points. West Brom, with just one league defeat all season, look too strong for Birmingham. Portsmouth are edging nearer the League One play-off places and will be confident of prevailing at Accrington. Oxford and Rotherham seem away bankers at MK Dons and Southend respectively and Livingston, convincing 3-0 home winners over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, are recommended at St Mirren.

Homes sweet homes: Southampton have started winning at St Mary's recently and should be backed against West Ham, who are slipping ever nearer the Premier League relegation zone. Wimbledon's knack of avoiding the drop is coming the fore again and they are well worth a punt against Doncaster, who are losing touch with the League One promotion contenders. Carlisle and Grimsby are on the same number of points (20) in League Two but Carlisle are in better form and I believe they'll make ground advantage pay.

Pools info: Charlton v Hull (No 13 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Leicester, Newcastle v Southampton, Luton v Wigan, Queens Park Rangers v Preston, Coventry v Ipswich, Gillingham v Sunderland, Tranmere v Accrington, Mansfield v Cheltenham, Morecambe v Carlisle, Inverness v Ayr.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Leicester, Newcastle v Southampton, Luton v Wigan, Tranmere v Accrington, Morecambe v Carlisle.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Plymouth, Swindon, Crewe, Annan.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Blackburn, Reading, Oxford, Portsmouth, Rotherham, Port Vale, Stevenage, Dunfermline, Barrow.

Pick of the draws: Leicester are playing better than when they won the Premier League title three years ago but Aston Villa have perked up lately and can halt Leicester's eight-match winning run. Southampton have six points from their past two matches and were unlucky not to win at Arsenal two weeks ago. A draw is well within their grasp at Newcastle. Luton, fourth from bottom of the Championship, must still be reeling from their 7-0 thrashing at Brentford last weekend and are not guaranteed to beat Wigan, who sit one place below them. Accrington are fresh from a 7-1 home victory over Bolton in League One and can share the spoils at Tranmere, who are just above the relegation places. Although Morecambe are at the foot of League Two, they can get something from the visit of Carlisle, who are also struggling.

Away days: Promoted Sheffield United are unbeaten away in the Premier League this season - a remarkable achievement. Their success has been no fluke and I believe they'll be three points better off after visiting lowly Norwich on Sunday. Crystal Palace must be on cloud nine after winning 2-0 at Burnley last Saturday and then defeating Bournemouth 1-0 with only 10 men in midweek. They are in the mood to pile more misery on relegation-haunted Watford. Plymouth have arrested their slump in League Two and will be quietly confident of prevailing at mid-table Cambridge. Leaders Swindon look a sound bet at ailing Grimsby and third-placed Crewe will start favourites in their Cheshire clash at Macclesfield. Annan, 6-1 home winners over Scottish League Two leaders Cove last Saturday, will fancy their chances at lowly Stenhousemuir.

Homes sweet homes: Reading, surprise 3-1 victors at Wigan last weekend after going behind, can claim another three Championship points at Birmingham's expense. Portsmouth are getting into their stride after a rocky start to their League One season and are now only two points off the play-off places. I think they'll defeat fellow promotion contenders Peterborough. I'm also tipping Stevenage, second from bottom in League Two, to upset Crawley, who are poor travellers.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Nov 30-Dec 1

Ten draws: Burnley v Crystal Palace, Manchester United v Aston Villa, Norwich v Arsenal, Derby v Queens Park Rangers, Stoke v Blackburn, Wigan v Reading, Clyde v Dumbarton, Forfar v Peterhead, Elgin v Stirling, Queen's Park v Edinburgh.

Best draws: Burnley v Crystal Palace, Derby v Queens Park Rangers, Stoke v Blackburn, Clyde v Dumbarton, Queen's Park v Edinburgh.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Burton, Dundee United, Raith.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Chelsea, Southampton, Tottenham, Barnsley, Brentford, Aberdeen, Motherwell, Dundee, Falkirk, Brechin.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace played well when narrowly defeated by Liverpool at Selhurst Park last Saturday and have had some good results away from home, including beating Manchester City last season. I'm tipping them to hold Burnley. The 4-0 home loss suffered by Queens Park Rangers at Nottingham Forest's hands in midweek was a bit misleading as they were down to 10 men after half-time. I believe they'll gain their first away draw this season at Derby, who have regressed since Frank Lampard left as manager. Consecutive wins have boosted Blackburn, who should be confident of a point at Stoke, who remain in the relegation zone of the Championship. Clyde and Dumbarton earned victories in last weekend's Scottish Cup and sit side by side in Scottish League One. There is little to choose between them. League Two Queen's Park knocked Championship side Queen of the South out of the Scottish Cup last weekend, so won't be afraid of the higher-placed Edinburgh City.

Away days: Although injuries have begun to hinder Manchester City's Premier League title challenge, it's impossible to ignore their claims at Newcastle, who reverted to type when losing at Aston Villa last Monday. Millwall gained a notable three Championship points at Swansea last Saturday and have another chance of a maximum haul at mid-table Birmingham. Sheffield Wednesday can cash in on the decline of Charlton, who have fallen into the bottom half of the table. Burton, 2-1 winners at Sunderland in midweek, look a good bet to progress at Oldham's expense in the FA Cup second round. Runaway Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United will surely win at Morton while high-flying Raith in League One should prevail at Montrose.

Homes sweet homes: If lowly Southampton play half as well as they did in their 2-2 draw at Arsenal last Saturday, they'll gain their first home win of the season against Watford, the Premier League's bottom club. Barnsley may be rooted to the foot of the Championship but they are showing plenty of spirit and could be worth a punt against improving Hull. Brechin v Stenhousemuir is a battle of the strugglers in Scottish League Two and ground advantage may be the decisive factor.

Pools info: I correctly forecast five of the draws last weekend: Sheffield United v Manchester United, Charlton v Cardiff, Carlisle v Cambridge, Cheltenham v Colchester and Walsall v Stevenage. I also had five out of six aways: Leeds, Portsmouth, Oxford, Forest Green and Rangers.


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

Ten draws: Sheffield United v Manchester United, West Ham v Tottenham, Charlton v Cardiff, Accrington v Bolton, Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers, Carlisle v Cambridge, Cheltenham v Colchester, Scunthorpe v Port Vale, Walsall v Stevenage, Kilmarnock v Hearts.

Best draws: Sheffield United v Manchester United, West Ham v Tottenham, Accrington v Bolton, Scunthorpe v Port Vale, Walsall v Stevenage.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Preston, Leeds, Portsmouth, Oxford, Forest Green, Rangers.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Everton, Watford, Blackburn, Huddersfield, Swansea, Wycombe, Crewe, Newport, Hibernian.

Pick of the draws: Manchester United have perked up recently but they will underestimate promoted Sheffield United at their peril on Sunday. Sheffield's climb to fifth place in the Premier League is no fluke. They are a well organised team who have conceded only nine goals and are unbeaten away. They have yet to draw at home this season but I can see this one ending all square. A change of manager usually benefits a club in the short term but I believe Tottenham, who have just appointed Jose Mourinho, will be denied victory at West Ham. This is a Spurs side who have not won away in the league since January. Beating MK Dons last Saturday at last put bottom club Bolton on a positive points total in League One. They are showing signs of reviving and should at least share the spoils at struggling Accrington. I predict deadlock when League Two Port Vale, one of the most improved teams in the top four divisions, visit Scunthorpe, who are gradually pulling clear of the relegation zone. Wooden spoonists Stevenage fought gallantly before going out of the FA Cup at Peterborough in midweek and can draw at Walsall, who are also precariously placed.

Away days: Preston, second on merit in the Championship, look a good bet to prevail at Derby, who continue to disappoint. Third-placed Leeds, with four away wins under their belt, should collect more points when they travel to Luton, who are only one position above the drop zone. Portsmouth, with games in hand, are steadily climbing League One and will be looking for a maximum haul at Rochdale, who have only two home wins. Play-off contenders Oxford must be heavily fancied at Southend, surely doomed to relegation. Although Forest Green lost the League Two leadership after being beaten 1-0 at home by Plymouth last weekend, they should return to winning ways at ailing Leyton Orient. Rangers, on level points with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, are recommended at Hamilton.

Homes sweet homes: Watford did not look like a side battling relegation from the Premier League when they won 2-0 at Norwich two weeks ago and I think they will claim three more points against Burnley, who don't travel well. Manager Danny Cowley has transformed Huddersfield's fortunes in the Championship and I'm tipping the Yorkshiremen to have too much for Birmingham, who have already lost six away. Improving Hibernian inch closer to the top half of the Scottish Premiership and are worth a punt against the better-positioned Motherwell.

Pools info: Aston Villa v Newcastle (No 2 on coupon) will be assessed by the pools panel while Fulham v Queens Park Rangers (16) is void.

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

Ten draws: Cyprus v Scotland, Israel v Poland, Serbia v Ukraine, Gillingham v Lincoln, Exeter v Cheltenham, Northampton v Crewe, Dumbarton v Falkirk, Peterhead v Montrose, Boreham Wood v Maidenhead, Notts County v Barrow.

Best draws: Israel v Poland, Gillingham v Lincoln, Exeter v Cheltenham, Dumbarton v Falkirk, Boreham Wood v Maidenhead.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Wales, England, Mansfield, Swindon, Arbroath, Airdrieonians.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Austria, Slovenia, Blackpool, Bolton, Coventry, Rotherham, Leyton Orient, Chesterfield, Torquay, Woking.

Pick of the draws: Although Poland top their European Championship qualifying group, Israel are no mugs when they have ground advantage and I believe they'll get a point. Lincoln held League One leaders Ipswich to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup first round last Saturday, despite playing away, and they can do the same to Gillingham, who don't pose as much threat. Exeter and Cheltenham are in the League Two promotion mix and only separated by one place and one point. Deadlock is the most likely result here. Falkirk's 4-1 home defeat by Airdrieonians last Saturday had them slipping from first to fourth in Scottish League One and they could be denied victory at Dumbarton. Maidenhead, who are more effective away in the National League, are tipped to gain parity at Boreham Wood, who are frequently uncomfortable at home.

Away days: Wales need all the points they can get to qualify for next summer's European Championship finals and I can't see them slipping up at no-hopers Azerbaijan. England should complete their successful European campaign by winning at Kosovo on Sunday. In League Two, Mansfield look an away banker at Macclesfield, whose senior players are on strike. Swindon's third place is mostly down to a sound away record and they are worth a punt at mid-table Salford. Arbroath, fresh from their convincing 3-0 home win over Inverness in the Scottish Championship last weekend, are recommended at struggling Morton while in Scottish League One, Airdrieonians, who are in contention for the leadership, are a confident selection at Stranraer.

Homes sweet homes: Bolton, bottom of League One with only one home win all season, have an excellent chance to improve on that when they host MK Dons, whose form is even worse. I'm taking Leyton Orient to put their shock FA Cup first-round exit by non-League Maldon & Tiptree behind them when they play Scunthorpe. Woking halted their National League slump with a 3-1 victory at Stockport two weeks ago and I believe they'll take maximum points off their promotion rivals Halifax.

Pools info: Burton v Southend (No 20 on coupon), Colchester v Bradford City (25), Grimsby v Newport (29), Stevenage v Oldham (35) and Ayr v Dunfermline (37) will be assessed by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v West Ham, Manchester United v Brighton, Newcastle v Bournemouth, Birmingham v Fulham, Hull v West Bromwich, Reading v Luton,  Dumbarton v East Fife, Falkirk v Airdrieonians, Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund, Paderborn v Augsburg.

Best draws: Burnley v West Ham, Newcastle v Bournemouth, Hull v West Bromwich, Falkirk v Airdrieonians, Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Torquay, Burton, Rangers, Ayr, Cowdenbeath.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leicester, Leeds, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Sunderland, Celtic, Partick, Raith, Queen's Park.

Pick of the draws: Burnley's normally mean defence has taken a bit of a battering recently - seven goals conceded in the past two matches - and this has probably dented their confidence for Saturday's fixture against West Ham, who have also fallen into the bottom half of the Premier League. Although Newcastle played their best football of the season when beating West Ham 3-2 away last Saturday, there's no guarantee they'll do the same to Bournemouth, who are just outside the top six and have tightened defensively. Hull's 3-0 away success against Fulham was perhaps the outstanding result of last weekend and has put them in the mood to deny Championship leaders West Brom victory. Airdrieonians, of Scottish League One, have more away wins than anyone in the division, so they shouldn't fear a trip to leaders Falkirk, who are only two points above them. Fourth-placed Bayern Munich may still be feeling the effects of their 5-1 thrashing at Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend and I believe Borussia Dortmund, who are second, will hold them.

Away days: I've a feeling that Manchester City will rise to the occasion at Anfield on Sunday and inflict Liverpool's first Premier League defeat of the season. City are six points behind the leaders and cannot afford to come off second best. In the first round of the FA Cup, Torquay, flying high in the National League, should account for Maidstone and League One Burton ought to have too much for Salford, of League Two. Rangers, level on points with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, will be disappointed if they come up short at Livingston. Ayr, second in the Scottish Championship with four away wins to their name, are recommended at Queen of the South, as are Cowdenbeath, third in Scottish League Two, at Annan.

Homes sweet homes: Leicester, who are third in the Premier League on merit and scoring for fun, will relish facing Arsenal, who are notoriously brittle and haven't won away since the opening weekend of the season. Sheffield Wednesday, just outside the Championship play-off positions and improving under new manager Garry Monk, could end Swansea's unbeaten away record at Hillsborough. Bottom club Partick, who have lost all their home games in the Scottish Championship, face Morton, who have lost all their away matches. I think ground advantage will be the decisive factor here.

Pools info: Norwich v Watford (No 7 on coupon) and Dundee v Dundee United (30) are void because they are being played on Friday evening.

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Manchester United, Everton v Tottenham, Sheffield United v Burnley, Charlton v Preston, Derby v Middlesbrough, Leeds v Queens Park Rangers, Gillingham v Rotherham, Portsmouth v Oxford, Cheltenham v Forest Green, Aldershot v Maidenhead.

Best draws: Everton v Tottenham, Sheffield United v Burnley, Charlton v Preston, Derby v Middlesbrough, Cheltenham v Forest Green.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Leicester, Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall, Leyton Orient, Northampton, Bromley.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Brighton, West Ham, Brentford, Fulham, Coventry, MK Dons, Mansfield, Scunthorpe, Ayr, Barrow.

Pick of the draws: Everton are a much better proposition at home than away and should gain at least a point against Tottenham, who are struggling to find the consistency of last season. Promoted Sheffield United are coping surprisingly well with the demands of the Premier League but Burnley's fighting qualities shouldn't be underestimated and they can pick up something at Bramall Lane. Preston, who recovered from 2-0 down to beat Blackburn last Saturday, deserve to be second in the Championship and are playing well enough to deny Charlton victory. When two off-form sides, such as Derby and Middlesbrough, play each other, a draw is often the most likely outcome. Cheltenham v Forest Green is League Two's match of the day as both are promotion contenders. While Cheltenham have the attacking flair, Forest Green have the meanest defence, which is why I believe this will end all square.

Away days: Leicester are third in the Premier League and look as if they are going to stay there. Having put nine goals past Southampton last Friday, they will probably score the required number at Crystal Palace on Sunday. By all accounts high-flying Sheffield Wednesday had the better of their home goalless draw with Leeds in the Championship last weekend and will be confident of defeating ailing Blackburn. Millwall, who have a new manager in Gary Rowett, are recommended at relegation-troubled Reading. Leyton Orient's away form in League Two is holding up and should see them through at bottom club Morecambe. Northampton's surge has put them just outside the play-off positions and they look a sound bet at goal-shy Oldham. Bromley are top of the National League and I expect them to remain there after Saturday's visit to lowly Wrexham.

Homes sweet homes: MK Dons' slide down League One is due to be halted on Saturday when they host Tranmere, who seem equally vulnerable. Although Colchester's League Cup progress continued to the quarter-finals when they won at Crawley in midweek, I've a hunch that Mansfield, who are slowly improving, will beat them in League Two. Scunthorpe are third bottom but may have turned the corner and I'm tipping them to win their basement clash with Stevenage.

Pools info: Barnsley v Bristol City (No 11 on coupon) is void and Stoke v West Brom (21) will be judged by the pools panel.

I correctly forecast six draws last weekend and three of my five best draws came up.

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

Ten draws: Arsenal v Crystal Palace, West Ham v Sheffield United, Birmingham v Luton, Swansea v Cardiff, Burton v Blackpool, Forest Green v Crewe, Macclesfield v Bradford City, Northampton v Cambridge, Salford v Scunthorpe, Livingston v Hearts.

Best draws: West Ham v Sheffield United, Swansea v Cardiff, Forest Green v Crewe, Salford v Scunthorpe, Livingston v Hearts.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Wolves, Manchester United, Portsmouth, Doncaster, Cheltenham, Queen of the South.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Watford, Bristol City, Huddersfield, Preston, Fleetwood, Oxford, Leyton Orient, Stevenage, Kilmarnock.

Pick of the draws: Sheffield United, as shown in their 1-0 home win over Arsenal on Monday, are more than holding their own in the Premier League and a share of the spoils at West Ham - up one minute, down the next - shouldn't be beyond them. Swansea have fallen from their Championship perch recently and they will want to stop the rot against their fierce rivals Cardiff, who have yet to win away this season. Crewe have climbed to the top of League Two on the strength of their away record. That will be tested to the limit by fellow promotion contenders Forest Green but I believe they'll past that test. Scunthorpe's 3-1 home victory over Exeter in midweek will have done wonders for their confidence and I fancy they'll deny Salford. Lowly Hearts stopped Rangers from going top of the Scottish Premiership last Sunday with a hard-earned draw and I predict another stalemate when they visit Livingston.

Away days: Wolves have regained a bit of their swagger in the past few weeks and will approach Sunday's trip to Newcastle with confidence. Manchester United played well to hold Liverpool last weekend and should go one better at Norwich, who are struggling after an encouraging start to the season. Although Portsmouth's League One campaign has been disappointing so far, they can make some amends at Bristol Rovers, who have suffered two consecutive losses. Doncaster's 7-1 rout of Southend in midweek completed a very impressive week for the Yorkshire team and they are recommended at Tranmere, who are fighting relegation. Cheltenham's rise in League Two is one of the surprises of the season but they are second on merit and tipped to beat off-form Grimsby. Queen of the South, having defeated leaders Dundee United 4-0 last Saturday, face less daunting opponents in Alloa.

Homes sweet homes: Watford, who were five minutes away from their first Premier League win of the season at Tottenham last Saturday, can get off the mark against Bournemouth, who are erratic. Although still in the Championship relegation zone, Huddersfield look more settled under new managership and I think they'll come out on top when they host Barnsley in a bottom-of-the-table clash. Stevenage have returned to the foot of League Two but I've a feeling that ground advantage will prevail when they host Morecambe, who are just above them.

Pools info: Queens Park Rangers v Brentford (No 17 on the coupon) has been moved to Monday and will be judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Brighton, Hull v Queens Park Rangers, Stoke v Fulham, Wigan v Nottingham Forest, Doncaster v Bristol Rovers, Gillingham v Peterborough, MK Dons v Coventry, Northampton v Salford, Motherwell v Aberdeen, Arbroath v Morton.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Brighton, Stoke v Fulham, MK Dons v Coventry, Northampton v Salford, Arbroath v Morton.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal (Monday), Swansea, Preston, Ipswich, Leyton Orient, Macclesfield.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Bournemouth, Tottenham, Wolves, Brentford, Cardiff (Friday), Leeds, Bolton, Tranmere (Friday), Colchester, Plymouth.

Pick of the draws: Brighton's decisive 3-0 home victory over Tottenham saw them climb two points above the Premier League relegation zone and should have put Aston Villa, their hosts, on red alert, even allowing for Villa's 5-1 win at Norwich on the same weekend. Bottom club Stoke gained their first Championship success of the season with a last-minute goal at high-flying Swansea. Stoke won't find it easy against fluent Fulham but will be encouraged by the way they played in Wales. MK Dons v Coventry is a tussle between two off-form sides in League One and a point each is the most likely outcome. The League newcomers Salford, with two consecutive wins behind them, shouldn't fear a trip to Northampton, who are moving in the opposite direction in League Two. Morton, who have lost all four away matches in the Scottish Championship, have a chance to end that miserable sequence at Arbroath, who are two points and two places worse off.

Away days: Arsenal have probably learnt from their mistakes in a 2-2 draw at Watford last month and  ought to account for promoted Sheffield United next Monday. I'm backing Swansea to recover from their shock home defeat at the hands of Stoke by taking three points at lowly Barnsley, who have sacked their manager. Free-scoring Preston are only a point off the top of the Championship and should relish a trip to Reading, who have slid into the relegation zone. Ipswich, unbeaten in 11 games and leading League One by four points, are fancied to prevail at struggling Accrington. Leyton Orient, having gained two wins in a row in League Two, are worth a wager at Grimsby, who have faded recently, and Macclesfield look good value at ailing Oldham.

Homes sweet homes: Although Brentford are below Millwall in the Championship, they are more highly rated and I believe they'll make the most of ground advantage in the London derby on Saturday. Cardiff's home form has kept them in the top half of the table and I'm tipping them to gain maximum points at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. Bolton, rock bottom of League One and with a 12-point deduction to boot, are gradually becoming more competitive and they are definitely worth supporting against Rochdale. It would be their first league win this season.

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

Ten draws: Peterborough v Lincoln, Rochdale v Accrington, Crawley v Colchester, Exeter v Forest Green, Swindon v Plymouth, Stockport v Dagenham & Redbridge, Darlington v Boston, Denmark v Switzerland, Slovenia v Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina v Finland.

Best draws: Rochdale v Accrington, Crawley v Colchester, Exeter v Forest Green, Swindon v Plymouth, Denmark v Switzerland.

Six aways: Crewe, Port Vale, Bradford City, Hartlepool, Maidenhead, Croatia.

Ten homes: Bristol Rovers, Coventry, Portsmouth, Southend, Scunthorpe, Barrow, Eastleigh, Halifax, Yeovil, Poland.

Pick of the draws: Accrington twice fought back from a goal down in their drawn League One home fixture against Oxford last Saturday and are moving away from the relegation zone. I expect them to at least take a point at Rochdale, who have yet to win at home this season. Colchester, who sit just outside the League Two play-off positions, number Tottenham among their recent conquests and should come away from mid-table Crawley with a draw. Forest Green leapfrogged Exeter last weekend to become League Two's new leaders. They give very little away - only six goals conceded in 12 matches - and I think they will still be heading the table after Saturday's clash in Devon. Despite Swindon's seventh placing, their home form is nothing to write home about, which gives visitors Plymouth a sporting chance. The away teams will be strongly backed in this weekend's European Championship qualifying games but Denmark, who entertain Switzerland, may buck the trend.

Away days: Crewe's fine away record is mostly responsible for their top-four placing in League Two, so they should not fear a trip to lowly Carlisle. Port Vale's improvement has not gone unnoticed and I'm taking them to gain their first away victory of the season when they travel to Macclesfield. Morecambe's wait for their first home win is expected to continue as Bradford City, their high-flying visitors, look poised to take maximum points. A last-minute goal enabled Hartlepool to gain a morale-boosting home win over fast climbers Yeovil in the National League last Saturday and they will travel to Aldershot with confidence. Maidenhead, who are better away than at home, are recommended at bottom club Ebbsfleet and Croatia, last year's World Cup finalists, will probably be too strong for Wales in the European Championship.

Homes sweet homes: Portsmouth have yet to hit their stride in League One but they have played two fewer matches than most of the rest and their position is a false one. They have my backing against Gillingham on Saturday. Southend, second from last in League One, face Wimbledon, who are only one place above them. Although Southend are without a home win, I've a hunch that ground advantage will be the decisive factor here. Scunthorpe are in trouble in League Two but don't be surprised if they upset inconsistent Northampton, who are capable of losing to anybody.

Pools info: Burton v Bolton (No 3 on coupon), Cheltenham v Newport (10) and Wrexham v Chesterfield (30) have been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Liverpool v Leicester, Norwich v Aston Villa, Watford v Sheffield United, Derby v Luton, Accrington v Oxford, Doncaster v Portsmouth, MK Dons v Burton, Bradford City v Swindon, Northampton v Leyton Orient, Oldham v Cheltenham.

Best draws: Liverpool v Leicester, Norwich v Aston Villa, Derby v Luton, Accrington v Oxford, Bradford City v Swindon.

Six aways: Chelsea, Blackpool (Monday), Ipswich, Sunderland, Coventry, Airdrieonians.

Ten homes: West Ham, Fulham, Huddersfield, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Tranmere, Cambridge, Plymouth, Port Vale, Walsall.

Pick of the draws: After seven matches Premier League leaders Liverpool have yet to drop a point but if any team can deny them victory it's third-placed Leicester, who are in a rich vein of form themselves. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers will also relish returning to the club he once managed and will be determined to make a point. Norwich have failed to capitalise on their shock 3-2 home win over Manchester City, losing at Burnley and Crystal Palace since, and may have to settle for a draw against Aston Villa, who are playing better than their 18th position indicates. Derby, mid-table in the Championship, seem to be missing Frank Lampard's influence this season and could be held by promoted Luton. League One Oxford have scored 13 goals without reply in their past three games, including beating West Ham 4-0 in the League Cup, but Accrington often punch above their weight and I think they'll halt Oxford's surge. Swindon's fine away record is keeping them in promotion contention from League Two and that will face a stiff test at Bradford City, who are just outside the play-off places.

Away days: Chelsea's best displays have come on their travels and they look on course for their third Premier League away success at Southampton, who lost to 10-man Spurs last Saturday.  In League One, Blackpool will be disappointed not to come away from rock-bottom Bolton with three points and although the task of leaders Ipswich at Fleetwood is much harder, my money is on the Tractor Boys. Sunderland should be backed at Lincoln, who have been shaken by the managerial departure of the Cowley brothers, and promotion-seeking Coventry are a good bet at Rotherham. Airdrieonians, in Scottish League One, are doing better away than at home and will rate their chances at struggling Peterhead.

Homes sweet homes: Fulham have shot up the Championship table after two successive wins and I believe they'll make it three in a row against Charlton in the London derby. A lot of weight has been lifted from the shoulders of lowly Huddersfield after their 1-0 midweek away win over bottom club Stoke. It was their first victory of the season and I'm tipping them to follow it up by beating Hull. Cambridge deserved maximum points at Stevenage last weekend but had to be content with a 1-1 draw. They are likely go one better on Saturday when Macclesfield come to visit.

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

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v West Ham, Hull v Cardiff, Queens Park Rangers v West Bromwich, Coventry v Doncaster, Rochdale v Wycombe, Shrewsbury v Fleetwood, Carlisle v Oldham, Mansfield v Plymouth, Salford v Forest Green, Swindon v Newport.

Best draws: Bournemouth v West Ham, Queens Park Rangers v West Bromwich, Coventry v Doncaster, Carlisle v Oldham, Swindon v Newport.

Six aways: Nottingham Forest (Friday), Colchester, Bradford City, Motherwell, Hearts, Peterhead.

Ten homes: Chelsea, Leicester, Barnsley, Huddersfield, Swansea, Blackpool (Friday), Peterborough, Portsmouth, Southend, Crawley.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth and West Ham are two in-form teams - the midweek League Cup results excepted! - and deserve their top-six Premier League placing. I expect a high-scoring deadlock. West Brom are the only unbeaten side in the Championship. They have a tricky-looking fixture at fast-climbing Queens Park Rangers but I'm tipping them to keep their undefeated tag. Second-placed Coventry have won all five of their home matches at Birmingham's ground in League One but they may slip up against Doncaster, who are on the fringe of the play-off positions. With September drawing to a close, Carlisle and Oldham's main ambition is to avoid relegation from League Two. There's little to separate them in the table and I can't separate them here. Newport, who have only lost once, visit fellow promotion candidates Swindon, who are not as comfortable at home as they are on their travels.

Away days: Nottingham Forest, unbeaten away in the Championship, go to Stoke, who are without a win this season. I'm not expecting an upset in this Friday evening fixture. Colchester, fresh from their League Cup heroics against Tottenham, should not fear a League Two trip to Macclesfield and Bradford City are similarly recommended at ailing Scunthorpe. I believe Motherwell will put last weekend's home defeat by Ross behind them and defeat lowly St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. Hearts, who won the Edinburgh derby at Hibernian last Sunday, are on course for their second consecutive victory at St Mirren. In Scottish League One, Peterhead are fancied to return from Montrose, who are bottom, with three points.

Homes sweet homes: Barnsley, in the bottom three, fought gallantly before losing away to Nottingham Forest in the Championship last Saturday. A repeat of that form will see them beat Brentford. Huddersfield's dismal losing run surely cannot continue and I've a feeling their misery will end against inconsistent Millwall. Southend, who recorded their first League One win of the campaign at MK Dons last Saturday, are fancied to make it two in a row against fellow strugglers Accrington.

Pools and betting info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Bristol City 0 Swansea 0, Sheffield Wednesday 1 Fulham 1 and Newport 1 Exeter 1. I also had five out of six aways: Blackburn, Bristol Rovers, Ayr, Raith and Yeovil.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Norwich, West Ham v Manchester United, Birmingham v Preston, Bristol City v Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham, Wigan v Charlton, Accrington v Blackpool, Newport v Exeter, Northampton v Crawley, St Mirren v Hamilton.

Best draws: Burnley v Norwich, West Ham v Manchester United, Bristol City v Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham, Newport v Exeter.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Blackburn, Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Ayr, Raith, Yeovil.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leicester, Brentford, Cardiff, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Fleetwood, MK Dons, Crewe, Grimsby, Hibernian.

Pick of the draws: Norwich sprung one of the surprises of the season so far by beating Premier League champions Manchester City 3-2 at home last Saturday. The victory was as deserved as it was unexpected and I believe they'll gain their first away point at Burnley on Saturday. Although Manchester United lie fourth, they haven't been convincing and will be hard-pushed to prevail at West Ham, who must be pleased with their progress. Beaten 1-0 at home by Nottingham Forest last weekend, Swansea have lost top spot in the Championship and their powers of recovery should be tested at Bristol City, who are among the early front-runners. Garry Monk's first match as Sheffield Wednesday manager ended in a 2-0 victory at struggling Huddersfield last Sunday but Fulham, their visitors, are surely made of sterner stuff. Unbeaten Exeter are the clear leaders in League Two and well capable of holding fellow promotion contenders Newport to a draw.

Away days: Blackburn seem back on course after a dodgy start to their Championship campaign and will be hopeful of coming away from Reading with three points. Bristol Rovers, who beat Lincoln
1-0 away last Saturday, face seemingly weaker opposition in Wimbledon, who are in League One's bottom three and without a win this campaign. Sunderland, in the race for promotion, look an away banker at Bolton, who, with a 12-point deduction, appear destined for the drop. I expect Ayr, second in the Scottish Championship, to strengthen their position after travelling to lowly Alloa while
free-scoring Raith, 4-0 home winners over Peterhead last weekend, are recommended at Airdrieonians. Yeovil, climbing rapidly in the National League, are the form tip at Fylde.

Homes sweet homes: Ambitious Leicester have their sights on a place in the Premier League's top four and Tottenham's visit in the early Saturday fixture will be a good test of their credentials. Leicester, who lost narrowly at Old Trafford last Saturday, won't want two disappointments in a row and I've a hunch they'll take maximum points against Spurs. Cardiff (14th) sit just below Middlesbrough (13th) in the Championship table but I'm tipping Neil Warnock's players to come out on top when the sides meet in Wales on Saturday. Neither of the Edinburgh teams in the Scottish Premiership is doing well so far but Hibernian's plight (4pts) isn't as serious as that of Hearts (2) who find themselves bottom after five games. Expect Hibs to increase their misery.


Betting info: Five of my six aways were correct last weekend. They were: Leeds (2-0), Bristol City
(2-1), Sunderland (3-1), Bradford City (1-0) and Cove Rangers (4-2).

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

Ten draws: Manchester United v Leicester, Wolves v Chelsea, Fulham v West Brom, Preston v Brentford, Gillingham v Wycombe, Lincoln v Bristol Rovers, Oxford v Tranmere, Crawley v Mansfield, Port Vale v Plymouth, Scunthorpe v Morecambe.

Best draws: Manchester United v Leicester, Fulham v West Brom, Gillingham v Wycombe, Crawley v Mansfield, Port Vale v Plymouth.

Six aways: Arsenal, Leeds, Sunderland, Cheltenham, Bradford City, Cove Rangers.

Ten homes: Liverpool, Sheffield United, Charlton, Huddersfield, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Ipswich, Crewe, Forest Green, Swindon.

Pick of the draws: With four games played in the Premier League, Leicester look a reasonable bet to finish higher than Manchester United. They visit Old Trafford on Saturday and look good for at least a point. West Brom, unbeaten away in six Championship matches, won't be fazed by a trip to Fulham, even though the west Londoners are scintillating at their best. To see Wycombe top of League One is one of the most surprising things about the season so far, not that it isn't well deserved. However, Gillingham, on their day, are capable of upsetting anybody and I fancy them to gain a point. Mansfield's under-performance in League Two has been unexpected. They are better than they have shown and I'm taking them to hold Crawley. Early front-runners Plymouth slipped up at home to Oldham last weekend and I won't be surprised if they drop another couple of points at Port Vale, who are miserly at home.

Away days: Although Watford, bottom of the Premier League, have changed their manager, I don't think it will be enough to avoid defeat against Arsenal, who sit just below the Champions League qualifying places. Leeds have maximum points on their Championship travels and I'm tipping them to win at Barnsley, who are at the other end of the table. Sunderland are lower in League One than they would like but they can put that right by beating Accrington. Cheltenham, who have moved into the League Two play-off positions, are well worth a punt at newcomers Salford while Bradford City are predicted to inflict more pain on struggling Walsall. Cove Rangers, who lead Scottish League Two, have an excellent chance of further progress when they visit lowly Brechin.

Homes sweet homes: Sheffield United produced a stirring comeback to draw 2-2 at Chelsea two weeks ago, so they should be able to defeat Southampton, who have so far failed to shine. Huddersfield play Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship and both teams have new managers (Danny Cowley for Huddersfield, Garry Monk for Wednesday). I've a feeling Cowley will win this particular battle and Huddersfield will record their first victory of the season. Middlesbrough have yet to hit their stride, so they will be eager to climb the table at the expense of Reading, their visitors.

Pools info: Bury v Portsmouth (No 25 on coupon) is void. Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Tranmere v Gillingham (2-2), Morecambe v Salford (2-2) and Hartlepool v Woking
(1-1).

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

Ten draws: Tranmere v Gillingham, Wycombe v Lincoln, Leyton Orient v Swindon, Macclesfield v Crawley, Morecambe v Salford, Aldershot v Barrow, Hartlepool v Woking, Altrincham v Leamington, Armenia v Bosnia-Hertzegovina, Serbia v Portugal.

Best draws: Tranmere v Gillingham, Wycombe v Lincoln, Morecambe v Salford, Aldershot v Barrow, Hartlepool v Woking.

Six aways: Blackpool, Forest Green, Exeter, Dover, Stockport, Eastleigh.

Ten homes: Fleetwood, Colchester, Mansfield, Newport, Plymouth, Bromley, Halifax, Maidenhead, England, Iceland.

Pick of the draws: Gillingham won their first League One fixture of the season last Saturday by thrashing Bolton 5-0 at home. That result should give them the confidence to gain a point at Tranmere, who are struggling to adapt to a higher division. Lincoln, who are second in League One, are aiming for three consecutive promotions and returned to winning ways against Fleetwood last weekend. I fancy them to get something at high-flying Wycombe, despite the Buckinghamshire club's 100% home record. Although Salford, in League Two, have gone off the boil after an encouraging start to the season, they won't fear a trip to Morecambe, who are terribly vulnerable at home. The meeting between Aldershot and Barrow, two sides near the foot of the National League, suggests deadlock while Hartlepool, after two consecutive away victories, could deny second-placed Woking.

Away days: Blackpool, unbeaten after six matches in League One, are worth a wager at Coventry, especially as the game is being played at Birmingham's St Andrew's ground. I believe that Forest Green's 2-0 home loss against Newport last Saturday was only a temporary setback and I'm backing them to win their League Two clash at Cambridge. Leaders Exeter have a very long journey to Carlisle but I'm tipping them to return home with three points. In the National League, Dover are recommended at Boreham Wood, mainly because the hosts are so poor at home, and fast-improving Stockport should see off bottom club Chorley. Eastleigh will be confident of defeating Ebbsfleet, who seem destined for a relegation struggle.

Homes sweet homes: Colchester, boosted by two wins in a row in League Two, are fancied to make it a hat-trick against lowly Walsall. Halifax are the surprise leaders of the National League and have high hopes of maintaining their perfect home record when relegated Yeovil come visiting. Although Maidenhead's high position owes much to their away form, I'm tipping them to do the business at home against Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pools info: Bolton v Bury (No 1 on coupon) is void. Portsmouth v Southend (6), Rochdale v Ipswich (7), Shrewsbury v Peterborough (8), Sunderland v Burton (9), Fylde v Barnet (29) and Solihull v Wrexham (33) will be judged by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Aug 31-Sept 1

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Aston Villa, Everton v Wolves, Birmingham v Stoke, Brentford v Derby, Blackpool v Portsmouth, Peterborough v Sunderland, Forest Green v Newport, Salford v Leyton Orient, Walsall v Grimsby, Rangers v Celtic.

Best draws: Everton v Wolves, Brentford v Derby, Blackpool v Portsmouth, Peterborough v Sunderland, Forest Green v Newport.

Best weekend bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Charlton, MK Dons, Wycombe, Plymouth, Notts County.

Best weekend bets: Ten homes: Chelsea, Leicester, West Ham, Bristol City, Luton, West Brom, Ipswich, Rotherham, Scunthorpe, Stevenage.


Pick of the draws: I feel Wolves' Premier League form has been hampered by having to play so many Europa League qualifying matches but they should still have enough in the tank to hold Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. Neither Brentford nor Derby have set the Championship alight so far and there's a good chance they'll cancel each other out here. Although Portsmouth have made a stuttering start to their League One season, they are capable of nicking something at Blackpool, even though the Seasiders are second in the table. Sunderland are showing they mean business again but Peterborough, their hosts, had an excellent 4-0 win at MK Dons last weekend and can share the spoils. Forest Green will be League Two promotion contenders once more but Newport, who are just below them, have conceded only twice in five games and will be hard to break down.

Away days: It takes a brave man to bet against Liverpool these days and the Premier League leaders and European champions must start firm favourites at Burnley. Promoted Charlton have coped with the demands of the Championship better than expected and sit a proud third in the table. I fancy they will maintain the momentum at Reading, despite the Berkshire team's marked improvement. MK Dons bounced back from last weekend's dispiriting home defeat against Peterborough with a 4-1 triumph at Southend in the League Cup. That result should stand them in good stead at struggling Accrington. Wycombe, who are among the leading lights in League One, are recommended at Wimbledon and so are high-riding Plymouth at lowly Northampton in League Two. Notts County are on the rise in the National League and I believe they'll take maximum points at Yeovil.

Homes sweet homes: West Bromwich Albion, still awaiting their first home victory in the Championship, can get off the mark against shot-shy Blackburn. Although relegated Scunthorpe have slid to the bottom of League Two, I'll be surprised if they stay there. A home game against off-colour Carlisle is a good opportunity to climb the table. Just above Scunthorpe are Stevenage, who have two points but no goals from five matches. I've a hunch they will both score and win on Saturday when Macclesfield are the visitors.

Pools info: Bury v Doncaster (No 24 on coupon) will be judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Watford v West Ham, Barnsley v Luton, Derby v West Brom, Huddersfield v Reading, Preston v Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster v Lincoln, Portsmouth v Rotherham, Shrewsbury v Burton, Grimsby v Port Vale, Leyton Orient v Crawley.

Best draws: Derby v West Brom, Huddersfield v Reading, Preston v Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth v Rotherham, Shrewsbury v Burton.

Six aways: Chelsea, Leicester, Bristol City, Blackpool, Exeter, Aberdeen.

Ten homes: Brighton, Manchester United, Tottenham, Charlton, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Coventry, Sunderland, Wycombe, Bradford City.

Pick of the draws: West Bromwich Albion have already won at Nottingham Forest and Luton in this season's Championship, so I'm confident they will at least avoid defeat at Derby. Reading's unexpected 3-0 home win over Cardiff last Sunday must have put a spring in their step, which is more than can be said for Huddersfield, who have struggled in the lower division since being relegated last season. Managerless Sheffield Wednesday are among the Championship front-runners and are well capable of gaining a point at Preston. Portsmouth's failure to beat nine-man Coventry at Fratton Park in midweek will have infuriated their manager Kenny Jackett and I can't see Rotherham, with two League One away victories under their belt, making it any easier for them. Shrewsbury and Burton, two unfashionable teams playing each other, enjoyed good away wins in midweek at Accrington and Oxford respectively and I cannot separate them.

Away days: Although Chelsea have fallen short for manager Frank Lampard so far, there is more to come from them and I think we'll see it when they travel to promoted Norwich on Saturday. Leicester should really have taken three points from Stamford Bridge last Sunday and I believe they'll make sure of a maximum return at Sheffield United. Bristol City are back on the winning track in the Championship, having defeated Queens Park Rangers (home) and Derby (away). The odds are shortening on their making it a hat-trick at Hull. Blackpool, the League One leaders, are looking strong at the moment and I can't see Rochdale knocking them out of their stride. Exeter, flying high in League Two, have conceded only once in four matches and are a decent bet to keep another clean sheet at Morecambe. In the Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen are tipped to prevail at bottom club Kilmarnock.

Homes sweet homes: Brighton, under new manager Graham Potter, have four points from two Premier League games, whereas Southampton have none. I've a hunch that gap will be wider after the teams meet at the Amex on Saturday. Middlesbrough gave new manager Jonathan Woodgate his first Championship victory when they beat Wigan at home in midweek and I'm taking them to follow that up when they host Millwall. The signs are looking more positive for Bradford City after two consecutive wins in League Two and they are worth backing against Forest Green, although the visitors don't give much away.


Pools info: Tranmere v Bury (No 32 on coupon) has been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel. Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Chelsea v Leicester, Stoke v Derby and Peterborough v Ipswich. I also got nine out of ten homes: Arsenal, Norwich, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool, Lincoln, Bradford City, Newport and Falkirk.

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

Ten draws: Chelsea v Leicester, Blackburn v Middlesbrough, Luton v West Brom, Stoke v Derby, Doncaster v Fleetwood, Peterborough v Ipswich, Sunderland v Portsmouth, Carlisle v Mansfield, Northampton v Macclesfield, Forfar v East Fife.

Best draws: Chelsea v Leicester, Stoke v Derby, Peterborough v Ipswich, Sunderland v Portsmouth, Northampton v Macclesfield.

Six aways: Liverpool, Cardiff, Leeds, Cheltenham, Crawley, Raith.

Ten homes: Arsenal, Norwich, Sheffield United, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool, Lincoln, Bradford City, Newport, Falkirk.

Pick of the draws: Chelsea did not deserve such a mauling at Manchester United last weekend but the size of the defeat (4-0) will have shaken them and that could help Leicester at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, especially as the Midlanders are no mugs themselves. Stoke, with no points from their first two Championship matches, are badly in need of a lift. Winning at Wigan in the midweek League Cup won't have done them any harm and I think they'll gain their first point of the season at Derby's expense. Peterborough are another side with zero return from their opening two games but I suspect they are in a false position in League One and can hold relegated Ipswich. Sunderland were hoping for more than two draws so far but I predict a third consecutive stalemate against Portsmouth, who will be one of their chief rivals for promotion. There are signs that Macclesfield, in League Two, will be a sterner proposition this season. Their 3-0 home victory over Leyton Orient last Saturday was well deserved and they can get something at Northampton.

Away days: Liverpool are hard to ignore at Southampton, who crashed to a 3-0 opening-day defeat at Burnley. The midweek trip to Istanbul for the Super Cup may blunt some of Liverpool's sharpness but they should still have enough in hand at St Mary's. Cardiff, who are aiming for a quick return to the Premier League, must be fancied at Reading, who are joint-bottom of the Championship. Leeds, who may be more effective on their travels than at Elland Road, should be confident going to Wigan. In League Two, Cheltenham, who scored three goals in seven minutes in their 4-1 win over Scunthorpe last Saturday, are worth a wager at Morecambe, while Crawley, with two successive victories (league and League Cup) behind them, are recommended at bottom club Scunthorpe. Raith, the early leaders in Scottish League One, will surely be too strong for Stranraer.

Homes sweet homes: Although beaten 4-1 at Anfield last Friday, promoted Norwich showed enough to suggest that they can survive in the Premier League. They shouldn't have much to fear from the visit of Newcastle, who seem destined for a season of struggle. Another promoted team, Sheffield United, gained a well merited draw at Bournemouth and can follow up by defeating Crystal Palace, who failed to take advantage of 10-man Everton last weekend. I expect Newport to be in the League Two promotion shake-up for the second season in a row and they are worth a punt against leaders Plymouth, who have maximum points from their first two matches.

Pools info: Wolves v Manchester United (No 10 on coupon) and Bury v Gillingham (26) will be judged by the pools panel. Huddersfield v Fulham (15) is void.

Five of my forecast draws were correct last weekend: Birmingham v Bristol City (1-1), Bristol Rovers v Wycombe (0-0), Ipswich v Sunderland (1-1), Rochdale v Doncaster (1-1) and Hearts v Ross (0-0).

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Southampton, Birmingham v Bristol City, Hull v Reading, Bristol Rovers v Wycombe, Ipswich v Sunderland, MK Dons v Shrewsbury, Rochdale v Doncaster, Macclesfield v Leyton Orient, Stevenage v Exeter, Hearts v Ross.

Best draws: Burnley v Southampton, Birmingham v Bristol City, Ipswich v Sunderland, MK Dons v Shrewsbury, Macclesfield v Leyton Orient.

Six aways: Wolves, Coventry, Blackpool, Newport, Salford, Kilmarnock.

Ten homes: Bournemouth, Manchester United, Leeds, West Bromwich, Fleetwood, Portsmouth, Cheltenham, Mansfield, Plymouth, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Burnley and Southampton struggled in the Premier League last season. I can't see much changing this time around, so expect a stalemate at Turf Moor on Saturday. Bristol City fell to a disappointing home defeat by Leeds in their first match of the season but they are better than they showed last Sunday and can come away from Birmingham with a point. A home draw against Oxford was not what Sunderland wanted in their opening League One fixture but I believe they'll make amends at relegated Ipswich. In beating Portsmouth 1-0, Shrewsbury had one of the best results last weekend and they are well capable of avoiding defeat at MK Dons, who have yet to play. A much-changed Macclesfield will probably have a less fraught campaign in League Two and I think they'll hold promoted Leyton Orient.

Away days: It may be worth having a punt on Wolves at Leicester, who are likely to miss defender Harry Maguire now he has been sold to Manchester United. Coventry are highly recommended at Bolton, who begin their League One season with a 12-point deduction and must be at their wit's end. Blackpool's prospects are much brighter now they are free of their unpopular owner and they look good for three points at Southend. I expect Newport to be in the League Two promotion shake-up again and they should be confident of success at Cambridge. Salford started life in the Football League with a convincing 2-0 win over Stevenage and they can follow that with another victory at Crawley. In the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock are fancied to prevail at Hamilton, who crashed 3-0 at promoted Ross last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe seems to have made some astute signings in the close season and I'm backing them to make their mark against promoted Sheffield United. The vibes coming out of Old Trafford are more positive these days and I've a hunch that Manchester United will get the better of Frank Lampard's Chelsea on Sunday. Although Cheltenham lost their League Two opener at Leyton Orient last weekend, they showed lots of resolve and that should stand them in good stead against Scunthorpe, who were defeated 2-0 at home by Swindon.

Pools info: Accrington v Bury (No 21 on the coupon) has been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Bristol City v Leeds, Stoke v Queens Park Rangers, Wimbledon v Rotherham, Burton v Ipswich, Coventry v Southend, Forest Green v Oldham, Scunthorpe v Swindon, Aberdeen v Hearts, Ross v Hamilton, Clyde v East Fife.

Best draws: Bristol City v Leeds, Stoke v Queens Park Rangers, Burton v Ipswich, Coventry v Southend, Aberdeen v Hearts.

Six aways: Fulham, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Mansfield, Rangers, Manchester City.

Ten homes: Brentford, Peterborough, Sunderland, Bradford City, Carlisle, Colchester, Leyton Orient, Celtic, Chesterfield, Torquay.

Pick of the draws: Leeds, frustrated by their failure to gain promotion to the Premier League last season, will be determined to make amends this time but they could have had an easier opening game than at Bristol City on Sunday. City are one of the Championship's better teams and capable of collecting a point. The serious injury to their captain Ryan Shawcross in a friendly last weekend will probably play on Stoke's mind and allow Queens Park Rangers, now managed by Mark Warburton, to escape with a share of the spoils. Ipswich, relegated to League One, will be anxious to halt their slide but Burton have a habit of upsetting more fancied sides and could do the same on Saturday. Coventry are handicapped by having to play all their home matches at Birmingham's ground and Southend may be the first to take advantage. Hearts finished last season on a downer but, refreshed by the summer break, have a decent chance of holding Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Away days: Fulham, second favourites to be promoted from the Championship after their relegation last season, will expect to beat Barnsley, who are newcomers to this division. Cardiff, who came down with Fulham, have retained the services of manager Neil Warnock and will travel to Wigan with high hopes. Portsmouth, who just missed out on promotion to the Championship, will want to make a good start to this season and should do so at Shrewsbury. Mansfield, in League Two, will be kicking themselves for failing to go up last season and I believe they'll prevail at Newport. Rangers aim to push Celtic all the way in the Scottish Premiership and are fancied to take maximum points at Kilmarnock. Liverpool haven't had the best of pre-seasons and I can't see Manchester City, the Premier League champions, showing them any mercy in Sunday's Community Shield.

Homes sweet homes: Brentford, of the Championship, are consistently underrated and have made some good signings in the close season. I think they'll have too much for Birmingham, who have been unsettled by the departure of manager Garry Monk. Leyton Orient, National League champions last season, make a welcome return to League Two and are well worth a punt against Cheltenham. Torquay, promoted to the National League, are also recommended against Boreham Wood, who are expected to be among the strugglers this season.

Pools info: Huddersfield v Derby (No 5 on coupon) and Bury v MK Dons (15) will be judged by the pools panel. Dunfermline v Dundee (45) is void.

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

Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Leicester v Chelsea, Tottenham v Everton, Villarreal v Eibar, Cagliari v Lazio, Roma v Juventus, Hoffenheim v Werder Bremen, Amiens v Toulouse, Caen v Reims, Marseille v Lyon.

Best draws: Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Leicester v Chelsea, Tottenham v Everton, Cagliari v Lazio, Roma v Juventus.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, West Ham, Charlton, Motherwell, Napoli, Freiburg.

Best weekend home bets: Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Southampton, Aston Villa, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Inverness, Mansfield, Real Betis.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace (12th) and Bournemouth (13th) are next to each other in the table and I don't believe they'll be anything to separate them on Sunday on the final weekend of the Premier League season. Both sides have flaws but both are capable of beating the best on their day. Chelsea guaranteed Champions League football next season with a 3-0 home win over Watford last Sunday but they face stiffer opposition in Leicester, who are playing well under Brendan Rodgers and gave leaders Manchester City such a fright on Monday. Tottenham need only a point to be mathematically certain of clinching a Champions League spot and should get it against Everton, despite the marked improvement of the Merseysiders. Mid-table Cagliari only lost in the last minute away to Napoli last weekend and they can take a point off the better-placed Lazio. Juventus have won the Italian League by a street, so they may take their foot off the pedal against highly rated Roma.

Away days: I'm taking Manchester City to win the most thrilling Premier League title race for years and maximum points at Brighton on Sunday will seal it. Although Brighton deserved their draw at Arsenal last weekend, I cannot see City slipping up at the final hurdle. West Ham have done much better recently and are recommended at Watford, who will probably be distracted by their participation in next week's FA Cup final. I fancy Charlton, the form team of League One, to win the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Doncaster and in the Scottish Premiership, Motherwell are worth a wager at St Johnstone, who are erratic. Napoli, the Italian League runners-up, look a good thing at SPAL, as do Freiburg at bottom club Hannover 96 in the German League.

Homes sweet homes: Relegated Fulham have won three of their past four Premier League games. I think they'll make it four out of five when Newcastle are the visitors to Craven Cottage on Sunday. Unfortunately, Fulham are finding their best form when it's too late to matter. Aston Villa are confident they will take the other promotion place after Norwich and Sheffield United and I'm backing them to beat rivals West Bromwich Albion in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Saturday. Mansfield's hopes of automatic promotion from League Two were dashed by three consecutive defeats. They'll probably take their frustration out on Newport in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Sunday.

Pools info: St Etienne v Montpellier (No 49 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Blackburn v Swansea, Brentford v Preston, Reading v Birmingham, Bristol Rovers v Barnsley, Wycombe v Fleetwood, Crawley v Tranmere, Forest Green v Exeter, MK Dons v Mansfield, Swindon v Notts County, Inverness v Dunfermline.

Best draws: Blackburn v Swansea, Reading v Birmingham, Wycombe v Fleetwood, Crawley v Tranmere, Swindon v Notts County.

Best weekend away bets: Leeds, Sheffield United, Wimbledon, Crewe, Newport, Carlisle.

Best weekend home bets: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, Bury, Lincoln, Ayr, Elgin.

Pick of the draws: Blackburn's winning streak in the Championship was ended by Norwich last Saturday evening and they face another in-form side in Swansea this weekend. Although Swansea are not great on their travels I expect them to gain a point here. Reading will be in a happier frame of mind now that they've avoided relegation and they can end their troubled campaign by sharing the spoils with Birmingham. Wycombe need a point to be certain of staying in League One and I believe they'll get it against Joey Barton's Fleetwood. Tranmere's chance of automatic promotion to League One has almost gone and their visit to lowly Crawley will feel a bit of an anti-climax. Notts County need maximum points on the final day of the League Two season to have any hope of staying up but I think they'll fall short at Swindon, who are as up and down as a yo-yo.

Away days: Leeds, frustrated by their failure to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League, will surely take their disappointment out on rock-bottom Ipswich. In stark contrast, Sheffield United will probably celebrate their return to the top flight by winning at Stoke. Wimbledon, still not safe from the League One drop, will strive for three points at relegated Bradford City. Crewe, who have won their past four matches in League Two, are fancied to make it five at Grimsby, who are ending the season with a whimper. Newport, who have moved into the League Two play-off places, are highly recommended at Morecambe, as are Carlisle, who visit Yeovil, whose relegation was confirmed last weekend.

Homes sweet homes: Tottenham's minds are bound to be on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Ajax, which gives Bournemouth an opportunity to end their mixed Premier League campaign on a positive note. Anything less than victory for Cardiff on Saturday will surely see them relegated but I've a hunch they'll rise to the occasion and beat Crystal Palace. Whoever comes off second best in the Plymouth-Scunthorpe fixture will see them relegated to League Two. I fancy Plymouth, with ground advantage, to survive.

Pools info: Everton v Burnley (No 5 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void. Manchester City v Leicester (7) has been switched to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Newcastle, Watford v Wolves, Swansea v Hull, Wimbledon v Wycombe, Burton v Luton, Oxford v Doncaster, Rochdale v Southend, Crewe v Forest Green, Tranmere v Bury, Dunfermline v Morton.

Best draws: Brighton v Newcastle, Swansea v Hull, Burton v Luton, Crewe v Forest Green, Tranmere v Bury.

Best weekend away bets: Brentford, Derby, Nottingham Forest, Peterborough, St Johnstone, Inverness.

Best weekend home bets: Fulham, Leeds, Norwich, West Bromwich, Barnsley, Scunthorpe, Carlisle, Northampton, Notts County, Partick.

Pick of the draws: Brighton have forgotten what it's like to score - seven consecutive goalless games now - and it's landed them in Premier League relegation trouble. I've a hunch they'll break their duck on Saturday but they'll be hard-pushed to beat Newcastle, who are ending the season strongly. Hull are smarting after a disappointing Easter in the Championship and I'm taking them to nick a point at Swansea, even though the Welshmen have been doing well at home. Nigel Clough's Burton have already frustrated Sunderland in League One and they can do the same to long-time leaders Luton, who were held to a home draw by lowly Wimbledon in midweek. No side in League Two has won more home matches than Crewe's 14 but their visitors, Forest Green, excel on the road with 12 victories, so a stalemate is very much on the cards. Bury climbed back into the automatic promotion places by beating Northampton 3-1 at home on Easter Monday and can stay there by sharing the spoils at Tranmere.

Away days: Brentford, who play with flair and imagination, look certs at Bolton, whose relegation from the Championship has been confirmed and whose season can't end quickly enough. Derby, who have squeezed into the play-off spots, are well worth a punt at Bristol City, whose nerve seems to have failed them at the most inopportune moment. Nottingham Forest have a good chance of improving their indifferent away record at Queens Park Rangers, who have completely tailed off. A League One play-off place is still on for Peterborough, who should approach their trip to struggling Walsall with confidence. St Johnstone, mid-table in the Scottish Premiership, will fancy themselves at second-from-bottom St Mirren while Inverness are tipped to increase Alloa's pain near the foot of the Scottish Championship.

Homes sweet homes: Relegated Fulham have just won two in a row. I believe they'll make it three against Cardiff, who appear to be fighting a losing battle to stay in the Premier League. It's now or never for Notts County, who are propping up League Two. I'm taking them to rise to the occasion against Grimsby as a win promises to lift them out of the relegation zone. By winning 1-0 at Ayr in midweek, Partick have probably saved themselves from relegation to Scottish League One and should be in the mood to celebrate when they host the same opponents on Saturday.

Pools info: Ross v Queen of the South (No 49 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

I got five out of six aways on the April 20-22 coupon: Liverpool, Watford, Luton, Forfar, Annan.

I got eight out of 10 homes on the April 19-20 coupon: Middlesbrough, Swansea, Barnsley, Coventry, Carlisle, Mansfield, Dover, Wrexham.

Pools tips and best bets for April 20-22 coupon

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Fulham, Everton v Manchester United, Newcastle v Southampton, Dumbarton v East Fife, Montrose v Airdrieonians, Elgin v Peterhead, Stirling v Cowdenbeath, Reims v St Etienne, Strasbourg v Montpellier, VVV v De Graafschap.

Best draws: Everton v Manchester United, Newcastle v Southampton, Montrose v Airdrieonians, Elgin v Peterhead, Stirling v Cowdenbeath.

Best away bets (Saturday unless stated): Liverpool (Sunday), Watford, Leicester, Luton, Forfar, Annan.

Best home bets (Saturday unless stated): Arsenal (Sunday), Manchester City, Wolves, Chelsea (Monday), Kilmarnock, Livingston, Falkirk, Partick, Stranraer, Clyde.

Pick of the draws: Manchester United's limitations were exposed when they went out of the Champions League to Barcelona. They may struggle to recover from that chastening quarter-final defeat. Everton, their hosts, beat Arsenal at home more convincingly than the 1-0 scoreline suggests. Newcastle and Southampton went a long way to Premier League safety with fine victories last weekend (Newcastle, 1-0 at Leicester, Saints, 3-1 at home to Wolves) and I don't see either side losing this relegation battle. Airdrieonians, mid-table in Scottish League One, are better away than at home and can hold Montrose, who are two places and five points better off. Although Peterhead are top of Scottish League Two, they have faltered lately, which should give Elgin, who are seventh, more of a chance. Stirling and Cowdenbeath are two teams who appear on the upgrade and a point apiece is the likeliest result here.

Away days: Liverpool seem an irresistible force in both Premier League and Champions League and will surely be too strong for Cardiff, even though the Welshmen raised hopes of avoiding relegation with a deserved 2-0 triumph at Brighton in midweek. Watford will be handicapped at Huddersfield by the absence of striker Troy Deeney, who is banned for three games, but should still be too good for the Premier League's bottom club. Watford's 10 men were better than Arsenal's 11 last Monday. Last weekend's defeat against Newcastle aside, Leicester have responded well to new manager Brendan Rodgers and they are worth a punt at inconsistent West Ham. Luton's long unbeaten run was ended by Charlton last Saturday but they are determined to clinch promotion to the Championship and victory at Accrington will bring them closer. In Scottish League One, Forfar, third, are tipped to prevail at Stenhousemuir, who are last, and I'm taking Annan, of Scottish League Two, to record their ninth away win of the season at Queen's Park.

Homes sweet homes: Manchester City, still reeling from the manner of their Champions League exit to Tottenham, play Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday and I fancy them to gain revenge. Kilmarnock have made great strides under Steve Clarke in the Scottish Premiership and will strengthen their hold on third place with victory over Aberdeen, who are fourth. If Partick, who are bottom of the Scottish Championship, can draw at leaders Ross, as they did last Saturday, then they can beat Alloa, who are only four points better off.

Pools info: Chelsea v Burnley (No 4 on coupon) will be judged by the pools panel and Ayr v Ross (11) is void.

Pools tips and best bets for April 19-20 coupon

Ten draws: Birmingham v Derby, Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn, Wimbledon v Bristol Rovers, Oxford v Charlton, Rochdale v Wycombe, Walsall v Southend, Newport v Bury, Tranmere v Forest Green, Gateshead v Chesterfield, Maidstone v Braintree.

Best draws: Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn, Wimbledon v Bristol Rovers, Oxford v Charlton, Tranmere v Forest Green, Gateshead v Chesterfield.

Best Good Friday away bets: Aston Villa, Peterborough, Swindon, Stevenage, Salford, Solihull.

Best Good Friday home bets: Leeds, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Barnsley, Coventry, Carlisle, Exeter, Mansfield, Dover, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: Queens Park Rangers emerged from their Championship slump by beating Swansea 4-0 at home last Saturday but Blackburn's 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest was equally praiseworthy. Just five points separate the teams and I don't think they'll be anything to separate them on Friday. Wimbledon have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding relegation to League Two but they could have chosen easier opponents than Bristol Rovers, whose away record is very respectable. Four consecutive wins have revived Charlton's hopes of automatic promotion but Oxford are nearly safe from relegation and one of the most improved sides in League One. Tranmere have more home victories than anybody in League Two but their opponents, Forest Green, are equally efficient away and this looks one of the best draws on the coupon. Chesterfield's darkest days are well behind them in the National League and they can pinch a point at Gateshead, who are falling just short of the play-offs.

Away days: Aston Villa, who are ending the Championship season in style, are firm favourites to add Bolton to their list of scalps, especially as the Lancastrians seem resigned to relegation. Peterborough kept alive their faint chances of a League One play-off spot by defeating Blackpool 1-0 away last weekend and I believe they'll dish out similar treatment to Fleetwood, who are under a cloud after the accusations of assault against their manager Joey Barton. Swindon are a hard team to fathom but they are expected to be too strong for Cambridge, who were heavily defeated by Newport in their previous League Two home game. Stevenage, who are still chasing a play-off place, are recommended at Port Vale, who have little to play for. Salford, with a good chance of promotion to the Football League, are on course to take maximum points at Boreham Wood and third-placed Solihull Moors should do the same at Bromley.

Homes sweet homes: Swansea's 4-0 loss at QPR last Saturday was a major surprise and I'm taking them to bounce back against Rotherham, who are in the Championship relegation zone. Carlisle's hopes of going up suffered a setback when they crashed 3-0 at Stevenage last weekend but their Good Friday opponents, Lincoln, may take their off the gas now that promotion from League Two has been assured. Dover's 3-2 victory at Barrow last Saturday meant that they avoided dropping out of the National League. I expect them to celebrate with a win over Aldershot, who are one of the four clubs going down.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Bournemouth, Aston Villa v Bristol City, Ipswich v Birmingham, Reading v Brentford, Blackpool v Peterborough, Gillingham v Shrewsbury, Southend v Wycombe, Stevenage v Carlisle, Tranmere v MK Dons, Barnet v Wrexham.

Best draws: Brighton v Bournemouth, Aston Villa v Bristol City, Blackpool v Peterborough, Southend v Wycombe, Barnet v Wrexham.

Best weekend away bets: Everton, Swansea, Norwich, Burton, Mansfield, Hartlepool.

Best weekend home bets: Leicester (Friday), Manchester United, Southampton, Tottenham, Derby, Sheffield United, Charlton, Doncaster, Portsmouth, Morecambe.

Pick of the draws: Although Bournemouth are on a downward spiral, they can arrest their Premier League slide at Brighton, whose plight is more precarious. Victories at Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have put Bristol City back in the Championship play-off mix. They claimed another prized scalp in West Bromwich Albion in midweek and I believe they'll hold their own at Aston Villa, who have eight home draws to their name. Blackpool have drawn their past three League One home games. I think they'll increase that tally to four when Peterborough come visiting. Both teams need a win to keep their play-off hopes alive but they will probably be disappointed. Southend v Wycombe is a battle of League One strugglers and at the moment neither is good enough to be confident of winning. Apart from a defeat at relegated Maidstone in midweek, Barnet are ending the season strongly and I'm taking them to frustrate Wrexham, who may have to settle for the National League play-offs.

Away days: Everton deserved to beat Arsenal by more than one goal at Goodison Park last Sunday and are belatedly running into form. The opposite applies to relegated Fulham and this is surely an away banker. Mid-table Swansea, who have recorded three consecutive wins in the Championship, are likely to make it four at Queens Park Rangers, for whom the season can't end quickly enough.  Norwich, the runaway Championship leaders, are tipped to make Wigan's life even more difficult on Sunday. Burton, of League One, earned an excellent point at high-flying Sunderland in midweek and should improve on that at Scunthorpe, who are looking nervously over their shoulders. Mansfield, second in League Two, have the momentum to obtain maximum points at Northampton while Hartlepool are expected to confirm Aldershot's relegation from the National League.

Homes sweet homes: Southampton will be hoping that Wolves have a hangover from their FA Cup semi-final heartbreak last weekend. If they do, Saints are well equipped to take advantage and three points will move them nearer Premier League safety. Luton, the clear leaders in League One, are long due a setback and it's worth taking a punt on their hosts Charlton to inflict some damage. Charlton have just won two away matches on the trot. A win for Morecambe should ensure their League Two safety and they'll be confident of getting it against Grimsby, who appear to have switched off.

Pools info: Leicester v Newcastle (No 5 on coupon) is void and Watford v Arsenal (10) will be assessed by the pools panel.

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

Ten draws: Blackburn v Stoke, Brentford v Derby, Burton v Barnsley, Coventry v Bristol Rovers, Plymouth v Charlton, Carlisle v Bury, Grimsby v Stevenage, Port Vale v Crewe, Dover v Chesterfield, Flyde v Eastleigh.

Best draws: Blackburn v Stoke, Brentford v Derby, Burton v Barnsley, Grimsby v Stevenage, Fylde v Eastleigh.

Best weekend away bets: Leicester, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Forest Green, Tranmere, Harrogate.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Bristol City, Hull, Wimbledon, Fleetwood, Colchester, Macclesfield, Notts County, Swindon, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: Blackburn and Stoke, who play each other on Saturday, are counting the cost of disappointing seasons. It looks as though both will finish below halfway in the Championship and it's hard to separate them. Brentford crashed 3-0 at Swansea in midweek but they are a different proposition at home and I can see them frustrating Derby, who are striving for a play-off place. Barnsley's 20-match unbeaten run has lifted them to second in League One but they won't have things their own way at Burton, who on their day are capable of matching the best. Stevenage's hopes of a play-off place in League Two are fading fast and they may have to settle for a point at Grimsby, who are nothing special. National League high-fliers Fylde, who have gone off the boil, take on Eastleigh, who fare better on their travels than at home. Eastleigh's tally of away wins is into double figures.

Away days: Brendan Rodgers has put a spring in the step of Leicester, who are ending the season strongly, and their Premier League fixture at relegated Huddersfield looks an away banker. Leeds, back to second in the Championship after beating Millwall 3-2 at home last Saturday, cannot be overlooked at Birmingham, who will probably be demoralised after being deducted nine points for breach of financial rules. A play-off position is now in Nottingham Forest's grasp and they will be disappointed not to come away from lowly Rotherham with maximum points. Forest Green's impressive away form in League Two should benefit them at ailing Crawley. I'm taking fifth-placed Tranmere to recover from their 2-0 midweek defeat at Oldham and beat inconsistent Newport while Harrogate, sixth in the National League, ought to be too good for Havant & Waterlooville, who are threatened by relegation.

Homes sweet homes: Wimbledon appear to be winning their fight to avoid relegation from League One and I'm taking them to defeat Accrington, who are falling rapidly. Sol Campbell's Macclesfield, bottom of League Two, will be greatly encouraged by their 1-1 draw at leaders Lincoln last weekend and three points against Morecambe on Saturday should lift them out of the relegation zone. Another side in distress, Notts County, are much more upbeat after winning 3-0 at Stevenage last Saturday and they are well worth a punt against mid-table Northampton.

Pools info: Chelsea v West Ham (No 2 on coupon) has been moved to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel. Southampton v Liverpool (5) will be played on Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Southampton, Middlesbrough v Norwich, Nottingham Forest v Swansea, Stoke v Sheffield Wednesday, Southend v Shrewsbury, Cambridge v Colchester, Forest Green v MK Dons, Morecambe v Crawley, Hearts v Aberdeen, St Mirren v Dundee.

Best draws: Brighton v Southampton, Stoke v Sheffield Wednesday, Southend v Shrewsbury, Forest Green v MK Dons, St Mirren v Dundee.

Best weekend away bets: Wolves, Preston, Brentford, Fleetwood, Ross, Clyde.

Best weekend home bets: West Ham, Aston Villa, Derby, Blackpool, Doncaster, Gillingham, Crewe, Northampton, Tranmere, Kilmarnock.

Pick of the draws: Southampton's 2-1 home win over Tottenham the Saturday before last has boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League and they'll be confident of holding Brighton, who are only one place and three points above them. The arrival of Steve Bruce as manager has seen an upsurge in the form of Sheffield Wednesday, who are now serious contenders for a Championship play-off place. They travel to Stoke, who have disappointed this season, and can return with a point. Southend's slide down League One has led to the sacking of manager Chris Powell. Their record at Roots Hall, where they have lost 11 times, doesn't bode well and they'll be hard-pushed to beat fellow strugglers Shrewsbury. MK Dons have recovered a lot of lost ground recently in their attempt to go up from League Two, climbing back into the automatic promotion places. They look good for at least a point at Forest Green, who are less certain at home than away. St Mirren and Dundee, the bottom two clubs in the Scottish Premiership by some distance, meet on Saturday when I expect a stalemate.

Away days: Having knocked Liverpool and Manchester United out of the FA Cup, Wolves won't be cowering at the prospect of a trip to Burnley, who have stumbled in the past few weeks. Preston's progress to the fringes of a Championship play-off place cannot be ignored and I'm backing them at Reading, who are just one place above the drop zone. Brentford are in Championship no-man's land - far too good to go down but not consistent enough to be involved in the promotion shake-up. They are, however, a better side than Wigan, who are too close to the relegation zone for comfort. Joey Barton's Fleetwood, with six away victories under their belt, are worth a wager at ailing Accrington while Ross, top of the Scottish Championship, look an away banker at wooden-spoonists Alloa. Clyde have thrust themselves into the automatic promotion race from Scottish League Two and are recommended at lowly Albion.

Homes sweet homes: In their previous fixture West Ham showed their battling qualities, overturning a 3-1 deficit at home to Huddersfield to win 4-3. That never-say-die spirit should serve them well against Everton, who are struggling to finish in the top half of the Premier League. Crewe hit Crawley for six in their last League Two home match and will look forward to the visit of Cheltenham, whose away form does not inspire confidence. Tranmere's 2-0 victory at Colchester last weekend confirmed their new lease of life in the play-off section of League Two and they get my vote for their match against Carlisle on Saturday.

Pools info: Portsmouth v Peterborough (No 28 on coupon) and Sunderland v Burton (31) will be assessed by the pools panel as Portsmouth and Sunderland are playing in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley on Sunday.

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

Ten draws: Wimbledon v Gillingham, Plymouth v Bristol Rovers, Rochdale v Scunthorpe, Walsall v Barnsley, Colchester v Tranmere, Swindon v Morecambe, Airdrieonians v Forfar, Clyde v Annan, Malta v Faroe Islands, Wales v Slovakia.

Best draws: Plymouth v Bristol Rovers, Walsall v Barnsley, Colchester v Tranmere, Swindon v Morecambe, Clyde v Annan.

Best weekend away bets: Portsmouth, Lincoln, Bury, Exeter, Arbroath, Queen's Park.

Best weekend home bets: Coventry, Peterborough, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Mansfield, MK Dons, Port Vale, Partick (Friday), East Fife, Elgin.


Pick of the draws: Plymouth and Bristol Rovers may be 12th and 13th respectively in League One, but they are only a few points off the drop zone in a heavily congested bottom end of the division. Rovers have had some success on their recent travels and can gain another away point here. Although Walsall have slipped into the relegation places, they impressed when losing 2-1 at Sunderland last Saturday and it won't surprise me if they deny high-flying Barnsley victory. After a mid-season stumble Tranmere are back on track to contest the League Two play-off positions and can hold Colchester, who slipped below the dotted line after crashing 3-0 at Exeter last weekend. Morecambe's good form has enabled them to move nine points clear of relegation danger and they'll believe they can get something at Swindon, whose home record is indifferent. Clyde, third in Scottish League Two, may find fourth-placed Annan hard to overcome, particularly as Annan beat promotion-seeking Edinburgh City 3-1 at home last Saturday.

Away days: Portsmouth, the only League One team with as many as 10 away wins, should make it 11 at Shrewsbury, who are one of a cluster of clubs in danger of going down. Lincoln, the clear League Two leaders, look an away banker at Crawley, who are on a downward spiral, while high-scoring Bury are recommended at Grimsby. By defeating Colchester last Saturday, Exeter climbed back into the League Two play-off places and will surely have too much in their locker for bottom side Notts County. Scottish League One leaders Arbroath will be licking their lips at the prospect of a visit to lowly Stranraer and in Scottish League Two, Queen's Park, after their 4-1 home win against Elgin last Saturday, are well worth a punt at Cowdenbeath.

Homes sweet homes: Although Cheltenham are six places below Northampton in the League Two table, I believe their impressive home form will give them the edge. Port Vale are reviving in League Two under their new manager John Askey and I'm taking them to upset sixth-placed Forest Green, despite the visitors faring better away than at home. Relegation from the Scottish Championship is no longer a foregone conclusion for Partick, who are edging nearer safety. I think they'll beat middle-of-the-table Inverness.

Pools info: The following matches will be assessed by the pools panel: Fleetwood v Sunderland (No 5 on coupon), Wycombe v Charlton (12), Newport v Oldham (20), Ayr v Morton (24), Queen of the South v Falkirk (27) and Ross v Dunfermline (28). Partick v Inverness (26) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Leicester, Wigan v Bolton, Fleetwood v Plymouth, Oxford v Bradford City, Peterborough v Coventry, Exeter v Colchester, Oldham v Tranmere, Dover v Halifax, Boston v Chorley, Chippenham v St Albans.

Best draws: Burnley v Leicester, Wigan v Bolton, Fleetwood v Plymouth, Peterborough v Coventry, Dover v Halifax.

Best weekend away bets: Brighton, Chelsea, Norwich, Northampton, Hearts, Salford.

Best weekend home bets: Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Accrington, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Bury, Notts County, Aberdeen.


Pick of the draws: Leicester, given a new lease of life with the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager, can come away from Burnley with a draw, which would leave the hosts looking nervously over their shoulders at the wrong end of the table. The feel-good factor at Bolton, second bottom of the Championship, was short-lived after their win over Millwall last weekend. They lost at home to Sheffield Wednesday in midweek but they ought to get something at Wigan, who are in even worse form and only three points off the drop zone. Plymouth, rapidly climbing the League One table, will fancy their chances of at least a point at erratic Fleetwood and Coventry will feel the same about their trip to Peterborough, who have just lost to the bottom two clubs, Wimbledon and Bradford City. I'm taking Dover, who are finding it hard going in the National League, to share the spoils with Halifax, who are the draw specialists of the division.

Away days: The prospect of four away wins in this weekend's FA Cup sixth round is a very real one and I recommend Premier League side Brighton over Championship team Millwall on Sunday. Millwall are in danger of going down and I can't help thinking their minds may be elsewhere. Meanwhile, Brighton have just registered back-to-back victories and will be upbeat. Chelsea, in their quest for Champions League qualification, cannot really afford to drop any more points and I believe they'll return from Goodison Park with three, mainly because Everton don't inspire confidence. Promotion favourites Norwich cannot be ignored at lowly Rotherham and Northampton should continue their climb up League Two by beating Grimsby. Scottish Cup semi-finalists Hearts are worth backing at Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership and high-flying Salford should increase Aldershot's fear of relegation from the National League.

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth's 2-0 victory at Huddersfield last Saturday ended their barren spell and they can dish out similar treatment to Newcastle, who are one place below them in the Premier League. By suddenly turning draws into wins, Aston Villa have given themselves a fighting chance of the Championship play-offs and they are worth a punt against Middlesbrough, who seem to slip up when you least expect it. Notts County moved off the foot of League Two with a shock 3-1 win at Carlisle in midweek and will further improve their survival prospects by defeating Morecambe.


Pools info: Mansfield v Lincoln (No 25 on coupon) has been put back to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel.

Betting info: Eight of my ten home selections were correct last weekend: Leicester, Reading, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Cheltenham, Northampton, Gateshead and Ross.