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

Ten draws: Blackburn v Middlesbrough, Preston v Nottingham Forest, Bradford City v Plymouth, Fleetwood v Luton, Shrewsbury v Burton, Cambridge v Tranmere, Port Vale v Morecambe, Livingston v Dundee, Boreham Wood v Hartlepool, Harrogate v Ebbsfleet.

Best draws: Preston v Nottingham Forest, Fleetwood v Luton, Shrewsbury v Burton, Cambridge v Tranmere, Livingston v Dundee.

Best weekend away bets: Millwall, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Portsmouth, Colchester, Wrexham.

Best weekend home bets: Brighton, Queens Park Rangers (Friday), Sheffield United, Barnsley, Sunderland (Friday), Exeter, Aberdeen, Motherwell, Bromley, Leyton Orient.


Pick of the draws: Nottingham Forest have perked up since Martin O'Neill became manager and gained a well merited draw at West Bromwich Albion in midweek. However, Preston's recent progress in the Championship cannot be discounted. As they have drawn seven at home and Forest have drawn nine away, deadlock is the likeliest outcome. Luton's run since mid-October has been sensational as they have surged to the top of League One but they may be held at Fleetwood, who have had some good results themselves lately, beating Charlton at home and Bradford City away. Shrewsbury look too good to be in the League One drop zone for long but they will face resistance from Burton, who are still punching above their weight. Cambridge have moved seven points clear of the League Two relegation zone and in the mood to frustrate Tranmere's efforts to make the play-offs. Livingston are a side on the slide in the Scottish Premiership, which gives second-from-bottom Dundee a genuine chance.

Away days: It's FA Cup fifth-round weekend and I can't see Millwall making the same mistake as West Ham, who in the previous round paid the price for underestimating Wimbledon, bottom of League One. Crystal Palace should really have more Premier League points than they have managed and, provided they don't rest too many players, are a confident selection at League One Doncaster. Although Stoke have been a letdown in the Championship, they should still have enough in the tank to beat Ipswich, who look doomed to relegation. Portsmouth are anxious to make up lost ground in the League One promotion race and get my backing at Southend, who have already lost nine at home. Colchester, fifth in League Two, returned to form with a 3-0 home success against Cheltenham last Saturday and must fancy themselves at struggling Macclesfield. High-flying Wrexham in the National League are due a good result on the road and I think they'll get it at Havant & Waterlooville.

Homes sweet homes: If there's an upset in the FA Cup this weekend it may come at Championship club Queens Park Rangers, who host Watford on Friday. Although eighth in the Premier League, Watford weren't at their best against Everton last Saturday and were lucky to escape defeat at Brighton the previous week. Exeter, one place outside the League Two play-offs and strong at home, are worth a punt against third-placed Bury, who are perhaps due a setback. In-form Motherwell have their sights set on the top half of the Scottish Premiership and victory over Hearts will help their cause.