Ten draws: Croatia v Russia, Spain v Sweden, Scunthorpe v Salford, Walsall v Harrogate, Hamilton v Raith, Albion v Stirling, Stenhousemuir v Annan, Altrincham v Boreham Wood, Notts County v Solihull Moors, Wealdstone v Barnet.
Best draws: Spain v Sweden, Scunthorpe v Salford, Altrincham v Boreham Wood, Notts County v Solihull Moors, Wealdstone v Barnet.
Best weekend bets: Six aways: Portsmouth, Northampton, Kilmarnock, Airdrieonians, Grimsby, Wrexham.
Best weekend bets: Ten homes: Greece, North Macedonia, Portugal, Exeter, Tranmere, Inverness, Cove, Queen's Park, Chesterfield, Southend.
Pick of the draws: Sweden are usually obdurate opponents. They are top of their World Cup qualifying group and I believe they'll stay there after playing second-placed Spain on Sunday. Scunthorpe, bottom of League Two, may get an immediate lift from appointing Keith Hill as manager and I'm taking them to nick a point off Salford, who are underperforming. Boreham Wood are deservedly top of the National League but their progress may be checked by Altrincham, who don't give much away at home. Notts County and Solihull Moors, who face each other on Saturday, forced FA Cup first-round replays against higher-graded opposition. Notts County drew 1-1 at League Two Rochdale and Solihull did even better with a goalless draw at League One leaders Wigan. Wealdstone recently beat high-riding Grimsby while Barnet, their visitors, have pulled away from danger thanks to consecutive victories over Stockport (2-1, away) and Aldershot (2-1, home). The smart money is on a draw here.
Away days: Although Portsmouth have done nothing exceptional this season, Wycombe, their League One hosts, seem to be faltering, which is why mid-table Pompey may be worth a punt. I expect Northampton, third in League Two, to maintain their winning form at Bristol Rovers. Despite losing at home to Partick last weekend, Kilmarnock, who lead the Scottish Championship, are a confident selection at Morton, as are Scottish League One table-toppers Airdrieonians at bottom club East Fife. In the National League I'm convinced Grimsby will return to winning ways against ailing Aldershot and Wrexham, 5-0 winners at Aldershot in midweek, will be disappointed not to come away from lowly King's Lynn with maximum points.
Homes sweet homes: I'm going for Portugal, no doubt inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, to defeat Serbia and overtake them at the top of their World Cup qualifying group. Tranmere are two places lower than Sutton, their visitors, in League Two, so ground advantage may be the important factor here. Southend, relegated to the National League at the end of last season, are struggling in their new surroundings but I feel they will turn the corner, starting against Woking on Saturday.
Pools info: Swindon v Crawley (match No.23 on coupon) has been postponed because of international call-ups and will be assessed by the pools panel.
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