Pools tips and best bets for games on Dec 31st, Jan 1st and Jan 2nd

Ten draws: Birmingham v Middlesbrough, Blackpool v Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United, Wigan v Hull, Peterborough v Wycombe, Doncaster v Carlisle, Hartlepool v Harrogate, Sutton v Wimbledon, Walsall v Mansfield, Halifax v Altrincham. 

Best draws: Blackpool v Sunderland, Wigan v Hull, Peterborough v Wycombe, Hartlepool v Harrogate, Walsall v Mansfield.

Best bets: Six aways: Arsenal (Saturday), Port Vale (Sunday), Notts County (Sunday), Liverpool (Monday), Burnley (Monday), Ipswich (Monday).

Best bets: Ten homes: Fulham (Saturday), Manchester City (Saturday), Newcastle (Saturday), Blackburn (Sunday), Millwall (Sunday), Plymouth (Sunday), Norwich (Monday), West Brom (Monday), Barrow (Monday), Northampton (Monday).

Pick of the draws: Blackpool's 10 men held on to take a point at Hull in their relegation dogfight in the Championship on Boxing Day. That should encourage them against Sunderland, who tend to be inconsistent. Kolo Toure, of Wigan, has had an underwhelming start to his managerial career, with three defeats out of four. He and his players need to raise their game against Hull, who are two places better off. Wycombe are on an upward curve in League One, whereas Peterborough, their hosts, seemed to have hit the wall. Posh, however, stopped the rot with a 1-1 draw at Charlton on Boxing Day and won at home in midweek. League Two strugglers Hartlepool and Harrogate both won against the odds last Monday, Hartlepool 2-1 away to Rochdale and Harrogate 3-2 at home to Grimsby. I predict this one ending with honours even. Mansfield are one of the few League Two sides to have prevented promotion favourites Stevenage from winning at home this season. That should serve them well on their visit to Walsall, who sit just below the play-off positions after beating Swindon 2-1 away.

Away days: Brighton are Arsenal's bogey team but the Premier League leaders are playing so well that I'm tipping them to prevail. Promoted Port Vale have adapted really well to League One and are firm favourites at relegation-haunted Forest Green. It seems a straight fight between Notts County and Wrexham for automatic promotion to League Two. Notts County, who are top of the National League, go to Oldham, who are third from last. Liverpool looked the real deal again when gaining maximum points at Aston Villa last Monday and I recommend backing them at Brentford. Burnley are sweeping all before them at the top of the Championship and will travel to Swansea with confidence. Mid-table Lincoln are the only League One team yet to lose at home this season but that record is surely in danger against second-placed Ipswich.

Homes sweet homes: Teams who sack their manager often get an immediate boost. That's why I'm siding with Norwich, who host their Championship play-off rivals Watford on Monday. The Canaries dispensed with the services of Dean Smith after losing 2-1 at Luton, who were down to 10 men. The threat of relegation has long receded for West Brom, who are now aiming for the play-offs. I believe they are worth a punt against Paul Ince's Reading. I've also a hunch that Northampton, third in League Two, will defeat leaders Leyton Orient, despite Orient losing only once away this season. 

Pools tips and best bets for Christmas weekend

Ten draws: Brentford v Tottenham, Leicester v Newcastle, Hull v Blackpool, Sunderland v Blackburn, Cambridge v Shrewsbury, Charlton v Peterborough, Wycombe v Bristol Rovers, Crawley v Sutton, Rochdale v Hartlepool, Tranmere v Doncaster.

Best draws: Brentford v Tottenham, Leicester v Newcastle, Sunderland v Blackburn, Wycombe v Bristol Rovers, Rochdale v Hartlepool.

Best bets: Six aways: Liverpool, West Brom, Stoke, Plymouth, Hearts, Dunfermline.

Best bets: Ten homes: Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Exeter, Ipswich, Port Vale, Gillingham, Stockport, Celtic, Edinburgh.

Pick of the draws: Tottenham will be keen to retain their Champions League spot after the month-long break for the World Cup but Brentford are no mugs, as they showed when they beat the defending Premier League champions, Manchester City, 2-1 away. The outlook is much brighter for Leicester after their early-season crisis but Newcastle, thriving under Eddie Howe's managership, are on a roll and will want to extend an unbeaten run that goes back to last August. By defeating Norwich 2-0 away, Blackburn proved they had completely recovered from their 4-1 home loss to Preston a week earlier in the Championship. They will be disappointed if they come away from Sunderland empty-handed. Bristol Rovers are on the upgrade in League One and I think they'll deny Wycombe, even though Wycombe have beaten Portsmouth and second-placed Ipswich at home recently. Hartlepool grabbed a League Two lifeline with a 2-0 victory at Crawley and can share the spoils at Rochdale, who are one place above them.

Away days: I suspect that Liverpool, in sixth position, will start to make up lost time in the Premier League by beating Aston Villa on Boxing Day. West Brom's Championship revival continued with wins at Sunderland (2-1 away) and Rotherham (3-0 home), results that should encourage them at Bristol City, who have already lost five at Ashton Gate. Like West Brom, Stoke are also climbing clear of relegation trouble and I'm tipping them for three points at Rotherham, who are floundering. Plymouth are back on top of League One and their progress is unlikely to be hindered at off-form Cambridge. Hearts, fourth in the Scottish Premiership, look a near certainty at bottom team Dundee United and it's hard to ignore the claims of Scottish League One leaders Dunfermline at Kelty Hearts.

Homes sweet homes: Crystal Palace resume their Premier League programme on Boxing Day with a London derby against Fulham. With Palace (11th) and Fulham (ninth), the sides seem well matched but I'm backing Palace to edge it. Exeter are only mid-table in League One but they will fancy their chances against Portsmouth, who appear to have lost their mojo, having suffered consecutive 2-0 defeats at Wycombe and home to MK Dons. The League Two bottom-of-the-table scrap between Gillingham and Colchester looks to have stalemate written all over it but I've a hunch that Gills will benefit from ground advantage.

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

Ten draws: Bristol City v Stoke, Coventry v Swansea, Hull v Sunderland, Luton v Millwall, Charlton v Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham v Lincoln, Peterborough v Shrewsbury, Wimbledon v Stevenage, Barrow v Swindon, Ross v St Johnstone.

Best draws: Hull v Sunderland, Luton v Millwall, Peterborough v Shrewsbury, Wimbledon v Stevenage, Ross v St Johnstone.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Watford, Accrington, Ipswich, Salford, Celtic, Dunfermline.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Norwich, West Brom, Barnsley, Derby, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Hartlepool, Stockport, Dundee.

Pick of the draws: As Sunderland tend to falter against Championship teams they should be beating, there's a fair chance that Hull, who are 21st, will deny them three points on Saturday and gain their first home draw this season. Luton's poor results at home have hindered their progress and they may be frustrated again on Sunday when higher-placed Millwall are the visitors. Peterborough have slipped to sixth in League One and could drop another two points against Shrewsbury, who are punching above their weight. The goals have dried up for League Two runners-up Stevenage in their past two matches and I believe they'll have to settle for a point at improving Wimbledon. The Scottish Premiership resumes this weekend after a break for the World Cup and Ross v St Johnstone looks the likeliest stalemate of the five fixtures.

Away days: Watford, in the Championship play-off positions, will surely prevail at bottom side Huddersfield, who are in danger of being cast adrift. Accrington, League One over-achievers, usually pull something out of the bag when it's most needed and they need a good result at Port Vale to stay away from the relegation zone. Ipswich replaced Plymouth as League One leaders last Saturday after defeating Peterborough 2-1 at home. Their form away is even better than at Portman Road and they are worth backing at Wycombe. Salford, 3-0 winners at bottom team Gillingham in their previous League Two outing, look an away banker at Colchester, who are second last. Celtic, prospective Scottish Premiership champions, are expected to see off Aberdeen and Dunfermline, top of Scottish League One, should strengthen their position at Airdrieonians.

Homes sweet homes: Norwich, who boosted their Championship promotion credentials by winning 1-0 at Swansea last Saturday, can beat Blackburn, who are just above them in the play-offs but crashed 4-1 at home to Preston last weekend. West Brom, under new manager Carlos Corberan, have pulled away from the Championship drop zone and will be looking forward to hosting Rotherham, who in their last game went down 3-1 at home to Bristol City. Hartlepool climbed out of the League Two relegation zone with a 2-0 victory at Crawley last Friday - their first away win this season. That will encourage them when they play Newport, who are not the same force as last term.  

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

Ten draws: Reading v Coventry, Accrington v Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers v Port Vale, Forest Green v Cheltenham, Milton Keynes Dons v Fleetwood, Harrogate v Northampton, Swindon v Wimbledon, Boreham Wood v Southend, Halifax v Barnet, Solihull Moors v Aldershot. 

Best draws: Accrington v Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers v Port Vale, Harrogate v Northampton, Swindon v Wimbledon, Boreham Wood v Southend.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Derby, Plymouth, Wycombe, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Stockport.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Middlesbrough, Millwall, Sheffield United, Carlisle, Crawley (Friday), Newport, Queen's Park, Chesterfield, Woking, Yeovil.

Pick of the draws: Portsmouth are a bit goal-shy, a weakness which has seen them lose ground in League One. That could hinder them at Accrington, even though the hosts lie two places above the relegation zone. Port Vale were the first side to win at leaders Plymouth this season, so they won't fear a visit to mid-table Bristol Rovers, who are inconsistent. Lowly Harrogate, of League Two, won convincingly at Rochdale last weekend, so promotion-seeking Northampton may not have things all their own way. Wimbledon have recovered well from being eliminated from the FA Cup by Chesterfield, of the National League, and look good for at least a point at Swindon. FA Cup giant-killers Boreham Wood don't inspire the same confidence in National League matches and I'm tipping them to be held by Southend.

Away days: Derby, who lie just outside the League One play-off positions, will be disappointed by anything other than victory at struggling Burton. Plymouth's 2-0 home defeat by Port Vale last weekend was an unexpected setback but they have an excellent chance of putting things right against 20th-placed Cambridge. Wycombe, 2-0 home winners over Portsmouth in their last game, will believe they can inflict Lincoln's first home defeat this season. In League Two, it's impossible to ignore the claims of leaders Leyton Orient at Crewe, who have lost their previous two fixtures. Bradford City were well beaten at  Orient last Saturday but should find ailing Gillingham less of a test on Sunday. Stockport, who thrashed bottom club Hartlepool 5-0 away last Saturday and knocked League One Charlton out of the FA Cup in midweek, will be confident of three points at Rochdale, who come off the back of a 4-1 home defeat by Harrogate.

Homes sweet homes: After a break for the World Cup a full set of Championship fixtures are back with us. Middlesbrough, now managed by Michael Carrick, have climbed well away from the drop zone and will overtake Luton if they beat them on Saturday. I'm backing them to do just that. Although Carlisle, of League Two, only drew 1-1 at home to Sutton last weekend, Barrow, their higher-placed opponents on Saturday, crashed 5-0 at Stevenage. They may take a while to recover from that, which is why I'm going for a Carlisle victory. Newport battled hard before losing at home to League One Derby in the FA Cup. They are lower than Doncaster in League Two but in better form and are well worth a punt.

Pools info: Crawley v Hartlepool (No.22 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void. Gateshead v Dagenham & Redbridge (43) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel. 

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

 Ten draws: Sunderland v Millwall, Derby v Sheffield Wednesday, Milton Keynes Dons v Burton, Wycombe v Portsmouth, Rochdale v Harrogate, Cove v Partick, Elgin v Stenhousemuir, Forfar v Albion, Barnet v Wealdstone, Eastleigh v Boreham Wood.

Best draws: Sunderland v Millwall, Milton Keynes Dons v Burton, Wycombe v Portsmouth, Forfar v Albion, Barnet v Wealdstone.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Stockport, Morton, Alloa, Dumbarton, Stirling, Chesterfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Forest Green, Carlisle, Gillingham, Mansfield, Northampton, Ayr, Dunfermline, Gateshead, Southend, Woking.

Pick of the draws: Millwall, in the only Championship fixture of the weekend, have a habit of foiling supposedly superior opponents and I'm tipping them to frustrate Sunderland, who continue to disappoint. MK Dons and Burton, both in the bottom four of League One, are in danger of being cast adrift from the rest and this looks one of the likeliest draws on the coupon. Portsmouth are drawing too many games as they strive for promotion and I can see them being held again when they visit Wycombe on Sunday. Forfar, bottom of Scottish League Two, host Albion, who went out to non-League Stirling University in the Scottish Cup last weekend. This is another match that has stalemate written all over it. Wealdstone convincingly won the corresponding fixture at Barnet in the National League last season but Barnet have improved since then and I believe the spoils will be shared.

Away days: Stockport, of League Two, confirmed their progress by forcing an FA Cup replay with Charlton, of League One, last Saturday. That makes them firm favourites to beat Hartlepool, who are bottom of the Football League. Morton, lying second in the Scottish Championship, appear too strong for lowly Arbroath. Montrose, of Scottish League One, suffered a heavy cup defeat at home last Saturday, which makes them vulnerable to Alloa, who are one place below them. Dumbarton, the Scottish League Two leaders, will travel to League newcomers Bonnyrigg Rose with confidence and the same can be said for second-placed Stirling, who go to Stranraer. National League high-flyers Chesterfield, who knocked Wimbledon out of the FA Cup at Plough Lane last weekend, shouldn't have too many problems at Halifax.

Homes sweet homes: I'm taking Forest Green, bottom of League One, to gain a rare home win against Cambridge, who are in free-fall and lost at home to League Two Grimsby in the FA Cup last weekend. I'm also suggesting a punt on League Two strugglers Gillingham. They host Salford, who are woefully off-form and slipping down the table. Gateshead, with an unexpected home victory over Southend and an away draw at Torquay, are making a spirited attempt to avoid relegation from the National League. They have a fighter's chance against Aldershot. 

 

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

 Ten draws: Walsall v Carlisle, Albion v Stirling University, Formartine v Stenhousemuir, Altrincham v Eastleigh, Dorking v York, Yeovil v Halifax, Bradford Park Avenue v Boston, Kettering v Southport, Cheshunt v Oxford City, Hampton & Richmond v Dover. 

Best draws: Walsall v Carlisle, Formartine v Stenhousemuir, Dorking v York, Yeovil v Halifax, Cheshunt v Oxford City.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Alloa (Friday), Fleetwood, Harrogate, Arbroath, Elgin, Maidenhead.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Bristol Rovers, Burton, Dagenham & Redbridge, Forest Green, Ipswich, Clyde, Dundee, Morton, Wealdstone, Leamington.

Pick of the draws: The emphatic nature of Carlisle's 4-1 win at Salford in League Two last weekend should serve them well when they visit Walsall in the FA Cup second round on Saturday. Carlisle, having moved into the play-off positions, look good for at least a replay. Stenhousemuir's results in Scottish League Two have been nothing special this season and it won't surprise me if Formartine, of the Highland League, force a draw in the Scottish Cup third round. Despite the unexpected sacking of manager John Askey, York gave a good account of themselves when losing to Wealdstone in the National League last Saturday. I'm tipping them to deny Dorking in this mid-table tussle. Halifax, who beat Boreham Wood 1-0 at home last weekend, continue to climb the National League table and can leave Yeovil with a point. Although second from last in the National League South, Cheshunt have played better than results suggest and they have a fighting chance against Oxford City.

Away days: Alloa, of Scottish League One, should win with something to spare against the non-League club Open Goal Broomhill in the Scottish Cup on Friday evening. Although Ebbsfleet top the National League South, they've lost their past two home games and I can't see them posing any problems for League One Fleetwood in the FA Cup third round. Lowly Harrogate, of League Two, gave their best display of the season when defeating Mansfield 3-0 at home last Saturday. That may give them the edge over bottom team Hartlepool. Arbroath can forget about their travails in the Scottish Championship by beating Highland League side Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup. Elgin, of Scottish League Two, will surely be too strong for minnows Hill of Beath Hawthorn while Maidenhead, of the National League, will fancy their chances at Maidstone, who are in a relegation struggle.

Homes sweet homes: Gillingham, second from bottom of League Two, have not won away all season and look terribly vulnerable to an FA Cup upset at Dagenham & Redbridge, who are in the top half of the National League and tough to beat at home. Clyde, despite fighting relegation from Scottish League One, are showing plenty of spirit and I'm backing them to make more progress in the cup when they host Dumbarton, the Scottish League Two leaders. Leamington are lower in the National League North than Peterborough Sports, their visitors, but I've a hunch they'll come out on top.

 

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

 Ten draws: Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Cheltenham v Wycombe, Exeter v Ipswich, Newport v Gillingham, Sutton v Rochdale, Tranmere v Wimbledon, Raith v Queen's Park, Annan v Elgin, Dorking v Bromley, Halifax v Boreham Wood.

Best draws: Cheltenham v Wycombe, Exeter v Ipswich, Sutton v Rochdale, Tranmere v Wimbledon, Raith v Queen's Park.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Plymouth, Charlton, Mansfield, Falkirk, Dunfermline, Southend.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Barnsley, Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Barrow, Walsall, Dundee, Partick, Dumbarton, Maidstone, Woking.

Pick of the draws: Cheltenham's 1-1 draw at League One high-flyers Ipswich was a genuine coupon-buster last Saturday and it should inspire them to get something from their home match against Wycombe. Two late goals enabled Exeter to beat Peterborough 3-2 last weekend. It's hard to bet against them when they are at home and I fancy them to hold Ipswich. Sutton are on the slide in League Two and, even with ground advantage, could struggle to defeat Rochdale, who are three places below them. Wimbledon's  deserved 2-0 midweek home victory over leaders Leyton Orient was an encouraging sign and they won't fear a trip to Tranmere, whose progress has stalled. Raith, in the Scottish Championship, have yet to draw at home this season but don't rule it out when they play Queen's Park on Saturday. 

Away days: League One leaders Plymouth have a five-point cushion to the third-placed side Sheffield Wednesday and I don't see that changing after they've visited second-from-bottom Burton on Saturday. Charlton will want to convert their many away draws into wins and they have a good chance to do that at Port Vale, who crashed 4-0 at Oxford last Saturday. Mansfield's 1-0 victory at Rochdale last Saturday moved them back into the League Two play-off positions. They have more wins away than home ones and will feel confident of their sixth success on the road against struggling Harrogate. Falkirk, second in Scottish League One, look a sound bet at lowly Clyde and the same applies to leaders Dunfermline, who travel to bottom side Peterhead. Southend, who are soaring in the National League, will surely prevail at  Gateshead, who seem destined to go down.

Homes sweet homes: Little has gone right for Partick in the Scottish Championship recently but they can change that when they host ailing Arbroath. Dundee, unlike their fierce rivals, Dundee United, are enjoying their football these days. They lie third and will start firm favourites against Hamilton, who prop up the Championship table. Oldham, fourth from last in the National League, are woefully short of confidence and although Maidstone are only one place above them, the omens favour the home team.

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

 Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Coventry v Queens Park Rangers, Hull v Reading, Norwich v Middlesbrough, Accrington v Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol Rovers v Fleetwood, Shrewsbury v Barnsley, Newport v Stockport, Salford v Wimbledon, Kilmarnock v Hibernian.

Best draws: Coventry v Queens Park Rangers, Norwich v Middlesbrough, Accrington v Sheffield Wednesday, Newport v Stockport, Salford v Wimbledon.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Leicester, Watford, Portsmouth, Barrow, Wrexham.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, Huddersfield, West Brom, Ipswich, Grimsby, Stevenage, Airdrieonians, East Fife.

Pick of the draws: Championship high-fliers Queens Park Rangers have lost consecutive home games to sides in the relegation zone - West Bromwich Albion (1-0) and Huddersfield (2-1). They will want to put that right on Saturday but will have work cut out at Coventry, who have shot out of the drop zone and into the top half of the table. Middlesbrough look more confident under Michael Carrick's managership and had a fine 3-0 away victory against Blackpool in midweek. They can get something at Norwich, who are still not entirely convincing. Accrington stopped the rot by beating Crawley 4-1 away in the FA Cup first round last Saturday. The lowly League One team are a match for anybody when they click and I'm tipping them to hold promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday. Newport and Stockport, of League Two, booked their places in the FA Cup second round last weekend with routine victories and both show signs of progress. Wimbledon, who are on a high after defeating League Two leaders Leyton Orient 2-0 at home in midweek, can hold the better-placed Salford.

Away days: Arsenal will be determined to go into the World Cup break as Premier League leaders. They were very impressive in winning 1-0 at Chelsea last Sunday and a repeat of that form will surely see off the challenge of struggling Wolves. Leicester, with wins at Wolves (4-0) and Everton (2-0), look as though they have regained their mojo and I reckon they'll complete a hat-trick of away victories at West Ham. Although Watford's form in the Championship is hard to fathom, I'll be surprised if they slip up at Bristol City, who are in a downward spiral. Portsmouth, fifth in League One, are a confident selection at ailing Morecambe and Barrow, fourth in League Two, should have too much knowhow for Crawley. Wrexham, favourites to become National League champions, are strongly recommended at Wealdstone.

Homes sweet homes: The biggest upset in midweek was Huddersfield, bottom of the Championship, prevailing at Queens Park Rangers. That should give them an enormous boost when they host mid-table Swansea on Saturday. West Brom, also deep in relegation trouble, have given their long-suffering fans some hope with successive wins in the Championship against Blackpool (home) and Queens Park Rangers (away). They are well worth a punt against Stoke, who are erratic at the best of times. Grimsby are below Doncaster in League Two but will fancy themselves, especially after thrashing League One leaders Plymouth 5-1 at home in the FA Cup first round last Saturday.

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

Ten draws: Everton v Leicester, Tottenham v Liverpool, West Ham v Crystal Palace, Stoke v Birmingham, Barrow v Mansfield, Bolton v Barnsley, Chesterfield v Northampton, Maidenhead v Dagenham & Redbridge, Port Vale v Exeter, Hearts v Motherwell.

Best draws: Everton v Leicester, Tottenham v Liverpool, Stoke v Birmingham, Bolton v Barnsley, Chesterfield v Northampton.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Gillingham, Wimbledon, Stirling.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Blackburn, Queens Park Rangers, Swansea, Watford, Burton, Charlton, Crawley, Fleetwood, Solihull, Stockport.

Pick of the draws: Although Leicester are back in the Premier League relegation zone, there were encouraging signs in their performance when losing narrowly at home to Manchester City last Saturday. I believe they'll get a point at Everton, who were hanging on at Fulham last weekend. It's astonishing that we're in November and Liverpool have still to win away from home. They may have to wait a little longer, for they travel to third-placed Tottenham, who have just won two away games on the trot. Birmingham, one of the most improved sides in the Championship, go to Stoke, who will be anxious to reverse their poor home record. It's the FA Cup first round this weekend and Bolton, sixth in League One, host Barnsley, who are eighth in what looks one of the likeliest draws in the competition. Chesterfield, third in the National League, have struck form at just the right time and will not fear Northampton, even though the Cobblers have lost only once away in League Two this season.

Away days: Manchester United have recovered well from their embarrassing 6-3 defeat at Manchester City last month and have a remarkable record at Aston Villa, who crashed 4-0 at Newcastle last Saturday. Premier League leaders Arsenal, who returned to winning ways in impressive style against Nottingham Forest last Sunday, will be aiming for their third consecutive victory at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have been none too convincing. Newcastle are a team on the up and have climbed into the Champions League qualifying positions. I fancy they will make further progress at lowly Southampton on Sunday. I reckon  Gillingham, struggling in League Two, will win their first away game of the season at non-League Fylde in the FA Cup and I strongly recommend Wimbledon at Weymouth, who prop up the National League South. Stirling, the Scottish League Two leaders, seem a sound bet at ailing Albion.

Homes sweet homes: League Two Crawley have enjoyed some good results recently and are worth a punt at home to Accrington, who are hovering just above the League One relegation zone. Solihull, fourth in the National League, are another team who could spring an FA Cup surprise. They entertain Hartlepool, who have only won twice in League Two this season and that was at home. Promoted Stockport are at last adapting to the demands of League Two and could upset the higher-placed and free-scoring Swindon.

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

 Ten draws: Brighton v Chelsea, Fulham v Everton, Hull v Blackburn, Cheltenham v Milton Keynes Dons, Derby v Bristol Rovers, Port Vale v Lincoln, Doncaster v Gillingham, Tranmere v Carlisle, Dundee United v Motherwell, Raith v Partick.

Best draws: Brighton v Chelsea, Fulham v Everton, Hull v Blackburn, Derby v Bristol Rovers, Tranmere v Carlisle.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Watford, Stevenage, Grimsby, Ayr, Edinburgh, Solihull.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Brentford, Liverpool, Luton, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Walsall, Barnet (Friday), Notts County.

Pick of the draws: Brighton have played better than results suggest since the departure of manager Graham Potter to Chelsea and I've a hunch they'll raise their game when Potter returns to the Amex Stadium with fifth-placed Chelsea on Saturday. Fulham are coping well with the demands of top-flight football, as their seventh position indicates, but Everton's display when they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at home last Saturday was their best yet this season and they can take a point away from Craven Cottage. Hull, with two consecutive away victories, have moved away from the Championship relegation zone and are in the mood to give third-placed Blackburn a hard match. Bristol Rovers came from 2-0 down at home to draw 2-2 against League One leaders Plymouth last weekend. If they continue their fine form they should at least leave Derby with something. Tranmere's steady climb up League Two was undermined by a 1-1 home draw against struggling Rochdale in midweek and they could drop more points when Carlisle come visiting on Saturday.

Away days: Watford showed what they are capable of when thrashing fierce rivals Luton 4-0 at home in the Championship last Sunday. They travel to Wigan, who are heading in the opposite direction. Stevenage responded to losing the leadership of League Two by winning 1-0 at Doncaster in midweek. They show no signs of fading and must be fancied at second-from-bottom Colchester. Grimsby suffered a rare away defeat to Barrow in midweek but they should find bottom club Hartlepool easier to deal with. Ayr, the new leaders in the Scottish Championship, are expected to make short work of lowly Arbroath and in Scottish League One, Edinburgh will surely be too strong for hapless Peterhead. Solihull Moors, third in the National League, aren't intimidated when they travel and there's no reason to believe that Gateshead will inconvenience them. 

Homes sweet homes: Brentford host Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday. The Bees have suffered a couple of embarrassing losses recently, being taken apart by first Newcastle and then Aston Villa. However, they should have too much in the tank for a sorry Wolves side. It may be wise to regard Luton's surprising 4-0 collapse at Watford last Sunday as a temporary setback. They still look in better shape than Sunderland, who have fallen into the bottom half of the Championship. I suspect that Portsmouth, who have won only three of their seven League One home fixtures, will go some way to rectifying that when they play Shrewsbury on Saturday.

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

 Ten draws: Wolves v Leicester, Blackburn v Birmingham, Swansea v Cardiff, Watford v Luton, Bristol Rovers v Plymouth, Cambridge v Port Vale, Carlisle v Leyton Orient, Grimsby v Bradford City, Newport v Colchester, Stevenage v Northampton.

Best draws: Blackburn v Birmingham, Swansea v Cardiff, Watford v Luton, Bristol Rovers v Plymouth, Newport v Colchester.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Burnley, Wycombe, Barnsley, Mansfield, York.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Rotherham, Oxford, Rochdale, Salford, Swindon, Falkirk, Southend.

Pick of the draws: Blackburn have had a good three days, winning 2-1 at Middlesbrough on Saturday and beating Sunderland 2-0 at home on Tuesday, but their progress in the Championship may be checked by Birmingham, who have been in fine form themselves, beating Bristol City 3-0 at home and winning 2-0 at Hull last Friday. Swansea v Cardiff looks a cracker of a Welsh derby. Swansea crashed 4-0 at Burnley last weekend but came from 2-0 behind to beat Reading 3-2 at home in midweek. From what I gather, Cardiff were right out of luck when losing at home to bottom club Coventry and will be eager to bounce back. Watford v Luton is another match where the rivalry is fierce. Luton have astounded everybody by challenging for promotion and I'm tipping them to hold Watford. Plymouth are setting a hot pace in League One but might have to settle for a point at Bristol Rovers, who are quickly climbing the table after a stuttering start. Newport v Colchester brings together two League Two strugglers and I'll be surprised if either gets the upper hand.

Away days: It's unlikely that Premier League leaders Arsenal, with nine victories from their first 10 games, will slip up at Southampton, who look to be in for a long, hard winter. Vincent Kompany's Burnley were very impressive when defeating Swansea 4-0 at Turf Moor last Saturday and they can strengthen their Championship promotion credentials with a win at Sunderland, who are dropping too many points. Wycombe were the only League One side to win at home last Saturday - 3-1 against Peterborough. I fancy them to win away this weekend against out of sorts Milton Keynes Dons. High-flying Barnsley were good enough to avoid defeat at Bolton last Saturday, so will start firm favourites at bottom club Morecambe. Mansfield, fourth in League Two, have already won four away matches and I believe they'll make it five at second from last Crawley. York, who are just getting into their stride in the National League, are recommended at Aldershot, who are in the relegation zone.

Homes sweet homes: Leeds gave Arsenal a fright before narrowly losing at Elland Road last weekend and a repeat of that form should see them to victory over Fulham on Sunday. Oxford, of League One, suddenly roused from their slumber by winning 4-2 at Exeter last Saturday. That should give them the confidence to hand out similar treatment to Peterborough, whose hopes of automatic promotion have taken a knock recently. Rochdale, at the wrong end of League Two, won at home for the first time this season when they beat Barrow. I'm backing them to win again when erratic Wimbledon come visiting on Saturday.

Betting info: I scored five out of six aways last weekend with Chelsea, Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Partick all obliging.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 15-16

 Ten draws: Fulham v Bournemouth, Wolves v Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough v Blackburn, Watford v Norwich, Bolton v Barnsley, Cheltenham v Bristol Rovers, Wycombe v Peterborough, Crawley v Newport, Stockport v Grimsby, Kelty Hearts v Clyde.

Best draws: Fulham v Bournemouth, Watford v Norwich, Cheltenham v Bristol Rovers, Wycombe v Peterborough, Stockport v Grimsby.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Chelsea, Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, Dundee United, Partick.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Cardiff, Reading, Sheffield United, Ipswich, Carlisle, Rochdale, Swindon, Queen's Park (Friday), Dunfermline, Elgin.

Pick of the draws: Who would have thought promoted Bournemouth would be in the top half of the Premier League after nine matches? They have not lost since Gary O'Neil was appointed caretaker manager and can maintain their unbeaten run by taking a point at Fulham, who are faltering. Norwich, who lie second in the Championship, were surprisingly beaten 3-2 at home by Preston last Saturday but Watford, their hosts, also had a bad result, losing 3-1 at Blackpool. Signs are that this one will end in stalemate. Consecutive victories by Bristol Rovers over Cambridge (2-1 at home) and Milton Keynes Dons (1-0 away) in League One should serve them well at Cheltenham, who have also moved away from the drop zone. Peterborough climbed back into the play-off positions by dismantling Forest Green 4-1 at home in midweek but Wycombe are well equipped to deny them another three points. Stockport and Grimsby recorded fine wins in League Two last weekend but I've a hunch that both will have to settle for a point after they've faced each other on Saturday.

Away days: Manager Graham Potter is already making a positive difference at Chelsea and they are favourites to get the better of Aston Villa, who continue to disappoint. Another Sunday match-up pits Leeds against in-form Arsenal, who are expected to maintain their leadership of the Premier League. After defeating Cheltenham 3-0 at home in League One last weekend, promotion conscious Sheffield Wednesday will be eager to make their mark at Cambridge, who seem to have lost their way. Plymouth deservedly top the League One table and their journey to relegation-fearing MK Dons shouldn't pose them too many problems. Dundee United have lift-off in the Scottish Premiership, thanks to successive home wins over Aberdeen (4-0) and Hibernian (1-0). I believe they'll add Ross County to their list of victims. Partick, who top the Scottish Championship, are warmly recommended at Hamilton, who crashed 5-0 at Morton last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Carlisle have surprised some League Two opponents recently, including Hartlepool, who were beaten 3-1 at home last Saturday. I suspect the Cumbrians will be too good for Doncaster, who have fallen below them in the table. I predict that Rochdale, second from last, will cause one of the upsets of the day when they play Barrow and register their first home win of the season. A gutsy 1-0 win at Newport last weekend suggested that Rochdale may be over the worst and that Barrow could be the next team to suffer at their hands. I'm backing Dunfermline, second in Scottish League One and convincing 3-0 conquerors at Alloa last weekend, to come out on top against leaders Edinburgh. 

                                                                                                                                                             

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 8-9

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Leicester, Brighton v Tottenham, Birmingham v Bristol City, Millwall v Middlesbrough, Swansea v Sunderland, Oxford v Wycombe, Shrewsbury v Milton Keynes Dons, Barrow v Mansfield, Doncaster v Leyton Orient, Alloa v Dunfermline.

Best draws: Brighton v Tottenham, Swansea v Sunderland, Barrow v Mansfield, Doncaster v Leyton Orient, Alloa v Dunfermline.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Watford, Burnley, Bolton, Ipswich, Aberdeen, Falkirk.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Newcastle, Huddersfield, Norwich, Derby, Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe, Newport.

Pick of the draws: Tottenham were clearly second best when Arsenal ended their unbeaten run in the Premier League at the Emirates last weekend. But Spurs may have better luck at Brighton, who could take a while to adapt to a new manager. Sunderland, after two disappointing home goalless draws in the Championship, need a lift. At least their defence seems reliable, having conceded less than a goal a game, and that should be good enough to earn them a point at Swansea, who won at West Brom last Saturday. Barrow have slipped below their lofty standards in League Two and they'll find it hard to return to winning ways against Mansfield, who are just below them. Leaders Leyton Orient lost for the first time this season at home to Newport last weekend and there's no guarantee they'll bounce straight back at Doncaster. Although Scottish League One leaders Dunfermline conceded two late goals at home to draw 2-2 against bottom club Peterhead last Saturday, I'm taking them to avoid another upset when they visit Alloa.

Away days: Watford, 4-0 winners at Stoke in the Championship last Sunday, must fancy their chances at Blackpool, who are even lower in the table. A late goal deprived Burnley of an away victory at Cardiff last Saturday. They will be determined not to make the same mistake at bottom side Coventry. Bolton's progress in League One was checked when they lost 1-0 at Cheltenham in midweek but I'm tipping them to recover at ailing Forest Green. Second-placed Ipswich have opened a four-point gap between themselves and Sheffield Wednesday, who are third. The Tractor Boys are highly recommended at bottom club Morecambe. Dundee United have been so bad in the Scottish Premiership this season that it would be risky to go against Aberdeen, their visitors on Saturday. I believe Falkirk, fourth in Scottish League One, will be too strong for struggling Peterhead.

Homes sweet homes: Newcastle should really have more Premier League points than the 11 they have gained. I can see them taking all three against Brentford, who have faltered recently. Huddersfield, 23rd in the Championship, did well to draw 3-3 at Luton in midweek and that means they are worth a punt on Sunday when they host Hull, who are sinking like a stone. Crewe v Gillingham, in League Two on Saturday, has the look of a dour, low-scoring affair. Neither of these relegated teams has excited so far this season but home advantage may give Crewe the edge.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 1-2

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v Brentford, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Bristol City v Queens Park Rangers, Rotherham v Wigan, Cambridge v Derby, Cheltenham v Shrewsbury, Wycombe v Plymouth, Swindon v Northampton, Tranmere v Barrow, Hamilton v Dundee.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Brentford, Cheltenham v Shrewsbury, Wycombe v Plymouth, Swindon v Northampton, Tranmere v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Burnley, Barnsley, Peterborough, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Scunthorpe.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Reading, Burton, Ipswich, Wimbledon, Leyton Orient, Mansfield (Friday), Dunfermline, Partick, Notts County.

Pick of the draws: Brentford were well below par when losing 3-0 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League. It's hard to see them playing as poorly again even if they won't have things all their own way at Bournemouth. Shrewsbury, ninth in League One, continue to punch above their weight and will be disappointed with anything less than a point at ailing Cheltenham. Plymouth, the new leaders, are far stronger at home than away, where they have twice lost. That will give hosts Wycombe the encouragement they need. Swindon, who have climbed just outside the League Two play-off places thanks to consecutive away wins, are threatening to give second-placed Northampton a run for their money. Barrow, in fourth position, found leaders Leyton Orient too big a mountain to climb last Saturday but they should share the spoils at mid-table Tranmere.

Away days: Burnley's hard-fought home victory over Bristol City has put them in the Championship promotion mix and they will feel confident of getting three points at Cardiff. Barnsley are raising hopes of making an instant return to the Championship. Having beaten Charlton 3-1 at home last Saturday, the Yorkshiremen will be aiming for a maximum return at Fleetwood. Peterborough arrested their League One slide slide by defeating Port Vale 3-0 at home last weekend and that should put them in a positive mood for their trip to Milton Keynes Dons. Fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday look too strong for Port Vale. Bradford City, who have sneaked into the League Two play-off positions, are recommended at Harrogate, who have only six goals from 10 games. In the National League, Scunthorpe, who came from 2-0 down to beat Dorking 3-2 at home last Saturday, will fancy their chances at bottom club Torquay, who crashed 6-0 at Wrexham.

Homes sweet homes: The north London derby is usually worth watching and I'm going for Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, to end Tottenham's unbeaten run of seven matches in the early afternoon kick-off. Burton, bottom of League One, have not picked a point at home so far this season but I believe that will change when they entertain Forest Green, who are only two places above them and lost 4-0 at home last weekend. Ipswich v Portsmouth (second v third) promises to be one of the matches of the day and I've a hunch that the hosts will shade it. 

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

 Ten draws: Netherlands v Belgium, Czech Republic v Portugal, Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Crewe v Mansfield, Grimsby v Swindon, Newport v Carlisle, Sutton v Salford, Dagenham & Redbridge v Barnet, Clyde v Caemarfon, Cove v Raith. 

Best draws: Netherlands v Belgium, Grimsby v Swindon, Newport v Carlisle, Sutton v Salford, Dagenham & Redbridge v Barnet.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Ukraine, Norway, Turkey, Stirling, Aldershot, Chesterfield.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Spain, Israel, Luxembourg, Moldova, Sheffield Wednesday, Barrow, Hartlepool, Northampton, Stevenage, Bromley.

Pick of the draws: Netherlands v Belgium features two well matched teams facing each other in the latest round of Nations League fixtures. Grimsby, promoted to League Two last season, have drawn all three home games so far and I can see another deadlock when they host Swindon, who have drawn most of their away matches. Carlisle are heading in the right direction, unlike their hosts Newport, who are hovering just above the relegation zone. However, I'm taking Newport to at least halt their run of home defeats. Sutton are two points off the play-off positions but may have to settle for a draw against sixth-placed Salford, who will be eager to make amends for their surprising home loss against Tranmere last Saturday. Dagenham & Redbridge scored four against Altrincham in the National League last weekend but I suspect that Barnet's defence won't be so generous.

Away days: Ukraine, disappointed to have missed out on World Cup qualification, will surely take out their disappointment on Armenia. Norway top their Nations League group and will be expected to beat bottom country Slovenia. Turkey have maximum points from their four matches and are firm favourites to defeat Faroe Islands. Stirling, third in Scottish League Two, should relish their trip to Forfar, having defeated Stranraer 4-1 at home last Saturday. Aldershot's 5-1 home rout of Halifax in the National League last weekend has put them in a healthier frame of mind and I'm backing them to win at bottom club Altrincham. Unbeaten Chesterfield lead the National League on merit and I believe they'll still be in first place after they've visited Maidstone. 

Homes sweet homes: Luxembourg used to be football's whipping boys but not so much now and I think you can rely on them to beat Lithuania. Barrow, second in League Two, are far exceeding expectations and I've a hunch they will end the unbeaten record of leaders Leyton Orient in the match of the division. Teams who sack their manager often win their next game. I reckon this will apply to Hartlepool, second from last in League Two, who will play Gillingham, the side immediately above them, on Saturday. 

Pools info: Dunfermline v Celtic B (No.41 on coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel.

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

 Ten draws: Birmingham v Coventry, Huddersfield v Cardiff, Watford v Sunderland, Wigan v Reading, Cambridge v Barnsley, Portsmouth v Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday v Ipswich, Bradford City v Stevenage, Newport v Barrow, Airdrieonians v Clyde.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Cardiff, Wigan v Reading, Sheffield Wednesday v Ipswich, Bradford City v Stevenage, Newport v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Blackburn, Stoke, Swindon, Celtic, Wrexham.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Everton, Tottenham, Norwich, Bolton, Exeter, Forest Green, Northampton, Stockport, Rangers, Solihull.

Pick of the draws: Struggling Huddersfield are without a manager, having sacked Danny Schofield after losing at home to Wigan, but sheer desperation may be enough for them to get something from their home game against Cardiff, who surprisingly won 3-2 at Middlesbrough in midweek. Wigan, although in the top half, are without a home victory this season and may have to wait a bit longer after playing Reading on Saturday. Even at this early stage, League One leaders Ipswich are firm favourites to go up and capable of taking a point at Sheffield Wednesday, who returned to winning ways at Morecambe in midweek. Bradford City v Stevenage in League Two looks the likeliest draw on the coupon. Second-placed Stevenage have conceded only six goals so far while Bradford City are gradually improving. Barrow's latest triumph - 2-0 at home to Doncaster in midweek - has kept them third but they may have to settle for a point at Newport, who have underperformed so far.

Away days: Manchester City only need a draw to top the Premier League on Saturday but I believe they'll do better than that at goal-shy Wolves. Blackburn's midweek home success against Watford in the Championship ought to do them the power of good and they'll travel to Luton with confidence. Stoke had an even better midweek victory - 3-0 at Hull - and are worth backing at Queens Park Rangers, who are very up and down. Swindon, of League Two, will have noted that Doncaster, their hosts, have suffered  consecutive losses and they could win away for the first time this season. My last two selections should be away bankers. Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic will be odds-on to beat St Mirren on Sunday and  Wrexham, second in the National League, will fancy their chances at Southend.

Homes sweet homes: Everton are still without a win in the Premier League but they've improved lately and can take all three points against West Ham on Sunday. Bolton overtook Peterborough in League One by virtue of their 2-0 win at Milton Keynes Dons in midweek. Meanwhile, Peterborough lost 1-0 at home to Fleetwood. The force is with Bolton, who have moved into the play-off positions. Forest Green climbed clear of the relegation zone by drawing 1-1 at Charlton in midweek. I think they'll move further away from danger when they host second bottom Morecambe on Saturday. 

Pools info: Brighton v Crystal Palace (No.1 on the coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel. 

 

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Brighton, West Ham v Newcastle, Birmingham v Swansea, Blackpool v Middlesbrough, Barnsley v Portsmouth, Shrewsbury v Oxford, Crawley v Gillingham, Mansfield v Bradford City, Walsall v Northampton, Dundee United v Hibernian.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Brighton, West Ham v Newcastle, Blackpool v Middlesbrough, Barnsley v Portsmouth, Crawley v Gillingham.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Brentford, West Brom, Bolton, Leyton Orient, Dumbarton.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Manchester City, Bristol City, Cardiff, Queens Park Rangers, Peterborough, Plymouth, Barrow, Stevenage, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth will have been greatly encouraged by winning at Nottingham Forest last Saturday after being two goals behind at half-time. They will feel more confident about facing Brighton, particularly now that Graham Potter has left Brighton to manage Chelsea. West Ham didn't deserve to lose at Chelsea last weekend and Newcastle, their visitors on Sunday, merited more than a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. I predict a stalemate. Middlesbrough moved out of the Championship relegation zone by beating Sunderland 1-0 at home on Monday. I sense there is more to come from Chris Wilder's side and I believe they'll at least share the spoils with Blackpool. Barnsley's 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday in League One was one of the upsets of last weekend but they will do well to repeat that feat against Portsmouth, who look a decent bet to go up. League Two strugglers Crawley and Gillingham play each other. Crawley did well to draw 2-2 at promotion challengers Salford and Gillingham held on for 80 minutes with 10 men at home to Swindon, who had to settle for a point. 

Away days: Manchester United have followed two consecutive Premier League defeats with four successive victories. The rot has been stopped and I think United will be too strong for Crystal Palace on Sunday. Brentford's strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. They were very impressive in beating Leeds 5-2 at home last Saturday and I'm backing them to defeat Southampton. Too many draws have hampered West Bromwich Albion in the Championship but they have an excellent chance to go one better at bottom club Coventry. League One Bolton, seven goals in their past two games, are highly recommended at lowly Cheltenham. Leyton Orient, the unbeaten League Two leaders, should stay that way after visiting Wimbledon on Saturday while Dumbarton, top of Scottish League Two with maximum points from six fixtures, cannot be overlooked at Stranraer.

Homes sweet homes: Tottenham are Manchester City's bogey side but I'm backing City to overcome their jinx in the Premier League's evening match on Saturday. With Haaland in such devastating goalscoring form, it's increasingly difficult to back against Pep Guardiola's men. Bristol City are the team to watch in the Championship. A 3-2 win at Blackburn last weekend took them up to fourth and I fancy them against goal-shy Preston (just two in eight matches). Although Cardiff find themselves in the bottom three, they are worth a wager at home to Hull, who have lost momentum recently.

Pools info: Tranmere v Stockport (No. 42 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void. A void match is worth two points.

 

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

 Ten draws: Manchester United v Arsenal, Wolves v Southampton, Rotherham v Watford, Bolton v Charlton, Exeter v MK Dons, Forest Green v Shrewsbury, Colchester v Hartlepool, Gillingham v Swindon, Northampton v Barrow, St Johnstone v St Mirren.

Best draws: Rotherham v Watford, Exeter v MK Dons, Forest Green v Shrewsbury, Colchester v Hartlepool, St Johnstone v St Mirren.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers, Aberdeen, Barnet, Wrexham.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Norwich, Preston, Port Vale, Carlisle, Salford, Sutton, Motherwell, Southend.

Pick of the draws: Although Watford are in good shape to make a quick return to the Premier League, they will have their work cut out at Rotherham, who have also made a good start to the Championship season. League One Exeter have suffered a blip recently. Not so their visitors, MK Dons, who are rapidly climbing the table and knocked Watford out of the League Cup. Forest Green, thrashed 5-0 at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday, are struggling near the foot of the division and may not have enough to overcome the challenge of Shrewsbury. Hartlepool, second from last in League Two, made table-topping Leyton Orient work hard for their 4-2 victory last weekend and I fancy them to hold Colchester, who are also in trouble. St Johnstone played well despite losing 3-2 at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership last Sunday and should at least take a point off St Mirren.

Away days: Going behind doesn't seem to bother Manchester City in the slightest and it's hard to see them being inconvenienced by Aston Villa, who are just not clicking at the moment. Sheffield United moved to the top of the Championship by beating Reading 4-0 at home in midweek and are recommended to win again at Hull. Consecutive successes over Watford (away) and Hull (home) have changed the mood at Queens Park Rangers and I believe they'll make it a hat-trick of triumphs at ailing Swansea. Aberdeen, 5-0 home winners over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, are a confident selection at lowly Ross County. Barnet have got off to a flyer in the National League and should be backed at bottom club Aldershot while Wrexham will want to show their promotion credentials by winning at Dorking.

Homes sweet homes: Brentford are playing better than their Premier League placing suggests and they are worth a wager against high-flying Leeds. Preston, after seven matches, have still to concede a goal in the Championship. It's difficult to see that changing when they host Birmingham, who are really struggling. Mind you, Preston would be higher in the table if they hadn't been involved in so many goalless draws - five to date. Although Port Vale's League One form is nothing to write home about, they look to have the measure of Cheltenham, who are in the relegation zone.

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

 Ten draws: Brighton v Leeds, Blackpool v Bristol City, Millwall v Reading, Derby v Peterborough, Morecambe v MK Dons, Port Vale v Portsmouth, Wycombe v Charlton, Wimbledon v Barrow, Northampton v Doncaster, Salford v Stevenage.

Best draws: Brighton v Leeds, Derby v Peterborough, Wycombe v Charlton, Wimbledon v Barrow, Salford v Stevenage.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Burnley, Newport, Crawley, Swindon, Celtic, Notts County.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Watford, Cambridge, Ipswich, Bradford City, Leyton Orient, Rangers, Bromley.

Pick of the draws: Who would have thought that Brighton and Leeds would be unbeaten after their opening three matches and in the top five of the Premier League? Strange things happen at the start of the season and after Saturday's game I believe that both teams will remain undefeated. Second-placed Peterborough, favourites for an instant return to the Championship, won't have things all their own way at Derby, who knocked West Brom out of the League Cup in midweek. Wycombe halted their League One slide with a convincing 3-0 victory at Barnsley last Saturday but I think they'll find Charlton tougher opposition. Barrow, third in League Two, are probably the surprise packet of the season so far and can come away from Wimbledon with a point. The rise of Stevenage, who have climbed to second, is almost as unexpected. They specialise in scoring late goals and netted another when beating League One Peterborough at home in the League Cup. I fancy them to halt Salford.

Away days: Although relegated Burnley have not set the Championship alight, I believe they are due a change of fortune and could get it at Wigan. In League Two, Newport will be feeling much better after beating Portsmouth at home in the League Cup. They also won in the league last Saturday and can make it a hat-trick at Harrogate. Crawley, who are second from bottom, will have an extra spring in their step after their League Cup giant-killing against Fulham and are recommended at Rochdale, who are still pointless. Swindon are moving through the gears and are worth a punt at Stockport, who are struggling to adapt to life in a higher division. Scottish Premiership table-toppers Celtic look an away banker at ailing Dundee United while Notts County, of the National League, will travel to bottom side Halifax with confidence.

Homes sweet homes: I reckon that Watford's surprising League Cup home loss to lowly MK Dons, of League One, was only a blip and they'll return to winning ways in the Championship when Queens Park Rangers visit on Saturday. Bradford City, 11th in League Two, are capable of much better and should gain three points against a Crewe side who are depleted by injuries to key players. National League Bromley are on the up and will fancy themselves against Scunthorpe, who are travelling in the opposite direction. 

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

 Ten draws: Preston v Watford, Sheffield United v Blackburn, Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday, Burton v Port Vale, Fleetwood v Derby, MK Dons v Accrington, Colchester v Leyton Orient, Doncaster v Salford, Newport v Tranmere, Edinburgh v Falkirk.

Best draws: Preston v Watford, Sheffield United v Blackburn, Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester v Leyton Orient, Newport v Tranmere.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Ipswich, Bradford City, Dunfermline, Dumbarton.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leicester, Tottenham, West Brom, Charlton, Exeter, Oxford, Grimsby, Swindon, Celtic, Airdrieonians.

Pick of the draws: Watford extended their unbeaten start to the season in the Championship with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham in midweek. Another draw looks on the cards at Preston, who have yet to concede after four matches. Blackburn, the surprise but merited Championship leaders, crashed 3-0 at Reading in midweek. I'm expecting a positive reaction on Saturday at Sheffield United, who have just beaten Sunderland at home. A narrow home victory over Morecambe in midweek put Bolton in the League One play-off positions but they will probably find Sheffield Wednesday a tougher test. Colchester, of League Two, are better than their match facts suggest and to prove it they defeated Bradford City at home in midweek. On that evidence they'll give second-placed Leyton Orient a run for their money. 

Away days: Arsenal are one of only two sides to have gained maximum points from their opening two  Premier League fixtures. An away trip to newly promoted Bournemouth gives them a great opportunity to register three wins in a row. Middlesbrough have yet to click in the Championship this season but their match at Reading on Saturday would be a good place to start. Ipswich, the early front-runners in League One, are recommended at Shrewsbury. League Two Bradford City, under manager Mark Hughes, continue to disappoint. They lost to a late goal at Colchester in midweek but will be more hopeful of returning with three points from struggling Hartlepool. 

Homes sweet homes: Leicester are no great shakes these days but they seem in better shape than their visitors Southampton, who creak at the back - four conceded at Tottenham on the first Premier League weekend of the season and two more in the home game against Leeds last Saturday. Put your money on a home win. West Bromwich Albion have played better than their lowly Championship position suggests and are worth backing against Hull, who surprisingly find themselves challenging the leaders. Torrential rain caused Grimsby's League Two home fixture against Carlisle to be abandoned in midweek but the promoted team have shown enough zest to be confident of defeating Sutton, who have made a subdued start to the campaign. 

Pools info: Coventry v Huddersfield (No.8 on coupon) has been postponed and will be judged by the pools panel. 

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

Ten draws: Wolves v Fulham, Luton v Preston, Millwall v Coventry, Rotherham v Reading, Cambridge v Exeter, Derby v Barnsley, Lincoln v Forest Green, Wimbledon v Doncaster, Sutton v Barrow, St Mirren v Ross.

Best draws: Wolves v Fulham, Luton v Preston, Cambridge v Exeter, Lincoln v Forest Green, Sutton v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Norwich, Fleetwood, Bolton, Gillingham, Airdrieonians, Scunthorpe.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Brighton, Manchester City, Wigan, Accrington, Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton, Walsall, Dunfermline, Halifax.

Pick of the draws: Wolves have lost one of their best players in Conor Coady and promoted Fulham, who held Liverpool to a 2-2 home draw in the Premier League last Saturday, can take advantage of his absence. Championship side Preston sprang to life when they won 4-1 at Huddersfield in the League Cup in midweek. At the same time, Luton, their opponents on Saturday, were knocked out by Newport, of League Two, and are still awaiting their first victory of the season. League One Exeter, 11 goals in their past two matches, look unstoppable but it would be foolish to underestimate Cambridge, who last week defeated Millwall in the League Cup. Lincoln held Portsmouth to a draw at Fratton Park last weekend before beating Doncaster 3-0 away in the League Cup. They won't be fazed by the visit of Forest Green. League Two Barrow, three wins from three games, are the surprise package of the season so far and I fancy them to extend their unbeaten start at Sutton. 

Away days: Relegated Norwich have failed to impress so far but they can get their Championship season up and running at Hull, who lost at League Two Bradford City in the midweek League Cup. Fleetwood, of League One, have defeated Plymouth and Wigan in their past two matches and I believe they'll make it three consecutive victories at Morecambe. Bolton, eight goals in their past two fixtures, have sent out a message and will probably be too strong for promoted Port Vale. Gillingham's 2-0 win at Wimbledon in the League Cup may be a turning point for them and I can see the Gills coming away from Tranmere with three points. Airdrieonians, top of Scottish League One and 4-0 home winners over Falkirk, look a sure thing at Queen of the South while Scunthorpe, who have dropped into the National League, are recommended at Maidenhead, who were well beaten at Notts County last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Manager Graham Potter continues to extract the maximum out of Brighton. Having won 2-1 at Manchester United last weekend, they can get the better of rejuvenated Newcastle. Walsall's top-of-the table placing in League Two is well deserved. On Saturday they host Stevenage, who have also won their opening three games. I believe ground advantage will be the crucial factor here. Halifax, of the National League, wouldn't have expected to lose 2-0 at Barnet on their opening weekend of the season but I'm tipping them to put things right against Torquay.

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

 Ten draws: Leeds v Wolves, Leicester v Brentford, Bristol City v Sunderland, Swansea v Blackburn, Bolton v Wycombe, Exeter v Port Vale, Shrewsbury v Accrington, Colchester v Carlisle, Newport v Walsall, Hibernian v Hearts.

Best draws: Leicester v Brentford, Swansea v Blackburn, Bolton v Wycombe, Exeter v Port Vale, Newport v Walsall.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Northampton, Wimbledon.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham, Burnley, Coventry, Barnsley, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Doncaster, Mansfield.

Pick of the draws: Leicester will want to improve on last season's Premier League showing but there's no guarantee they'll beat Brentford, who have a habit of upsetting the odds. Championship club Blackburn, with a new manager in charge, could be in the promotion mix this campaign and I fancy them to get something at Swansea. Wycombe are on top of League One after their emphatic 3-0 home win over Burton last Saturday and I believe they'll come away from Bolton with a point. Two promoted sides, Exeter and Port Vale, face each other in League One. They both had good results last weekend - Exeter drawing at Lincoln and Port Vale beating Fleetwood - and deadlock looks the likeliest outcome. Walsall, early leaders of League Two, got off to a flyer by thrashing Hartlepool last Saturday and can hold Newport.

Away days: Aston Villa will be disappointed if they don't defeat promoted Bournemouth, who are favourites to go straight back down to the Championship. Liverpool showed in last Saturday's Community Shield victory over Manchester City that their intensity hasn't dropped and are expected to gain maximum points at Fulham, last season's Championship champions. Bristol Rovers, promoted to League One, will be eager to make amends for last weekend's home defeat against Forest Green and I recommend them at Burton. In League Two, Leyton Orient look as if they could go places this season and are tipped to win at Crawley. Northampton, who were desperately unlucky not to be promoted, appear to have the measure of Football League newcomers Grimsby. Wimbledon, 2-0 home winners over Gillingham on the opening day, should relish a trip to Hartlepool.

Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Everton, although beset by problems in the close season, will cause an upset against Chelsea. Everton manager Frank Lampard will be especially keen to put one over the club that he played for and managed. Doncaster, of League Two, did very well to force a goalless draw with 10 men at Bradford City last Saturday and will have the confidence to send Sutton home pointless. Despite Mansfield losing 2-0 at Salford, there were a lot of positives and I'm backing them to gain their first win of the season against Tranmere, who went down 2-1 at home to Stevenage.

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

 Ten draws: Hull v Bristol City, Millwall v Stoke, Wigan v Preston, Morecambe v Shrewsbury, Plymouth v Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday v Portsmouth, Wimbledon v Portsmouth, Salford v Mansfield, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Dunfermline v Alloa.

Best draws: Millwall v Stoke, Plymouth v Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday v Portsmouth, Wimbledon v Gillingham, Salford v Mansfield.

Best weekend bets: Six aways: Norwich, Swansea, MK Dons, Peterborough, Swindon, Arbroath.

Best weekend bets: Ten homes: Blackpool, Luton, Sunderland, Lincoln, Wycombe, Bradford City, Leyton Orient, Northampton, Stockport, Walsall.

Pick of the draws: Millwall v Stoke is not the most attractive fixture to start the football season. These two Championship sides don't give much away and this has stalemate written all over it. Plymouth, who were unlucky not to make the League One play-offs last season, host relegated Barnsley, who should be strengthened by the appointment of former Cheltenham boss Michael Duff as manager. I expect Portsmouth to do better this season but they may have to settle for a point at Sheffield Wednesday, who finished above them. There was little to choose between Wimbledon and Gillingham, who were both relegated to League Two, and I suspect it will be a similar story on Saturday. Mansfield are one of my fancies for promotion but they have a tricky task at Salford, who were disappointed to end up outside the play-off places last season.

Away days: Norwich went out of the Premier League with barely a whimper but they are much more at home in the Championship and I think they'll start their campaign with a win at Cardiff. I believe Swansea, who underperformed last season, will have too much for promoted Rotherham. MK Dons will probably be in the League One promotion mix again and are worth backing at Cambridge. Relegated Peterborough will want to put last season's pain behind them and I rate their chances at Cheltenham. Swindon were the League Two away specialists last season and I tip them to return from Harrogate with three points. Arbroath, so close to being promoted to the Scottish Premiership last season, look good for a maximum haul at Ayr in the Scottish Championship.

Homes sweet homes: Sunderland have at last escaped from League One and I reckon they'll celebrate the fact by beating Coventry in Sunday's Championship fixture. There will be pressure on League Two Bradford City to improve on last season when they failed to make the top half of the table and they are worth a wager against relegated Doncaster. Another League Two side worth following are Stockport, last season's National League champions. They are recommended against Barrow, who battled against relegation for most of last term.

Pools tips and best bets for the weekend of May 21-22

Ten draws: Burnley v Newcastle, Granada v Espanyol, Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid, Valencia v Celta Vigo, Fiorentina v Juventus, Angers v Montpellier, Lorient v Troyes, Club Brugge v Anderlecht, KV Mechelen v Genk, Veje Boldklub v Odense.

Best draws: Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid, Valencia v Celta Vigo, Fiorentina v Juventus, Angers v Montpellier, Lorient v Troyes.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Tottenham, Cadiz, AC Milan, Napoli, Lyon.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sunderland, Rangers, Inter Milan, Paris St Germain.

Pick of the draws: Real Sociedad recovered from a goal down to win at Villarreal in the Spanish League last Sunday and can hold the higher-placed Atletico Madrid. Valencia v Celta Vigo is a mid-table clash and I can't see either side getting the upper hand. Juventus have been left behind by the two Milan teams in this season's Italian League and their task at Fiorentina is unlikely to be straightforward. In the French League, Angers and Montpellier both lost last weekend and I'm tipping them to end their mediocre campaign with a stalemate. Lorient's goalless draw at bottom club Bordeaux meant that they escaped relegation and I believe they'll end the season with another deadlock, this time against Troyes, who are only two places above them.

Away days: I've a hunch that Manchester United will end a deeply disappointing season by beating Crystal Palace on Sunday. Apart from anything else, they will want to show their new manager what they are capable of when their individuals click as a team. Thanks to Arsenal's implosion, all Tottenham have to do to qualify for the Champions League is to avoid defeat at bottom-of-the table Norwich on Sunday. I think they'll go one better and finish the Premier League season with three consecutive wins. Cadiz drew with Champions League finalists Real Madrid in the Spanish League last Sunday, so you have to fancy them at relegated Alaves. AC Milan will clinch the Italian title with victory at Sassuolo and third-placed Napoli are recommended at Spezia. Lyon, eighth in the French League, should come away with maximum points at Clermont Foot, who are 15th.

Homes sweet homes: Finishing in the top half of the Premier League is within Brighton's grasp and I believe they'll take that opportunity against West Ham, even though the Hammers held title-seeking Manchester City to a draw last weekend. Leicester were at their best when demolishing relegated Watford 5-1 away last Sunday and I'm tipping them to repeat that form against Southampton, who are ending the season on a downer. It's the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday and I'm going for Sunderland to gain a long-awaited promotion by defeating Wycombe. 

Pools info (Part 1): Real Madrid v Real Betis (No.17 on coupon), Rayo Vallecano v Levante (19) and Torino v Roma (30) are being played on Friday and are therefore void. 

Pools info (Part 2): Five of my ten draws were correct last weekend as well as three of my five best draws: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (1-1), Aberdeen v St Mirren (0-0) and Bordeaux v Lorient (0-0). 

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

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace, Leeds v Brighton, Aberdeen v St Mirren, Altrincham v Yeovil, Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors, Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna, Bologna v Sassuolo, Mainz v Entracht Frankfurt, Bordeaux v Lorient, Lyon v Nantes.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace, Aberdeen v St Mirren, Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors, Bologna v Sassuolo, Bordeaux v Lorient.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Leicester, Manchester City, Liverpool, Wrexham, Grimsby, Rangers.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Everton, Tottenham, Wolves, Barnet, Chesterfield, Dover, Stockport, Celtic, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace, with consecutive victories over Southampton (2-1 away) and Watford (1-0 at home), have a good chance of finishing in the top half of the Premier League. They have no need to fear a trip to Aston Villa, who have lost more at home than they have won. Aberdeen have disappointed in the Scottish Premiership and won't feel confident of beating St Mirren. Boreham Wood's recovery from their startling slump has come too late for them to make the National League play-offs but they can take a point from Solihull Moors, who have booked their play-off place. Bologna lost 4-3 at Venezia, who are bottom of the Italian League, last weekend, so cannot be guaranteed to beat the better-placed Sassuolo. Bordeaux, bottom of the French League, crashed 4-1 at Angers last weekend and play Lorient, who are only seven points better off.

Away days: Although Leicester have underperformed this season, they should be too strong for Watford, whose relegation to the Championship has been confirmed. Title-chasing Manchester City could have had easier opponents than West Ham on Sunday but I believe this is another hurdle they will overcome. I'm tipping Liverpool to add the FA Cup to their League Cup trophy when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Chelsea made Liverpool work hard for their League Cup final victory but off-the-field issues have unsettled them. Wrexham, seeking automatic promotion from the National League, know that nothing less than three points will do at Dagenham & Redbridge and I think they will get them. Grimsby, who are in the play-offs, have had a better second half to the season and are recommended at lowly Eastleigh. Rangers may have one eye on next Wednesday's Europa League final but I still rate their chances at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Goodison Park looks like being Everton's saviour in their struggle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Recent 1-0 home wins over Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea have boosted their hopes of staying up and I'm tipping them to defeat Brentford on Sunday. Barnet, of the National League, are eager to end a depressing season on a positive note and they are worth a punt against Bromley, who are ending the campaign with a whimper. Two relegated clubs, Dover and Weymouth, face each other. Dover have been in better form lately and I reckon they'll come out on top. 

 

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Aston Villa, Leicester v Everton, Birmingham v Blackburn, Sheffield United v Fulham, Stoke v Coventry, Mansfield v Forest Green, Oldham v Crawley, Stevenage v Salford, Torquay v Chesterfield, Woking v Eastleigh.

Best draws: Burnley v Aston Villa, Leicester v Everton, Birmingham v Blackburn, Mansfield v Forest Green, Stevenage v Salford.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Nottingham Forest, Blackpool, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Swindon, Barnet.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Derby, Luton, West Brom, Bradford City, Bristol Rovers, Harrogate, Newport.

Pick of the draws: Burnley's exciting charge towards Premier League safety may be checked by Aston Villa, who have underperformed this season but have kept clean sheets in their past two matches. Everton's terrible away record is the main reason they are fighting relegation. However, they could get something from Sunday's trip to Leicester, who may suffer an adverse reaction after losing to Roma in the Europa Conference League semi-finals. Birmingham would almost certainly have been relegated from the Championship except for the points deductions to Derby and Reading. As they host Blackburn, who have blown the chance of reaching the play-offs, these are two dispirited sides with little to play for. Forest Green, already promoted, will probably need to win their final game to become League Two champions but I can't see them doing it at Mansfield, who have an outside chance of automatic promotion. The mood at Stevenage, who have avoided the drop into the National League, will be much more relaxed and it won't surprise me if they hold Salford, who have missed out on the play-offs.

Away days: Nottingham Forest, third in the table, are in pole position in the Championship play-offs. I think they'll make a quick recovery from their midweek defeat at Bournemouth and beat Hull. Blackpool's 2-0 home loss against relegated Derby last weekend was surprising and they won't want to make the same mistake at Peterborough, who also drop into League One. Middlesbrough have regained their mojo and will be disappointed with anything less than three points at Preston. Northampton know that victory at lowly Barrow will virtually guarantee them promotion to League One and I'll be surprised if they don't achieve it. I believe Swindon's marvellous away record (12 wins) will clinch them a League Two play-off place at Walsall. Although they have suffered in the National League this season, Barnet are worth backing at Weymouth, who have done even worse and are going down.

Homes sweet homes: Derby may be down from the Championship but they are far from out and after winning at Blackpool last weekend they are worth a wager against Cardiff, who have disappointed. That 4-1 victory in League Two at Sutton last Saturday was Bradford City's best display so far under Mark Hughes and I'm tipping them to again come out on top against Carlisle. Harrogate's 3-1 win at promoted Forest Green was one of the upsets of last weekend and will encourage them when they take on Sutton at home.

Tipping info: I scored six out of six with my away selections last weekend. Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Sunderland, Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers all obliged.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 30-May 1

 Ten draws: Southampton v Crystal Palace, Wolves v Brighton, Blackburn v Bournemouth, Coventry v Huddersfield, Reading v West Brom, Cambridge v Cheltenham, Lincoln v Crewe, Northampton v Exeter, Scunthorpe v Hartlepool, Alloa v Montrose.

Best draws: Southampton v Crystal Palace, Wolves v Brighton, Reading v West Brom, Lincoln v Crewe, Scunthorpe v Hartlepool.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Sunderland, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Tottenham, Watford, Blackpool, Millwall, Wimbledon, Gillingham, Oxford, Swindon, Tranmere.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace's Premier League form has dipped since their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea but they should still get something from their trip to Southampton, who have also tailed off. As Brighton have recently won at Arsenal (2-1) and Tottenham (1-0), there's no need for them to fear a visit to Wolves, who are not scoring enough, having averaged only a goal a game. Reading are relieved to have avoided relegation from the Championship. They host mid-table West Brom, who have had a bitterly disappointing season but look good for at least one point on Saturday. Relegated Crewe are just playing for pride as the League One campaign ends this weekend but I've a feeling they'll escape defeat at Lincoln, whose home record is poor. Scunthorpe, relegated from League Two after finishing bottom, will be keen to end a wretched season on a positive note and I believe they'll hold Hartlepool, who have little to play for.

Away days: With Liverpool breathing down their necks in the Premier League title chase, Manchester City cannot afford to drop any points. I think they'll get a maximum haul at Leeds, who are not yet safe from the drop. Liverpool are looking invincible and must be fancied at Newcastle, even though the Geordies have won their past six home matches and manager Eddie Howe has worked miracles. Victories over Chelsea (away) and Manchester United (home) have restored Arsenal's confidence and on Sunday they  face a West Ham team who will probably have a Europa League semi-final on their minds. Sunderland will be determined to make sure of a League One play-off place in their final fixture of the regular season and I can't see them slipping up at lowly Morecambe. Consecutive away defeats at Mansfield (2-0) and Sutton (3-0) have abruptly halted Crawley's progress in League Two and a much improved Leyton Orient can take advantage. Bristol Rovers are well placed to qualify for the play-offs and victory at Rochdale will almost guarantee that.

Homes sweet homes: The momentum is with Burnley in the fight to stay in the Premier League but I suspect there will be a few more twists before the end of the season. On Saturday, Burnley visit Watford, who appear doomed to relegation but I've a hunch Roy Hodgson's players will spring a surprise and gain a rare home win. Although Wimbledon are effectively down from League One, they have an opportunity to sign off with a victory against Accrington, who are not half as good on their travels. The upset of the weekend could be at Gillingham, who host Rotherham. A draw may be enough to save the Gills from relegation to League Two but I'm tipping them to get maximum points against Rotherham, who, after leading the table for so long, are in danger of missing out on automatic promotion. 

 

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

Ten draws: Brentford v Tottenham, Leicester v Aston Villa, Hull v Reading, West Brom v Coventry, Accrington v Lincoln, Cheltenham v Bolton, Barrow v Sutton, Harrogate v Carlisle, Leyton Orient v Northampton, Aberdeen v Livingston.

Best draws: Brentford v Tottenham, Hull v Reading, Accrington v Lincoln, Barrow v Sutton, Leyton Orient v Northampton.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Newcastle, Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Burton, Salford, Port Vale.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Derby, Sheffield United, Fleetwood, Milton Keynes Dons, Bradford City, Exeter, Notts County.

Pick of the draws: Tottenham will be eager to make up for last Saturday's home lapse against Brighton but they meet a Brentford side in fine form and with an opportunity of climbing into the top half of the Premier League. I expect Reading to move nearer safety in the Championship by taking a point at Hull. Reading will be encouraged by their fightback at home to Swansea last Monday, coming from 4-1 down to draw 4-4. Lincoln, in League One, are playing better now the pressure is off. They beat Cheltenham 3-0 at home last Monday and I fancy they'll hold mid-table Accrington. A 4-0 home victory over leaders Forest Green and a 2-2 draw at Salford suggest that Barrow, scrapping to avoid relegation from League Two, have woken up in the nick of time. I believe they'll make life difficult for promotion-seeking Sutton. Leyton Orient's rapid improvement also cannot be ignored and it's given them a fighting chance against  Northampton, who are just outside the automatic promotion places.

Away days: Manager Eddie Howe has turned around the Premier League fortunes of Newcastle, for whom the threat of relegation is a distant memory. I'm tipping them to take maximum points at Norwich, who, in contrast, look certain to drop down to the Championship. Millwall are the dark horses aiming for promotion to the top flight and appear far too strong for Birmingham, who have conceded 10 goals in their past two fixtures. Nottingham Forest, still in the hunt for automatic promotion, have that away banker look at Peterborough, who are virtually down. In League One, Burton, surprise 2-0 home winners over high-flying Rotherham in midweek, will travel to second bottom Doncaster with confidence. Salford, ninth in League Two, will start firm favourites at second bottom Oldham while Port Vale, who are third, lost 3-1 at home to Bristol Rovers last Monday but are capable of returning to winning ways at Walsall.

Homes sweet homes: Because Fulham finally clinched promotion to the Premier League by beating Preston 3-0 at Craven Cottage in midweek, they may take their foot off the pedal at Bournemouth, who are well placed to go up with them. The Cherries played their best football this season to win 3-0 at Coventry last Monday. Although Derby's relegation to League One has been confirmed, it doesn't seem to have adversely affected their spirit and they are worth backing against the consistently mediocre Bristol City. Whoever wins the Fleetwood-Wimbledon game on Saturday will probably avoid relegation to League Two. As Fleetwood are in slightly better form I'm siding with them.

Pools tips and best bets for Easter weekend (April 15,16,17)

 Ten draws: Manchester City v Liverpool, Newcastle v Leicester, Dunfermline v Ayr, Partick v Raith, East Fife v Falkirk, Stranraer v Kelty Hearts, Sevilla v Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen v RB Leipzig, Borussia Monchengladbach v FC Cologne, Montpellier v Reims.

Best draws: Manchester City v Liverpool, Newcastle v Leicester, Partick v Raith, Stranraer v Kelty Hearts, Sevilla v Real Madrid.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Brentford, Coventry (Friday), Fulham (Friday), Bolton (Friday), Montrose, Edinburgh City.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Manchester United, Huddersfield (Friday), Swansea (Friday), Crewe (Friday), Wigan, Hearts, Celtic (Sunday), Exeter (Friday), Leyton Orient (Friday), Maidenhead (Friday).

Pick of the draws: Manchester City and Liverpool, the Premier League's top two, have drawn twice when playing each other this season and I think it will take extra time and possibly penalties to separate them in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. Leicester, who have moved into the top half, can come away with a point at Newcastle, whose 1-0 home win over Wolves last Friday virtually guaranteed their safety. Raith, fifth in the Scottish Championship, do better away from home and I fancy them to hold Partick, who are just above them. In Scottish League Two, Stranraer, 5-0 winners at Albion last Saturday, can, like Stirling last weekend, halt the progress of clear leaders Kelty Hearts. Real Madrid, the runaway Spanish League leaders, were tested to the limit by Chelsea when taken to extra time in their midweek Champions League quarter-final and may have to settle for a draw at Sevilla on Sunday.

Away days: Brentford have beaten West Ham (2-0, home) and Chelsea (4-1, away) in their past two Premier League matches, so they might not be too inconvenienced at second-from-bottom Watford, who have already lost 12 home games this season. A repeat of the way Coventry played when winning 3-1 at Championship leaders Fulham last Sunday will probably reward them with maximum points at Birmingham. Fulham will want to get straight back in the saddle after that shock result and they visit Derby, who seem doomed to relegation. Bolton, 11th in League One, are expected to increase Doncaster's worries near the foot of the table. Montrose, of Scottish League One, should confirm their superiority over Clyde and Edinburgh, in Scottish League Two, are tipped to do likewise at basement club Cowdenbeath.

Homes sweet homes: Crewe's relegation from League One was confirmed last weekend - hardly surprising after losing 15 of their last 16 matches - but a change of manager this week may bring a change of luck and they are worth a punt against Wimbledon, who could also go down. It's Scottish Cup semi-final weekend. Hearts, third in the Scottish Premiership, defeated Hibernian 3-1 in the Edinburgh derby last Saturday and I believe they'll prevail again. Celtic are six points clear of Rangers at the top of the table, having won at Ibrox two weeks ago, and I'm tipping them to come out on top again on Sunday against their fierce Glaswegian rivals.

Pools info: I got six draws out of ten last weekend and three of my five best draws were correct: Gillingham 1 Wycombe 1; Tranmere 1 Bristol Rovers 1 and Montrose 2 Airdrieonians 2.

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

Ten draws: Preston v Queens Park Rangers, West Brom v Stoke, Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster v Crewe, Gillingham v Wycombe, Shrewsbury v Ipswich, Carlisle v Exeter, Tranmere v Bristol Rovers, Dumbarton v Peterhead, Montrose v Airdrieonians. 

Best draws: West Brom v Stoke, Gillingham v Wycombe, Carlisle v Exeter, Tranmere v Bristol Rovers, Montrose v Airdrieonians. 

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Tottenham, Plymouth, Wigan, Mansfield, Cove, Grimsby.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Manchester City, Watford, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Rotherham, Forest Green, Stockport, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: West Brom and Stoke, who play at The Hawthorns on Saturday, have had desperately disappointing seasons in the Championship and the odds on a stalemate must be fairly short. Wycombe improved their League One promotion prospects with a fine 4-1 win at Cambridge in midweek but Gillingham, their hosts, were only beaten in the last minute at Sunderland last weekend and are making a good fist of trying to avoid relegation. Exeter, having won 1-0 at Newport last Saturday, are a decent bet for automatic promotion from League Two but may not have things all their own way at Carlisle, whose recent form is just as encouraging. Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers have come from nowhere to join the hunt for promotion and I'm tipping them to hold Tranmere, a team they have just overtaken. Airdrieonians, one of the high-flyers in Scottish League One, to share the spoils at Montrose.

Away days: Tottenham, who moved into fourth place in the Premier League after a 5-1 home rout of Newcastle last Sunday, are clicking at just the right time and will be confident of prevailing at Aston Villa, where they nearly always do well. By contrast, Villa are on the crest of a slump. On-form Plymouth, fourth in League One, are recommended at Burton, who have little to play for except pride while Wigan, the new leaders after beating Accrington 3-0 at home in midweek, should have too much for Lincoln. Nigel Clough's Mansfield, seeking promotion from League Two, are surely an away banker at bottom side Scunthorpe. Cove, the Scottish League One leaders, seem a good thing at Falkirk, who have faded. Grimsby, on the back of an outstanding 4-1 victory at Chesterfield in the National League last Saturday, are a confident selection at ailing Weymouth. 

Homes sweet homes: Manchester City v Liverpool is a clash of the Premier League giants on Sunday. Although Liverpool, one point behind City from the same number of games, have been the more impressive lately, I've a hunch that Pep Guardiola's players will make the most of ground advantage and come out on top. Nothing more than a win for relegation-threatened Watford will do on Saturday. They gave Liverpool a few scares before losing 2-0 at Anfield last week and they are worth a wager against Leeds. Reading's fortunes in the Championship have improved since Paul Ince was appointed interim manager. They now look likely to avoid relegation and I believe they'll get another three points when they host Cardiff. 

Pools info: Five of my six away selections were correct last weekend: Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Fleetwood, Port Vale and Airdrieonians.

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

Ten draws: Wolves v Aston Villa, Cardiff v Swansea, Queens Park Rangers v Fulham, Morecambe v Burton, Plymouth v Oxford, Bristol Rovers v Bradford City, Newport v Exeter, St Johnstone v Livingston, Albion v Elgin, Stranraer v Forfar.

Best draws: Wolves v Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers v Fulham, Morecambe v Burton, Bristol Rovers v Bradford City, Albion v Elgin.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Fleetwood, Port Vale, Airdrieonians, King's Lynn.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Chelsea, Leeds, Bournemouth, Coventry, Sunderland, Wycombe, Forest Green, Tranmere, Dundee, Solihull.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa are the only Premier League side not to have drawn away this season. I've a hunch that will change on Saturday when they visit Wolves, who are one place above them. Both teams are striving for consistency. Poor recent results have led to Queens Park Rangers falling out of the Championship play-off positions. They will be anxious to rectify that against runaway leaders Fulham, who were held at relegation-threatened Barnsley earlier this month. Although Morecambe are in the League One relegation zone, they should get something from the visit of Burton, whose away form is indifferent. League Two Bradford City are better away from home, having won at leaders Forest Green and Hartlepool (both 2-0) recently. Don't be surprised if they deny high-flyers Bristol Rovers victory. Albion and Elgin, at the wrong end of Scottish League Two, came up trumps last Saturday, Albion beating Annan away 4-2 and Elgin beating Edinburgh 2-0 at home. Deadlock is the likeliest result.

Away days: With Liverpool breathing down their neck, Manchester City know that nothing less than victory at Burnley will do. As Burnley have won only twice at home this season, I can't see anything other than three points for Man City. Middlesbrough, just outside the Championship play-off places, will want to convert some of those away draws into wins and they have an excellent chance of doing that at second from bottom Peterborough. Fleetwood, one place above the League One drop zone, will start favourites at bottom club Crewe, who this season always find a way to lose. It's incredibly tight near the top of League Two and Port Vale can boost their claims for automatic promotion with maximum points at struggling Barrow. In Scottish League One, Airdrieonians, minutes away from defeating leaders Cove Rangers last weekend, should have better luck against bottom side East Fife. In the National League, third from bottom King's Lynn, surprise 2-0 home winners over fourth-placed Halifax last Saturday, are recommended at Dover, who are doomed to relegation.

Homes sweet homes: Leeds are on cloud nine after winning their past two Premier League matches with late goals - 2-1 at home to Norwich and 3-2 at Wolves. I believe they will see off Southampton, who are fading. Coventry, mid-table in the Championship, are well worth a punt against Blackburn, who have lacked goal threat and are in danger of slipping out of the play-off positions. Dundee may be bottom of the Scottish Premiership but they gave Rangers a scare a few weeks ago and could upset Aberdeen, who are far less formidable.

Pools info: As well as scoring five out of ten draws last weekend, four of my five best draws were correct. The Fab Four were Bradford City 0 Newport 0; Notts County 1 Chesterfield 1; Wealdstone 1 Bromley 1 and Farsley Celtic 1 Telford 1.

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

Ten draws: Bradford City v Newport, Northampton v Hartlepool, Airdrieonians v Cove, Maidenhead v Barnet, Notts County v Chesterfield, Wealdstone v Bromley, Woking v Solihull Moors, Darlington v Boston, Farsley Celtic v Telford,  Kettering v Chroley.

Best draws: Bradford City v Newport, Notts County v Chesterfield, Wealdstone v Bromley, Woking v Solihull Moors, Farsley Celtic v Telford.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Tranmere, Mansfield, Falkirk, Stranraer, Stockport, Halifax.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Sheffield Wednesday, Crawley, Exeter, Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe, East Fife, Forfar, Altrincham, Torquay, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: Although Newport were surprisingly beaten 3-2 at home by Hartlepool last Friday, they look genuine League Two promotion candidates and can strengthen their claims by coming away from improving Bradford City with a point. Notts County moved into the National League play-off places with a 1-0 home victory over FA Cup giant-killers Boreham Wood in midweek. On Saturday they host second-placed Chesterfield, whose hopes of automatic promotion have almost disappeared. Wealdstone were 2-0 up at runaway leaders Stockport before slipping to a 4-2 defeat. This should encourage them against Bromley, whose progress appears to have stalled. Mid-table Woking have yet to draw at home this season but that could change against Solihull, who are back in the promotion mix after winning 2-1 at Grimsby in midweek. Farsley Celtic, who have climbed off the bottom of National League North, host Telford, who are just above them. Deadlock is the likeliest result. 

Away days: Tranmere have automatic promotion from League Two in their sights and are unlikely to be inconvenienced by Colchester, who are near the other end of the table. After two consecutive defeats Mansfield returned to winning ways at Rochdale in midweek and another three points seem there for the taking at Oldham, who are second from bottom. Falkirk are worth backing at struggling Peterhead in Scottish League One and Stranraer, 2-1 winners at Edinburgh last Friday, are tipped to prevail at Stirling in Scottish League Two. Stockport, 10 points clear at the top of the National League, look an away banker at Eastleigh while third-placed Halifax will start firm favourites at lowly King's Lynn.

Homes sweet homes: Leyton Orient, of League Two, are at last responding to the management of Richie Wellens, beating Rochdale 3-1 at home on Saturday and Harrogate 3-0 away in midweek. I believe they'll make it a hat-trick of wins against Barrow on Saturday. Scunthorpe are as good as down from League Two but they may gain some respite when they host Harrogate, who appear to be in free-fall. Although East Fife prop up Scottish League One, they have a fighting chance against Alloa, who have shown nothing special.

Weekend pools info: Swindon v Forest Green (No.12 on coupon) has been postponed because of international call-ups and will be assessed by the pools panel.

Pools info: Five of my ten draws were correct last weekend: Gillingham v Sheffield Wednesday (0-0), Fleetwood v Doncaster (0-0), Lincoln v Sunderland (0-0), Harrogate v Walsall (1-1) and Sutton v Tranmere (1-1).