Pools tips and best bets for weekend of December 30-January 1

 Ten draws: Crystal Palace v Brentford, Luton v Chelsea, Norwich v Southampton, Sunderland v Preston, Carlisle v Port Vale, Derby v Peterborough, Portsmouth v Stevenage, Wycombe v Bristol Rovers, Ayr v Dunfermline, Stranraer v Dumbarton.

Best draws: Luton v Chelsea, Sunderland v Preston, Derby v Peterborough, Portsmouth v Stevenage, Ayr v Dunfermline.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Bristol City (Friday), Portsmouth (Friday), Arsenal (Sunday), Hamilton, Stenhousemuir, Peterhead (all Saturday).

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Ipswich (Friday), Aston Villa, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Hearts, Queen's Park, Raith, Falkirk, Forfar, Bromley (all Saturday).

Pick of the draws: Chelsea continue to disappoint and won't relish a Saturday trip to Luton, who could be out of the Premier League relegation zone after the weekend. Luton's morale has been boosted by consecutive wins over Newcastle (1-0 home) and Sheffield United (3-2 away). Although Sunderland's new manager, Michael Beale, was delighted by his side's 1-0 Championship victory at Hull on Boxing Day, I wouldn't put money on them beating Preston, who can be as good as any second-tier team on their day. Derby v Peterborough looks the pick of the League One fixtures next Monday. Both are challenging for promotion and both are in a rich vein of form. I believe honours will end even. Stevenage, sixth in League One, will travel to leaders Portsmouth with optimism. Pompey stuttered over the festive holiday, held to a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park by relegation-threatened Fleetwood, then losing 2-1 away to Bristol Rovers. In contrast, Stevenage were on top form when disposing of Northampton 3-0 at home on Boxing Day and are even better away. Ayr, mid-table in the Scottish Championship, drew 4-4 at leaders Raith, despite being down to 10 men, which should put them in the mood to deny Dunfermline, who are better placed.

Away days: Bristol City's 4-1 triumph at Watford in the Championship was perhaps the most impressive Boxing Day result and they look good for another away success at Birmingham, who are floundering under new manager Wayne Rooney. League One promotion contenders Portsmouth have stalled recently but they can resume winning ways at Exeter, who are dangerously close to the drop zone. Fulham's Craven Cottage is a happy hunting ground for high-flying Arsenal, so don't be surprised if the Gunners return home with another three points on Sunday. There are three seemingly away bankers in Scotland. Hamilton, second in League One, are strongly fancied at rock bottom Edinburgh. Stenhousemuir, the League Two leaders, are an odds-on bet at bottom team Clyde while Peterhead, second in League Two, are heavily fancied to prevail at Elgin, who are second last.

Homes sweet homes: Nottingham Forest, under new management and convincing 3-1 winners at Newcastle on Boxing Day, are well worth a wager on Saturday against Manchester United, who are so up and down this season. I wonder which United will turn up; the one that tamely lost 2-0 at West Ham last Saturday or the one that came from 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa to win 3-2 on Boxing Day. Don't rule out Queen's Park, bottom of the Scottish Championship, springing a surprise against goal-shy Airdrieonians and I'm tipping Forfar, unexpected 2-1 winners at Peterhead in Scottish Two last weekend, to gain their first home victory of the season when they host East Fife.

Betting info: I scored five from six with my away selections last weekend: Southampton, Peterborough, Bradford City, Mansfield and Falkirk.

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

 Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Blackburn v Watford, Stoke v Millwall, Sunderland v Coventry, Barnsley v Stevenage, Northampton v Oxford, Reading v Wigan, Accrington v Walsall, Alloa v Montrose, Stirling v Queen of the South.

Best draws: Blackburn v Watford, Stoke v Millwall, Sunderland v Coventry, Barnsley v Stevenage, Accrington v Walsall.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Southampton, Peterborough, Bradford City (Friday), Mansfield, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa (Friday), Fulham, Luton, Leicester, Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Portsmouth, Tranmere, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: Watford's resounding 5-1 win at Preston last Saturday emphasised their recent improvement in the Championship and they should collect at least a point from their visit to Blackburn. Stoke v Millwall is a battle of the Championship strugglers and it's hard to see either side getting an edge. Michael Beale's first match as Sunderland manager may look fairly straightforward but Coventry have a habit of upsetting more fancied teams, as was evident in their 1-1 draw at Leeds last weekend. Stevenage's formidable away form has kept them in the League One promotion chase and they are quite capable of returning from Barnsley with a point. Accrington are above Walsall in League Two but the visitors are in better nick, having won their past three games in all competitions, and will be eager to extend their unbeaten run.

Away days: Arsenal have not won on their last 10 Premier League visits to Anfield, so the leaders are due a change of luck at Liverpool, who are second, a point behind them. The Gunners were 2-0 up in the corresponding fixture last season but failed to see the game out. The result could be different this time. Southampton, having disposed of Blackburn 4-0 at home in the Championship last Saturday, are worth backing at Queens Park Rangers, whose 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday kept them in the relegation zone. I expect Peterborough, having moved into the automatic promotion positions in League One, to carry on the good work at Shrewsbury. I feel that Bradford City's 2-0 triumph at Gillingham in League Two last Saturday was significant and I rate their chances at Doncaster, who crashed 5-0 at home to Morecambe on the same day. Fourth-placed Mansfield are highly recommended at Sutton, who are bottom and now without a manager, and Scottish League One leaders Falkirk also have the look of an away banker at second-from-bottom Annan. 

Homes sweet homes: Lowly Luton can take advantage of the fluctuating form of injury-ravaged Newcastle and gain only their second Premier League home success this season. A few weeks ago all looked lost for Sheffield Wednesday as they sat at the foot of the Championship but consecutive wins over Stoke (1-0 away) and Queens Park Rangers (2-1 home), have made them believe that they can escape relegation. They are worth a punt against Cardiff, who have stalled. Although Tranmere, who lie 21st in League Two, are terrible away, their home record is much better and I believe they'll beat Swindon, who have slipped down the table.

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

 Ten draws: Burnley v Everton, West Ham v Wolves, Swansea v Middlesbrough, Cambridge v Blackpool, Cheltenham v Leyton Orient, Port Vale v Wigan, Crawley v Mansfield, Gillingham v Bradford City, Swindon v Barrow, Ayr v Airdrieonians.

Best draws: Burnley v Everton, Cambridge v Blackpool, Port Vale v Wigan, Crawley v Mansfield, Gillingham v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, Northampton, Peterborough, Wimbledon, Kilmarnock.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester City, Millwall, Plymouth, Bolton, Oxford, Doncaster, Stockport, Hamilton.

Pick of the draws: That 10-point Premier League deduction has revitalised Everton, who are already clear of the relegation zone. However, Burnley, their hosts, have also improved recently and will have taken heart from their 1-1 draw at Brighton last Saturday. Two late goals earned Cambridge a battling 2-2 draw at Charlton in League One last weekend and another draw is on the cards against Blackpool, who lie just outside the play-off positions. Port Vale may find it hard to pick themselves up after their penalty shoot-out defeat against Stevenage in a midweek FA Cup second-round replay and Wigan are playing well enough to share the spoils. Mansfield, away draw specialists in League Two, have a chance to add to their tally of five at Crawley, who have yet to draw at home. Bradford City are on the upgrade and I think they'll take something from their visit to Gillingham, who are higher in the table.

Away days: I expect Sunderland, with two consecutive Championship home victories behind them, to triumph at Bristol City, who are below midway in the division. Lowly Queens Park Rangers can see light at the end of the tunnel after three wins and a draw in midweek. I believe they'll beat second-from-bottom Sheffield Wednesday, who are also reviving. Northampton, having made short work of Fleetwood at home last Saturday, could do the same to Carlisle, who are in the League One drop zone. Peterborough, having disposed of fellow promotion challengers Oxford 3-0 at home last Saturday, have the look of an away banker at ailing Fleetwood. League Two Wimbledon are scoring for fun these days and will be confident of success at Salford, who are underperforming. A trip to Livingston, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, shouldn't faze Kilmarnock, who beat leaders Celtic 2-1 at home last Sunday.

Homes sweet homes: Little is going right for struggling Millwall in the Championship but they can take advantage of a Huddersfield side, who are also just outside the relegation zone but seem even more vulnerable. Although Doncaster are lower than Morecambe in League Two, I'm taking them to gain three points at the expense of the seasiders, who are not at their best away. Only goal difference separates leaders Hamilton from second-placed Falkirk in Scottish League One. I've a hunch that ground advantage will tip the balance in Hamilton's favour and that Falkirk will suffer their first league defeat this season.

Betting info: Six of my seven home selections were correct last weekend: Everton, Cardiff, Leicester, Blackpool, Tranmere and Rangers. The three other teams selected had their matches postponed. 

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

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Arsenal, Manchester United v Bournemouth, Sheffield United v Brentford, Middlesbrough v Ipswich, Stoke v Sheffield Wednesday, Exeter v Port Vale, Peterborough v Oxford, Wycombe v Shrewsbury, Colchester v Crawley, Arbroath v Morton.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Arsenal, Sheffield United v Brentford, Stoke v Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester v Crawley, Arbroath v Morton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Manchester City, Stevenage, Wrexham, Crewe, Stockport.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Brighton, Everton, Cardiff, Leicester, Blackpool, Bradford City, Mansfield, Sutton, Tranmere, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa have not dropped a point at home this season but if anybody can halt that sequence it's Premier League leaders Arsenal, who have won their last six matches and triumphed 4-2 in the corresponding fixture last season. Struggling Sheffield United may get a lift from having Chris Wilder back as manager and I won't be surprised if they give Brentford problems on Saturday. Sheffield Wednesday's 3-1 home win over Blackburn last weekend suggests that all is not lost in their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship and they could collect a point at Stoke, who are woefully out of form. Colchester are dangerously close to the League Two drop zone and are not guaranteed to defeat mid-table Crawley. Arbroath, second bottom in the Scottish Championship, host bottom team Morton, who will be disappointed not to achieve parity.

Away days: Few sides can match Liverpool's firepower and I don't think Crystal Palace will contain them on Saturday. Although Manchester City's defence is more vulnerable than usual, they should be able to get their act together at relegation-threatened Luton on Sunday. Stevenage, fourth in League One, are more effective away from home and should travel to ailing Burton with confidence. Second-placed Wrexham in League Two are highly recommended at lowly Forest Green and Crewe, who lie fifth, have a good chance to climb higher after their trip to Grimsby. Stockport, clear leaders of League Two, have recently mislaid their winning knack but I believe they'll find it again at Morecambe.

Homes sweet homes: That 10-point Premier League deduction seemed to galvanise Everton when they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 away last Saturday. If they can sort out their home form they shouldn't have any trouble in escaping the drop and I'm tipping them to overcome Chelsea at what should be a raucous Goodison Park on Sunday. Despite being bottom of League Two, Sutton are unbeaten in their last five league matches and are worth a wager against Harrogate. Fellow League Two strugglers Tranmere are also improving and will fancy their chances against Newport, who were taken to an FA Cup second-round replay by non-League Barnet last weekend. 

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

 Ten draws: Chelsea v Brighton, Newcastle v Manchester United, West Ham v Crystal Palace, Bristol City v Norwich, Leeds v Middlesbrough, Millwall v Sunderland, Aldershot v Stockport, Gillingham v Charlton, Kilmarnock v Hearts, Motherwell v Dundee.

Best draws: Chelsea v Brighton, West Ham v Crystal Palace, Bristol City v Norwich, Aldershot v Stockport, Gillingham v Charlton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Blackburn, Reading, Barrow, Raith, Dundee United, Gateshead.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Birmingham, Hull, Ipswich, Notts County (Friday), Blackpool, Chesterfield, Crewe.

Pick of the draws: Brighton emerged from a sticky patch with a creditable 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest last Saturday and won't have an inferiority complex playing at Chelsea. Crystal Palace's 2-1 defeat at Luton last weekend was an unexpected lapse and they will probably be better prepared for Sunday's visit to West Ham. Bristol City v Norwich is a clash between two mid-table sides in the Championship and I don't believe either will have the upper hand. Stockport's long winning run in League Two was ended by a 2-1 loss at Newport and a goalless draw at home to Salford. Despite these last two results, they'll be favourites to win their FA Cup second-round tie at non-League Aldershot but the in-form National League team could surprise them. I also rate the chances of League Two's Gillingham in taking Charlton, of League One, to a replay.

Away days: Blackburn, emphatic 3-0 winners at Stoke in the Championship last Saturday, will be confident of another away success at rock bottom Sheffield Wednesday. Two consecutive victories have lifted crisis club Reading off the foot of League One. They'll be feeling much better about themselves and will fancy their chances of making the FA Cup third round at National League Eastleigh. A 2-0 midweek home victory over Walsall has lifted Barrow into the automatic promotion places in League Two. They are in fine form and have no reason to fear a visit to Maidstone, of the National League South. Scottish Championship high-flyers Raith are recommended at Inverness, as are leaders Dundee United, playing Morton, who prop up the table. Gateshead's away record is better than their home form in the National League and they will start favourites at Woking, who are dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Homes sweet homes: There has never been an FA Cup weekend without an upset and I'm predicting three in the second round. Promotion-chasing and high-scoring Notts County, of League Two, to see off League One Shrewsbury on Friday; runaway National League leaders Chesterfield to knock out Leyton Orient on Sunday and Crewe, League Two promotion contenders, to get the better of Bristol Rovers, who sit mid-table in League One.

Pools info: Match No.35 on the coupon - an FA Cup second-round tie - should read Sutton v Horsham and not Sutton v Barnsley.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of November 25-26

 Ten draws: Sheffield United v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Aston Villa, Stoke v Blackburn, West Bromwich v Ipswich, Derby v Bristol Rovers, Lincoln v Barnsley, Shrewsbury v Port Vale, Bradford City v Accrington, Crawley v Harrogate, Tranmere v Gillingham.

Best draws: Sheffield United v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Aston Villa, Derby v Bristol Rovers, Bradford City v Accrington, Crawley v Harrogate.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Southampton, Charlton, Oxford, Barrow, Mansfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Burnley, Everton, Birmingham, Leicester, Bolton, Peterborough, Wycombe, Crewe, Wrexham, St Mirren.

Pick of the draws: Premier League strugglers Sheffield United and Bournemouth probably won't be satisfied with anything less than three points from Saturday's fixture but I think both will be disappointed. Tottenham's climb to the top of the table was followed by consecutive losses to Chelsea (4-1, home) and Wolves (2-1, away). They have also been weakened by injuries, which will encourage fifth-placed Aston Villa to believe they can avoid defeat on Sunday. In League One, Derby will  be licking their wounds after going out of the FA Cup to Crewe, of League Two. Derby host Bristol Rovers, who have perked up since the departure of manager Joe Barton. Bradford City fans will be dismayed to find their team in the lower half of League Two when so much was expected of them. However, City had a 5-1 midweek home win against League One Barnsley in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy and I'm tipping them to hold Accrington, who beat Wrexham 2-0 at home last Saturday. Harrogate's fine away record - five victories from nine games - should help them at Crawley, who are sliding down the table.

Away days: Arsenal will be eager to return to winning ways away from home after a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle and a repeat of the form they showed when beating Saturday's hosts Brentford 3-0 away last season should do the trick. Southampton look genuine promotion candidates in the Championship and are fancied to come away from lowly Huddersfield with three points. Charlton, with nine goals from their past two matches, will be confident of winning their League One fixture at Carlisle, who are in the relegation zone. Oxford, in second place, should have little to fear from a trip to goal-shy Cheltenham. In League Two, I'm taking an on-form Barrow to prevail at an off-form Colchester and Mansfield, still unbeaten in the league, to improve their chances of promotion by winning at Swindon.

Homes sweet homes: Although relegation-threatened Burnley have lost all seven of their Premier League home games this season, I've a hunch they will buck the trend on Saturday and beat West Ham. Everton will be seething at their 10-point deduction for falling foul of the financial fair play rules. That puts them second bottom and they may take it on Manchester United, who are vulnerable to upsets. I regard Wrexham's 2-0 loss at Accrington in League Two last weekend as a rare lapse and I'm backing them to make a quick recovery against Morecambe, who have lost their manager Derek Adams.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of November 18-19

Ten draws: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Slovakia, Accrington v Wrexham, Gillingham v Salford, Harrogate v Swindon, Sutton v Tranmere, Queen of the South v Kelty Hearts, Spartans v Peterhead, Eastleigh v Altrincham, Ebbsfleet v Oxford City, Rochdale v Aldershot.

Best draws: Gillingham v Salford, Sutton v Tranmere, Spartans v Peterhead, Eastleigh v Altrincham, Rochdale v Aldershot.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Croatia, Peterborough, Grimsby, Alloa, Dagenham & Redbridge, Chesterfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Hungary, Netherlands, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Stevenage, Barrow, Mansfield, Notts County, York.

Pick of the draws: Gillingham are going the wrong way in League Two and could be held by Salford, who came agonisingly close to knocking League One Peterborough out of the FA Cup in midweek. League Two strugglers Sutton and Tranmere had good results last weekend - Sutton drawing 1-1 at Colchester and Tranmere beating Forest Green 3-0 at home - and stalemate is the likeliest outcome. Peterhead, the Scottish League Two leaders, lost 2-0 at Stenhousemuir in midweek and may drop more points at promoted Spartans, who are adapting well to a higher division. Altrincham are one of the surprise packets of the National League and are my tip to share the spoils at Eastleigh. Aldershot, who defeated League Two Swindon 7-4 away in a remarkable FA Cup first-round tie, should have the confidence to at least get a point at Rochdale.

Away days: It will be surprising if Croatia don't assert their authority over Latvia in Saturday's European Championship qualifying fixture. Peterborough, having come through a titanic tussle with Salford in a midweek FA Cup first-round replay, should be in the mood to prevail at Exeter, who are sinking fast in League One. League Two relegation strugglers Forest Green and Grimsby face each other. Both had emphatic victories against non-League opponents in the FA Cup in midweek but I'm going for Grimsby, who are in slightly better form. In Scottish League One, Alloa are recommended at bottom team Edinburgh City and mid-table Dagenham & Redbridge also get my vote at Kidderminster, who prop up the National League. At the other end of the table, Chesterfield are looking good for automatic promotion and will rate their chances at Southend.

Homes sweet homes: Scotland, having already qualified for next year's European Championship finals, will want to put on a show for their supporters and Norway, their visitors, could be on the receiving end. Barrow climbed into the League Two play-off places after winning 2-1 at Bradford City last Saturday and I don't think they'll be found wanting against Crawley. In the National League I suggest having a punt on York, who have moved out of the relegation zone, reached the second round of the FA Cup and entertain Hartlepool, who are under-achieving.

Pools info: Doncaster v Walsall (No.21 on coupon) and MK Dons v Wimbledon (26) have been postponed because of international call-ups and will be assessed by the pools panel.  

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

 Ten draws: West Ham v Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough v Leicester, Carlisle v Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient v Oxford, Wycombe v Stevenage, Bradford City v Barrow, Crewe v Notts County, Salford v Mansfield, Walsall v Harrogate, Motherwell v Hearts.

Best draws: Middlesbrough v Leicester, Leyton Orient v Oxford, Wycombe v Stevenage, Crewe v Notts County, Walsall v Harrogate.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Wigan, Morecambe, Stockport, Rangers, Dumbarton.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Coventry, Leeds, Queens Park Rangers, Watford, Portsmouth, Tranmere, Aldershot.

Pick of the draws: Leicester, the Championship leaders, have maximum points from seven away matches but I've a hunch that remarkable sequence will end at Middlesbrough, who have recovered well from a terrible start to the season and are moving upwards. Oxford, among the early front-runners in League One, have stumbled recently and I can see them being held at Leyton Orient, who are improving. Stevenage have arrested their slide and are resilient enough to gain a point at Wycombe. Both teams won their FA Cup ties last weekend. In League Two, I believe Crewe's injury problems will stop them beating Notts County, who are second, three places above them. Harrogate's away form has kept them out of the relegation zone and it gives them a chance of coming away from Walsall with a point.

Away days: It's impossible to ignore Manchester City's claims at Chelsea, who were hugely flattered by their 4-1 victory at nine-man Tottenham on Monday. Wigan, of League One, fresh from a 2-0 FA Cup win at Exeter last Saturday and a 2-1 home midweek triumph over Peterborough, will travel to struggling Cheltenham with confidence. Morecambe are one of the most in-form sides in League Two and playing much better than Grimsby, who host them. Leaders Stockport, winners of their past 12 fixtures, are strongly fancied for promotion and it's hard to see that run ending at Swindon, who are going through a wretched spell. I expect Rangers to confirm their superiority over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership and that also goes for Dumbarton at East Fife in Scottish League Two.

Homes sweet homes: Coventry keep losing in the Championship but they gave Preston a fright before going down 3-2 at Deepdale last Saturday. A repeat of that form could be enough to beat Stoke, who are in mid-table. Although Queens Park Rangers, second last in the Championship, are without a home win this season, they may be worth backing against Bristol City, who have just lost their manager Nigel Pearson. Tranmere v Forest Green is an anti-relegation scrap in League Two. Tranmere were terrific in their 4-3 FA Cup first-round defeat at League One Stevenage last Saturday and I'm tipping them to come out on top.

Pools info: Five of my ten draws were correct last weekend, as were three of my five best draws.

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

 Ten draws: Burnley v Crystal Palace, Huddersfield v Watford, Norwich v Blackburn, Swansea v Sunderland, Wimbledon v Cheltenham, Chester v York, Doncaster v Accrington, Mansfield v Wrexham, Port Vale v Burton, Sutton v Fylde.

Best draws: Burnley v Crystal Palace, Swansea v Sunderland, Chester v York, Mansfield v Wrexham, Port Vale v Burton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Wolves, Southampton, Barnet, Fleetwood, Grimsby.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Everton, Manchester City, Preston, Bolton, Bradford City, Bromley, Newport, Stevenage, Dundee United, Raith.

Pick of the draws: Burnley, second from bottom of the Premier League, have lost all five of their home games but I'll be surprised if they are beaten by Crystal Palace, who have slipped into the bottom half of the table. Swansea stopped their slide by winning at Blackburn in the Championship last Saturday. They are well equipped to get something from the visit of better-placed Sunderland, who are bedevilled by inconsistency. The FA Cup first round pits Chester, of National League North, against York, of the National League. Chester, in seventh place, are faring much better than York, who lie third bottom, and so have a reasonable chance of forcing a replay. Mansfield v Wrexham, both promotion contenders in League Two, is probably the tie of the round with deadlock the most likely outcome. Burton, most people's idea of relegation candidates at the start of the season, have climbed above Port Vale in League One and can share the spoils.

Away days: It's hard to see free-scoring Liverpool being denied at struggling Luton, who have yet to win at home. Wolves gave as good as they got in last Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Newcastle and will surely have too much for a desperate Sheffield United side. Fast-climbing Southampton have gained more Championship points away than at home and will fancy their chances at manager-less Millwall. In FA Cup action, Barnet, second in the National League, don't intend to falter at Curzon Ashton, of National League North, and League One Fleetwood will be equally confident at non-League Kidderminster. I'm tipping Grimsby, 21st in League Two, to record their first away victory of the season at lowly Slough, from the National League South.

Homes sweet homes: Things are looking up at Everton, who are now five points clear of third-from-bottom Luton, in the Premier League. They are worth backing against Brighton, who have stalled recently. Bradford City, of League Two, have scarcely improved since sacking manager Mark Hughes but perhaps the FA Cup will bring out the best in them. They are always well supported and worth a punt when they host League One Wycombe on Saturday. There are always at least one or two upsets in the FA Cup and the biggest one may come on Saturday at Bromley, who entertain League One Blackpool. Bromley have recovered from a bad start to the season to rise to third in the National League and are formidable at home, having won seven of their nine matches. 

Betting info: Last weekend, for the fourth time this season, I scored nine out of ten with my home selections. The successful teams were Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Milton Keynes Dons, Morecambe and Stockport. 

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

 Ten draws: Manchester United v Manchester City, West Ham v Everton, Sunderland v Norwich, Blackpool v Peterborough, Burton v Leyton Orient, Cambridge v Carlisle, Charlton v Bolton, Port Vale v Cheltenham, Notts County v Wrexham, Livingston v Dundee.

Best draws: West Ham v Everton, Blackpool v Peterborough, Cambridge v Carlisle, Charlton v Bolton, Notts County v Wrexham.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Burnley, Leicester, Portsmouth, Crewe, Bradford City, Airdrieonians.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Morecambe, Stockport.

Pick of the draws: An improving Everton side may have got something at Liverpool last Saturday if they had not been reduced to 10 men towards the end of the first half. They will probably be disappointed not to return with something from Sunday's visit to West Ham, who were well beaten at Aston Villa last weekend. Blackpool, who have climbed into the League One play-off positions, will be tested by Peterborough, who are one place above them and won 1-0 at Port Vale in midweek. Cambridge made amends for losing at bottom team Cheltenham last Saturday by holders leaders Portsmouth to a goalless draw at home in midweek but they are still not certain to beat Carlisle, who are managing to stay out of the relegation zone. Charlton's handsome 4-0 home victory over Reading last Saturday was followed by a 3-1 midweek defeat at Lincoln. Charlton host fourth-placed Bolton, who are in slightly better form, including beating Wycombe 4-2 away in midweek. Second meets third in League Two, with Notts County taking on Wrexham. Both won in midweek and I'm expecting a high-scoring stalemate.

Away days: All of Burnley's four Premier League points this season have come away from home, which may serve them well at second-from-bottom Bournemouth, who have yet to win a league game so far. Championship leaders Leicester have dropped just three points from 13 matches and already look certs for promotion. They must be fancied to succeed at struggling Queens Park Rangers. A goalless draw at Cambridge in midweek was a rare setback for Portsmouth, who lead League One by four points, and I don't expect them to show lowly Reading any mercy. Crewe, the League Two's highest scorers, will start favourites at Harrogate, whose home record is dismal, while I believe Bradford City will triumph at Sutton, who prop up the table. Airdrieonians, fourth in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at ailing Inverness, who have yet to win at home. 

Homes sweet homes: Sheffield Wednesday, rock bottom of the Championship, will never have a better chance of ending their winless run of 13 games when they host second-from-last Rotherham on Sunday. In League One, MK Dons shocked Bradford City in midweek by defeating them 4-1 at home and will aim to continue climbing the table against the better-placed Swindon. Recent League Two results show Morecambe to be on the upgrade and I predict they'll edge out Wimbledon.

Betting info: Seven of my eight home selections were correct last weekend. The successful seven were Manchester City, Newcastle, Blackburn, Watford, Charlton, Portsmouth and Stockport. The other two matches from my original ten homes were postponed.

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

Ten draws: Carlisle v Leyton Orient, Forest Green v Colchester, Milton Keynes Dons v Barrow, Notts County v Mansfield, Hungary v Serbia, Ukraine v North Macedonia, Falkirk v Queen's Park, Queen of the South v Arbroath, Burgos v Villarreal B, Sporting Gijon v Real Zaragoza.

Best draws: Forest Green v Colchester, MK Dons v Barrow, Notts County v Mansfield, Ukraine v North Macedonia, Falkirk v Queen's Park.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Stockport, Croatia, Hamilton, Dundee United, Rochdale, Maidenhead.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Crewe, Doncaster, Swindon, Wrexham, Czech Republic, Italy, Morton, Raith, Bromley, York.

Pick of the draws: Forest Green, bottom of League Two, have lost all six of their home matches so far. They are due to end that dismal sequence against Colchester, who are only three points and three places ahead of them. From being the league's early pace-setters, MK Dons have slumped to the bottom half of the table. They'll have a job beating Barrow, who keep defying expectations. Although leaders Notts County have maximum points from five home games, I believe they'll be held by fifth-placed Mansfield, who have improved defensively. I think North Macedonia will be tricky opponents for Ukraine in Saturday's European Championship qualifying fixture. In the fourth round of the SPFL Trust Trophy, I'm taking Falkirk, who top Scottish League One, to share the spoils with Queen's Park, who are sliding down the Scottish Championship.

Away days: The Stockport express refuses to be derailed and it won't surprise me if they are top of League Two after Saturday's results as I expect them to beat Harrogate. Croatia will surely make their superiority count against Wales in Group D of the European Championship qualifying. Hamilton, of Scottish League One, look an away banker at non-League East Kilbride in the SPFL Trust Trophy, as do Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United, who visit Peterhead, of Scottish League Two. In the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, Rochdale, in the upper half of the National League, are worth backing at Hereford, of the National League North, while Maidenhead should progress to the first round proper at the expense of Weston-super-Mare, of the National League South.

Homes sweet homes: Doncaster, 20th in League Two, played well when losing narrowly at Stockport last Saturday and are worth a wager against 23rd-placed Sutton, even though the visitors beat Walsall 4-0 last weekend. In a SPFL Trust Trophy tie, Morton, who prop up the Scottish Championship, should still have too much for Kelty Hearts, who are a division below them. Bromley are flying high in the National League after a hesitant start to the season and will be confident of seeing off their NL rivals Wealdstone in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. 

Pools info: Morecambe v Crawley (No.9 on coupon) is postponed because of international call-ups and will be assessed by the pools panel. I correctly predicted five draws last weekend: Brighton v Liverpool, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest, Wolves v Aston Villa, Barrow v Notts County and Tranmere v Grimsby. 

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Liverpool, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest, Wolves v Aston Villa, Plymouth v Swansea, Exeter v Barnsley, Fleetwood v Wycombe, Barrow v Notts County, Colchester v Morecambe, Newport v Harrogate, Tranmere v Grimsby.

Best draws: Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest, Wolves v Aston Villa, Plymouth v Swansea, Fleetwood v Wycombe, Colchester v Morecambe.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Newcastle, Huddersfield, Derby, Northampton, Walsall, Partick. 

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Ipswich, Leicester, Southampton, Bolton, Charlton, Portsmouth, Stevenage, Accrington, Aberdeen, Solihull.

Pick of the draws: Unlike last season, the chances of Nottingham Forest being involved in a Premier League relegation scrap are remote and I won't be surprised if they come away from Crystal Palace with a point. Wolves and Aston Villa, who play on Sunday, both had morale-boosting home wins last weekend - Wolves beating leaders Manchester City 2-1 and Aston Villa thrashing Brighton 6-1. It will be hard separating them at Molineux. Three consecutive victories over Sheffield Wednesday (home), Millwall (away) and Norwich (home) have lifted the morale of Championship club Swansea and they can hold Plymouth, who blow hot one week and cold the next. Wins against Leyton Orient (home) and Cheltenham (away) have given Fleetwood new hope near the bottom of League One and I believe they'll get something from the visit of mid-table Wycombe. It's been a mixed few days for Colchester, who beat the League Two pace-setters Notts County 5-4 at home last Saturday and then lost 2-1 at Newport in midweek. They face Morecambe, who are due an away draw.

Away days: West Ham are hard to beat on their own ground but a rejuvenated Newcastle are in the mood to gain another three points on Sunday. Huddersfield manager Darren Moore will be eager to get one over his old club, Sheffield Wednesday, who inexplicably sacked him after leading them to promotion to the Championship last season. Wednesday, who are rock bottom with no wins and only two points, must be regretting that decision as they have just sacked Moore's successor, Xisco Munoz. Derby recorded their fifth League One away success in midweek, beating Blackpool 3-1. They travel to 24th-placed Cheltenham on Saturday and will surely make it six. Northampton, who are on a current high, will feel confident of taking maximum points at Shrewsbury, who are on the slide. You have to fancy Walsall's chances at Sutton, who have not won since the opening weekend of the League Two season while Partick, 3-0 victors in the Scottish Championship last weekend, will start favourites at struggling Inverness.

Homes sweet homes: Charlton continue to climb League One after their convincing 4-1 home win over Exeter last Saturday and I reckon they'll add Blackpool to their list of recent victims. Stevenage have slipped to fifth following defeats by Oxford United (3-1, home) last Saturday and Bolton (3-2, away) in midweek. They need to steady the ship and I think they'll do just that when they host second-from-bottom Wigan. Aberdeen have hardly set the world alight in the Scottish Premiership this season but they should still be too good for lowly St Johnstone.

Betting info: I scored five out of six away wins last weekend with Arsenal, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Stockport and Hearts.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of September 30-October 1

Ten draws: Tottenham v Liverpool, Millwall v Swansea, Queens Park Rangers v Coventry, Peterborough v Bristol Rovers, Reading v Burton, Colchester v Notts County, Forest Green v Morecambe, Gillingham v Mansfield, Salford v Newport, Morton v Airdrieonians.

Best draws: Millwall v Swansea, Colchester v Notts County, Forest Green v Morecambe, Gillingham v Mansfield, Salford v Newport.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Sunderland (Friday), Ipswich, Portsmouth, Stockport, Hearts.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Everton, Newcastle, Cardiff, Hull, Derby, Lincoln, Wimbledon, Crawley, Arbroath, Dundee United.

Pick of the draws: Swansea may have turned their Championship season around with that 3-0 home win over fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday and will be hopeful of collecting at least a point from their visit to inconsistent Millwall. Colchester are playing better than their lowly League Two position suggests. They were unlucky to lose at Crewe last weekend, so don't be surprised if they hold table-topping Notts County. Forest Green have lost all five home games but I think they'll end that dismal sequence when they host Morecambe. Third-placed Mansfield are one of only two unbeaten sides in League Two. They have drawn four away matches and I believe they'll make that five when they visit Gillingham, who are second. Salford v Newport is a clash between two teams who are woefully out of form.

Away days: Arsenal, despite a growing injury list, should have enough experience and knowhow to beat Bournemouth, who are without a win in the Premier League. Sunderland, fourth in the Championship, must be fancied to win at rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday, who have only two points. Ipswich, aiming for consecutive promotions, have a good chance of gaining their fifth away success of the season at Huddersfield. League One leaders Portsmouth are recommended at ailing Wigan and I'm tipping Stockport, climbing fast in League Two and 5-0 home winners over Wrexham last Saturday, to get the better of Accrington. Ross County came a 4-0 cropper at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, which ought to encourage Hearts, their visitors.

Homes sweet homes: Everton, having broken their away duck at Brentford last Saturday, will feel confident about doing so at home when they entertain Luton, who are third bottom in the Premier League and crashed out of the League Cup to League One Exeter in midweek. Hull's high placing in the Championship is no fluke. They won 3-1 at Stoke last Sunday and I'm backing them to beat Plymouth, despite the Pilgrims scoring six at home to Norwich last Saturday. Mid-table Derby are trying to be more consistent at home in League One, having won only once on their own ground so far this season. They are worth a punt against Cambridge United, who are one place below them. 

 

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

Ten draws: Chelsea v Aston Villa, Plymouth v Norwich, Stoke v Hull, Cambridge v Port Vale, Carlisle v Derby, Charlton v Wycombe, Grimsby v Crawley, Tranmere v Accrington, Walsall v Wimbledon, Aberdeen v Ross.

Best draws: Chelsea v Aston Villa, Plymouth v Norwich, Cambridge v Port Vale, Grimsby v Crawley, Walsall v Wimbledon.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Preston, Reading, Stevenage, MK Dons, Dundee United, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Brighton, Burnley, Leeds, Leicester, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich, Portsmouth, Crewe, Notts County, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Although Aston Villa have suffered heavy away defeats at Newcastle (5-1) and Liverpool (3-0) in the Premier League, they will be confident of getting something at Chelsea, who have impressed nobody so far this season. Plymouth have suffered consecutive losses at Preston (2-1) and Bristol City (4-1) in the Championship but they are more of a force at home and capable of holding Norwich. Apart from the unexpected midweek home defeat by Burton, Port Vale, of League One, have hardly put a foot wrong since crashing 7-0 at Barnsley on the opening weekend of the season and need not fear a visit to Cambridge. Against all expectations, Crawley are riding high in League Two and, on form, should avoid defeat at Grimsby. Most of Wimbledon's points have come away from home and I can see them collecting another at Walsall, who have been erratic.

Away days: Preston, the surprise Championship leaders, are doing the city proud and must be fancied for another three points at Rotherham, who look destined for a relegation battle. Reading will be feeling much better after beating Bolton 2-1 at home in League One last Saturday and then scoring nine without reply at Exeter in the midweek Papa John's Trophy. They are worth backing at Blackpool. Stevenage, riding high in League One, will surely return from Cheltenham with maximum points as the bottom-placed hosts are  without a goal from their first eight league games. I expect MK Dons to recover from recent League Two setbacks by defeating Sutton, who have sunk to the bottom. Dundee United, second in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at bottom club Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Falkirk, the Scottish One leaders, will start favourites at Kelty Hearts.

Homes sweet homes: Despite Burnley having only one Premier League point so far, they are worth a punt against Manchester United, who seem in disarray on and off the pitch. I'm going for Leeds, mid-table in the Championship, to gain their first home win of the season against Watford. That 3-0 away victory against Millwall last Sunday will have boosted the Yorkshire team's confidence. Few expected Middlesbrough to be bottom of the table at this stage but they have a fighting chance against Southampton, who are faltering after a bright start to the campaign. 

Betting info: For the second time this season I correctly predicted nine home wins out of ten last weekend.  The successful teams were Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Cardiff, Norwich, Barnsley, Crawley and Raith. 

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

 Ten draws: Manchester United v Brighton, Millwall v Leeds, Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland, Derby v Portsmouth, Peterborough v Leyton Orient, Wigan v Cambridge, Wimbledon v Crewe, Forest Green v Doncaster, Swindon v Walsall, Wrexham v Grimsby.

Best draws: Man Utd v Brighton, QPR v Sunderland, Wimbledon v Crewe, Forest Green v Doncaster, Wrexham v Grimsby.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Liverpool, Ipswich, Oxford, Mansfield, Dumbarton.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Cardiff, Norwich, Barnsley, Crawley, Hartlepool, Raith.

Pick of the draws: Brighton, so impressive again, should at least get a draw at Man Utd, who have made an indifferent start to the Premier League season and are seemingly in disarray. Sunderland's 7-0 home win over Southampton two weeks ago may have kick-started their Championship campaign but they travel to QPR, who are also improving. Wimbledon v Crewe ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw in League Two season and it won't surprise me to see another stalemate on Saturday between two well-matched teams. Forest Green have lost all four of their home games so far but they should get something from the visit of Doncaster, who are bottom and without a league win this season. Wrexham are finding life harder in League Two than they imagined and I don't believe they'll have things all their own way against Grimsby, who deserved their point at Bradford City last weekend.

Away days: Although Arsenal's recent record at Everton is very poor, I think they'll overcome that handicap on Sunday. Liverpool are showing signs of getting into their stride and are worth backing at Wolves, who are still waiting for a home victory. Ipswich, second in the Championship after five fixtures, are warmly recommended at Sheffield Wednesday, who are struggling to adjust to a higher division. In League One, Oxford look a sound proposition at ailing Fleetwood. Mansfield, third in League Two, scoring freely and 3-0 winners at Accrington last weekend, start favourites at lowly Colchester. Dumbarton, high-flyers in Scottish League Two, will expect to return from Elgin with three points.

Homes sweet homes: Aston Villa, although lower in the Premier League than their visitors, Crystal Palace, haven't yet done themselves justice but I'm tipping them to put that right on Saturday. Newcastle, apart from beating Villa 5-1 at home on the opening weekend of the season, have also been off the pace but they are formidable when they click and are worth a punt against Brentford. Cardiff and Swansea are both in the bottom half of the Championship but Cardiff appear in better shape and I predict they'll make the most of ground advantage. 

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

 Ten draws: Finland v Denmark, Romania v Israel, Accrington v Mansfield, Crawley v Newport, MK Dons v Notts County, Fylde v Aldershot, Oxford City v Hartlepool, Wealdstone v Ebbsfleet, Alfreton v Boston, Curzon Ashton v Chorley.

Best draws: Accrington v Mansfield, Crawley v Newport, MK Dons v Notts County, Oxford City v Hartlepool, Wealdstone v Ebbsfleet.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: England, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovenia.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Greece, Kazakhstan, Exeter, Stevenage, Wimbledon, Gillingham, Swindon, Wrexham, Barnet, Bromley.

Pick of the draws: Mansfield managed to draw against their League Two opponents Bradford City last Saturday, despite being depleted by injuries. I believe they can do the same at Accrington, who are one place below them. Crawley recovered well from their 6-0 pasting at Swindon by gaining a merited point in a 3-3 draw at Stockport last Saturday. As a result, they shouldn't be overawed by the visit of Newport. Second plays first in the MK Dons-Notts County fixture and I don't think either side will have the edge. Oxford City have rallied after a poor start to their National League campaign. They drew 3-3 at                 early front-runners Solihull Moors last weekend and I tip them to share the spoils with fourth-placed Hartlepool. A 4-1 home victory over York last weekend confirmed that promoted Ebbsfleet are in fine form and they can come away from mid-table Wealdstone with a point.

Away days: England, with maximum points from four European Championship qualifying games, can extend their lead at the top of the table by beating Ukraine. Belgium, handily placed in Group F, look a sure thing at Azerbaijan, who are bottom. Sweden have yet to click in the same group but I rate their chances against Estonia. Switzerland, who lead Group I, are worth backing at Kosovo, as are Serbia, who face Lithuania, who prop up Group G. In Group H it will be a major upset if Slovenia fail to beat San Marino, who have no points and no goals.

Homes sweet homes: Exeter are the unexpected leaders in League One and are in far better shape than their visitors, Leyton Orient. After a hesitant start to their League Two season, Wimbledon are beginning to move through the gears and are worth a wager against Stockport, who relinquished a two-goal lead at home to Crawley last Saturday and cannot get going. Bromley, of the National League, followed their 2-1 home win over Southend with a 2-1 away victory against Altrincham last Saturday. They'll be fancied to make it three in a row when they host Maidenhead.

Pools info: Barrow v Morecambe (No.19 on coupon) has been postponed because of international calls and will be assessed by the pools panel.

 

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

 Ten draws: Brighton v Newcastle, Burnley v Tottenham, Bolton v Derby, Bristol Rovers v Lincoln, Carlisle v Shrewsbury, Leyton Orient v Stevenage, Morecambe v Salford, Notts County v Accrington, Walsall v Colchester, Inverness v Dunfermline.

Best draws: Burnley v Tottenham, Bolton v Derby, Leyton Orient v Stevenage, Morecambe v Salford, Inverness v Dunfermline.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Norwich, Wigan, Exeter, Barnsley, Swindon, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Chelsea, Manchester City, Leeds, Leicester, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich, Charlton, Stockport, Rangers, Hartlepool.

Pick of the draws: Newly promoted Burnley are pointless, having lost their opening two home matches to Manchester City and Aston Villa in the Premier League. They will be determined not to make it a hat-trick against Tottenham, who made a first-round League Cup exit at Fulham in midweek. Derby's 4-2 win at Peterborough in League One last weekend was an overdue success and I can see them coming away from promotion favourites Bolton with a point. Leyton Orient opened their League One account for the season by beating Cambridge United 2-0 at home last Saturday. They'll probably find Stevenage harder opponents, even though the visitors have gone slightly off the boil. In League Two, Salford have prospered more away than at home and will be disappointed to leave Morecambe empty-handed. Although bottom team Inverness have yet to get off the mark in the Scottish Championship, I'm taking them to deny Dunfermline victory. 

Away days: The way both sides have started in the Championship, second-placed Norwich look an away banker at Rotherham, who are 21st and lost 6-1 at Stoke in the League Cup. Going down to 10 men early on last Saturday, hindered League One Wigan, who lost 2-0 at home to Barnsley. They'll be better equipped to cope at Blackpool, who have suffered heavy consecutive defeats - 3-0 at Lincoln in the league and 5-0 at Wolves in the League Cup. Exeter, in second place, are a confident selection at Burton, who are without a win so far. The claims of Barnsley cannot be ignored at Cheltenham, who have no goals and no points. Free-scoring Swindon, 11 goals in their past two League Two fixtures, are strongly fancied at bottom side Doncaster, as are high-flying Falkirk, who look a good thing at pointless Edinburgh City in the Scottish Championship.

Homes sweet homes: History is repeating itself for Middlesbrough, who got off to a slow start in the Championship last season. But perhaps their 3-1 win at Bolton in the midweek League Cup will be a turning point. They are definitely worth a punt against ailing Queens Park Rangers. Stockport have been slow out of the blocks in League Two but they are better than their low position suggests and worth backing against Crawley, who crashed 6-0 at Swindon last Saturday. Although Celtic top the Scottish Premiership, they haven't been entirely convincing, which gives fresh hope to Rangers, their bitter rivals, in the Old Firm derby on Sunday. Celtic were held to a home goalless draw by St Johnstone last weekend while Rangers were winning 2-0 at Ross County. 

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

Ten draws: Everton v Wolves, Millwall v Stoke, Watford v Blackburn, Cheltenham v Northampton, Lincoln v Blackpool, Stevenage v Portsmouth, Barrow v Wrexham, Bradford City v Crewe, Salford v Accrington, Hibernian v Livingston.

Best draws: Everton v Wolves, Millwall v Stoke, Lincoln v Blackpool, Stevenage v Portsmouth, Barrow v Wrexham.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Norwich, Morecambe, Hearts, Barnet.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Chelsea (Friday), Cardiff, Southampton, Port Vale, Wimbledon, Gillingham, MK Dons, Newport, Hamilton.

Pick of the draws: Although there's a long way to go, I already fear for Everton and Wolves, last and second last respectively in the Premier League. At least a draw on Saturday will give both their first point of the season. Millwall have faltered since winning 1-0 at Middlesbrough on the opening weekend of their Championship campaign, which gives Stoke, their visitors, a good chance of coming away with a point. Blackpool have yet to concede in four League One games, which should serve them well at Lincoln, who specialised in drawing at home last season. Stevenage v Portsmouth features sides who unexpectedly failed to win last Saturday and I can't see either coming out on top this time. Wrexham's hopes of gaining consecutive promotions are being hindered by a leaky defence. Further weakness in this area will probably be exploited by Barrow, who are among the early League Two front-runners.

Away days: Aston Villa recovered well from their 5-1 mauling at Newcastle by beating Everton 4-0 last Sunday and Hibernian 5-0 in midweek. Villa's hosts, Burnley, are one of five Premier League teams without a point and I expect Villa to show no mercy on Sunday. Manchester City look banker material at promoted Sheffield United, even though they will be without manager Pep Guardiola, who is recovering from an operation. Norwich, third in the Championship, also seem a sound bet at struggling Huddersfield. Morecambe's 3-0 home victory over Bradford City in League Two will lift their confidence for their visit to lowly Harrogate. Hearts are worth backing at promoted Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, as are Barnet, the National League leaders, at bottom-of-the-table Dagenham & Redbridge.

Homes sweet homes: Cardiff played well despite losing at Leicester last Saturday and they are worth a punt against Sheffield Wednesday, who are the only Championship team without a point so far. Credit to Port Vale for coming back so strongly after being thrashed 7-0 at Barnsley on the opening League One weekend. Having won 3-2 at Charlton last Saturday, I fancy the Vale to gain three more points at the expense of Carlisle. Free-scoring Newport are highly recommended against ailing Sutton in their League Two clash.

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

 Ten draws: Manchester City v Newcastle, Wolves v Brighton, Bristol City v Birmingham, Swansea v Coventry, Cambridge v Bristol Rovers, Reading v Stevenage, Shrewsbury v Lincoln, Stockport v Barrow, Wrexham v Swindon, Hibernian v Raith.

Best draws: Manchester City v Newcastle, Wolves v Brighton, Bristol City v Birmingham, Cambridge v Bristol Rovers, Wrexham v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Chelsea, Ipswich, Preston, Peterborough, Ross, Queen's Park.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Tottenham, Leicester, Norwich, Sunderland, Blackpool, Portsmouth, Wycombe, Queen of the South, Chesterfield. 

Pick of the draws: Newcastle played so well when beating Aston Villa 5-1 at home last Saturday that I'm backing them to take a point at Manchester City, who had an extra match they could have done without in midweek. Wolves were desperately unlucky to come away empty-handed from Manchester United on Monday. A repeat of that form should serve them well against Brighton but the visitors are in good nick themselves, as seen in their 4-1 home victory over promoted Luton last weekend. Birmingham have begun the Championship season brightly but so have their hosts, Bristol City, who won 1-0 away at Millwall last Saturday. Cambridge, who suffered their first League One loss of the campaign when going down 2-1 at home to Stevenage in midweek, may again be denied against Bristol Rovers, who defeated Charlton at The Valley. 

Away days: Chelsea showed enough in their 1-1 home draw with Liverpool last Sunday to suggest that they should come out on top against West Ham on Sunday. Promoted Ipswich are the early Championship leaders with maximum points from two games. Don't be surprised if they are still top after they have played Queens Park Rangers, who are struggling. Preston are worth a wager at Sheffield Wednesday, who may already be regretting their decision to part with manager Darren Moore. On-form Peterborough are a confident selection at Northampton in League One. I expect Ross County, of the Scottish Premiership, to assert their authority at Championship team Airdrieonians in the Viaplay Cup second round. In the Scottish Championship I cannot ignore leaders Queen's Park, who travel to bottom side Arbroath. 

Homes sweet homes: Tottenham played better in drawing 2-2 at Brentford last Sunday than Manchester United, their visitors this Saturday, did when beating Wolves 1-0 at Old Trafford on Monday. I have a feeling that Spurs could spring a surprise here. Sunderland, pointless after two Championship fixtures, are expected to rectify that when they entertain Rotherham, who are just above them. Wycombe were relieved to gain their first win of the season at home to Leyton Orient in midweek. I believe they will add to that when they host Burton, who are pointless after three matches. 

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Bournemouth v West Ham, Wimbledon v Wrexham and Hearts v Kilmarnock.

Betting info: I scored nine out of ten homes last weekend: Arsenal, Brighton, Ipswich, Wigan, Barrow, Bradford City, Mansfield, Stevenage and Rangers. 

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

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v West Ham, Sheff Utd v Crystal Palace, West Brom v Swansea, Burton v Derby, Exeter v Blackpool, Leyton Orient v Portsmouth, Peterborough v Charlton, Wimbledon v Wycombe, Newport v Doncaster, Hearts v Kilmarnock.

Best draws: Bournemouth v West Ham, Sheff Utd v Crystal Palace, Burton v Derby, Wimbledon v Wrexham, Hearts v Kilmarnock.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Leicester, Blackburn, Bolton, Reading, Stockport, Celtic.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Brighton, Ipswich, Wigan, Barrow, Bradford City, Mansfield, Salford, Stevenage, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: There is talk that David Moyes's job as West Ham manager is in jeopardy, despite the club winning the Europa Conference trophy last season. I still fancy their chances of getting something at Bournemouth, who are under new management. There is no reason why Sheffield United, back in the Premier League after their promotion, should have an inferiority complex against Crystal Palace, who have lost their best player, Wilfried Zaha. Derby, who just missed out on the League One play-offs, have begun this season with two defeats (in league and League Cup) but I'm taking them to stop the rot at Burton. Wrexham's 5-3 League Two home loss by Milton Keynes Dons was perhaps the biggest upset last weekend but they played much better in their midweek League Cup home tie against Wigan and should come away from Wimbledon with a point. Kilmarnock's shock 1-0 home victory over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership will have lifted their confidence to the extent that they could deny Hearts.

Away days: Relegated Leicester are being heavily backed to make an instant return to the Premier League. They opened their Championship campaign by beating Coventry 2-1 at home and are likely to be too strong for Huddersfield. Blackburn, with two opening victories behind them (league and League Cup), will feel confident of making it three in a row at Rotherham. Bolton started their season in League One with a convincing 3-0 home win over Lincoln, which augurs well for their trip to Cheltenham. Reading's resounding 4-0 midweek triumph at Championship side Millwall in the League Cup is bad news for their hosts on Saturday, Port Vale, who crashed 7-0 at Barnsley last weekend. I believe Stockport, in League Two, will recover quickly from their unexpected 1-0 home loss to Gillingham and win at Walsall while Celtic should assert their authority at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: Ipswich, 2-1 winners at Sunderland last Sunday, are aiming for successive promotions and I fancy them in their Championship home fixture against Stoke on Saturday. Wigan, relegated to League One, seem undeterred by their eight-point deduction, for breaching EFL regulations, as was evident when they won 2-1 at Derby last Saturday, and I'm backing them for further maximum points against Northampton. Sutton, who travel to Barrow, scored five against Notts County's 10 men in League Two last weekend but Barrow had a fine result themselves, beating Tranmere 2-1 away, and are worth a punt.

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

Ten draws: Blackburn v West Brom, Norwich v Hull, Sunderland v Ipswich, Cambridge v Oxford, Carlisle v Fleetwood, Northampton v Stevenage, Forest Green v Salford, Tranmere v Barrow, Dunfermline v Airdrieonians, Montrose v Kelty Hearts.

Best draws: Blackburn v West Brom, Sunderland v Ipswich, Carlisle v Fleetwood, Northampton v Stevenage, Tranmere v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Peterborough, Swindon, Bradford City, Mansfield, Notts County, Rangers.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Middlesbrough, Blackpool, Bolton, Portsmouth, Morecambe, Wrexham, Falkirk, Chesterfield, Rochdale.

Pick of the draws: West Brom were disappointed to have finished as low as ninth in last season's Championship. They expect to do better this campaign and I expect them to get a point at Blackburn. Ipswich were so impressive on gaining promotion from League One that I believe the feel-good factor will carry over into Sunday's match at Sunderland, who lost their play-off semi-final against Luton. Carlisle's promotion from League Two was unexpected but deserved and I think they'll share the spoils with Fleetwood, who ended League One in mid-table. Northampton v Stevenage is perhaps the most likely stalemate. There was little to separate them when they were both promoted to League One and I can't predict a winner this weekend. Barrow, who were a creditable ninth in League Two, are capable of leaving Tranmere with a point.

Away days: Peterborough are still smarting from last season's League One play-off semi-final collapse and I feel they may take it out on Reading, who were one of the three relegated clubs from the Championship. My next four selections are all from League Two. Swindon will be hoping for more consistency this time around and are worth backing at Colchester. Bradford City are the nearest thing to an away banker at Crawley, who just escaped relegation, and Mansfield, who just missed out on the play-offs, will fancy their chances at Crewe, who have lost Dan Agyei, their leading scorer, to Leyton Orient. The firepower of promoted Notts County should prove too much for Sutton, who ended last season on a downer. Rangers will be confident of getting their Scottish Premiership campaign off to a flyer at Kilmarnock.

Homes sweet homes: Relegated Leeds have a very winnable Championship opener against Cardiff on Sunday. Middlesbrough will want to put last season's play-off disappointment behind them and I'm backing them to do that when they host Millwall on Saturday. No team are on more of a high than Wrexham, whose haul of 111 points gained them automatic promotion to League Two. They are definitely worth a punt against Milton Keynes Dons, who were relegated last season. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of May 27, 28, 29

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest, St Johnstone v Livingston, Cadiz v Celta Vigo, Inter Milan v Atalanta, Juventus v AC Milan, Salemitana v Udinese, Verona v Empoli, Angers v Troyes, Fortuna Sittard v NEC.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest, St Johnstone v Livingston, Inter Milan v Atalanta, Juventus v AC Milan.

Best weekend bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Newcastle, Liverpool, Rangers, Villarreal, Sheffield Wednesday (Monday).

Best weekend bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Everton, Leicester, Manchester United, Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona, Lazio, Lens, Marseille.

Pick of the draws: I'm tipping Brighton, assured of Europa League football next season, to confirm their quality by taking a point off Aston Villa, who are immediately below them. Nottingham Forest made sure of staying in the Premier League with a hard-fought home victory over Arsenal. They can relax now and although their away record is terrible, I won't be surprised if they deny Crystal Palace. St Johnstone and Livingston are free from relegation worries in the Scottish Premiership, which is one of the reasons I think this will be a low-key draw. In the Italian League, Inter Milan's thoughts may stray towards their Champions League final against Manchester City, which could benefit the in-form Atalanta. Juventus have been docked 10 points for financial irregularities while AC Milan, their opponents, will be licking their wounds after limply losing to fierce rivals Inter in the Champions League semi-final. Two dispirited sides facing each other.

Away days: Manchester City, Premier League champions for the fifth time in six years and favourites to land the treble, will be eager to avenge their only home defeat of the season when Brentford won 2-1 at the Etihad. City are impossible to back against at the moment. Newcastle, who have qualified for next season's Champions League after a long absence from European football, will be in the mood to celebrate when they visit Chelsea, who can't wait for the end of the season. Liverpool's winning streak was halted by Aston Villa last Saturday but it will be a major upset if they fail to beat relegated Southampton. Villarreal are worth a bet at Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish League and in Monday's League One play-off final I'm going for Sheffield Wednesday, who ended the season third, to edge past Barnsley, who finished fourth, 10 points behind Wednesday.

Homes sweet homes: After their well documented stumbles during the past month, Arsenal will be eager to end a largely successful campaign on a winning note and should do so against Wolves on Sunday. Three points for Everton against Bournemouth will ensure their Premier League safety after an anxiety-ridden season and I believe they'll get them in front of their passionate fans. Leicester, in 18th place, cannot afford to be as defensive as they were in the goalless draw at Newcastle on Monday. I'm sure they won't be as only a win gives them any chance of avoiding relegation. Leicester play West Ham, whose priority may be the forthcoming European Conference final against Fiorentina.

Weekend pools info: Sampdoria v Sassuolo (No.31 on coupon) is being played on Friday and is therefore void.

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

 Ten draws: Fulham v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Arsenal, Livingston v Dundee United, Almeria v Mallorca, Lecce v Spezia, Torino v Fiorentina, Werder Bremen v Cologne, Lille v Marseille, Nantes v Montpellier, Excelsior v Fortuna Sittard.

Best draws: Fulham v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Arsenal, Livingston v Dundee United, Lecce v Spezia, Lille v Marseille.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Leeds, Everton, Rangers, Union Berlin, Rennes.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Celtic, Kilmarnock, Partick (Friday), Albion, Barnsley (Friday), Barcelona, Reims.

Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace have improved markedly since Roy Hodgson was appointed manager and it won't surprise me if they frustrate Fulham, whose Premier League home form is unreliable. Arsenal's shock 3-0 home defeat by Brighton last Sunday will have relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest believing that they can get something from this fixture. Also in Forest's favour is that their last two home games have seen them beat Brighton (3-1) and Southampton (4-3). I think Dundee United, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, will avoid defeat at Livingston on Saturday, although it won't be enough to save them from the drop.

Away days: Although Manchester United's away record has let them down this season, they should have enough in their locker to win at Bournemouth, who seem to have switched off now they are safe from relegation. Victory at West Ham on Sunday will give Leeds a fighting chance of staying in the Premier League. Based on the spirit they showed in their 2-2 home draw against Newcastle last weekend, they are worth a wager. Everton are another side battling for their Premier League lives. If they can play half as well at Wolves as they did when thrashing Brighton 5-1 away last week they'll return home with three points. Rangers, convincing 3-0 home winners over Scottish Premiership champions Celtic last Saturday, will top the 90-point mark if they defeat Hibernian on Sunday.

Homes sweet homes: Even Manchester City, the Premier League champions in waiting, aren't playing better than Liverpool at the moment. The men from Anfield have reeled off seven consecutive victories which puts them within touching distance of a Champions League place. I predict that Aston Villa, no slouches themselves, will be their next victims on Saturday. Partick's astonishing 8-3 aggregate win over Queen's Park in the Scottish Premiership play-off quarter-final has put them in the mood to conquer Ayr in the play-off semi-final, first leg on Friday. Also on Friday, I fancy Barnsley, who finished fourth in League One, to defeat Bolton, who came fifth, in the second leg of their play-off semi-final. The scores are level at 1-1. 

 

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

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Chelsea v Nottingham Forest, Kilmarnock v Livingston, St Mirren v Hearts, Bologna v Roma, Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz, Union Berlin v Freiburg, Clermont Foot v Lyon, Montpellier v Lorient, Strasbourg v Nice.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Kilmarnock v Livingston, St Mirren v Hearts, Clermont Foot v Lyon, Strasbourg v Nice.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Newcastle, Fulham, Motherwell, Albion, Stockport, Notts County.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Peterborough (Friday), Arsenal, Manchester United, Sunderland, Dundee United, Hamilton, Clyde, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa's attempts to qualify for next season's Europa League have been hindered by consecutive away defeats against Manchester United and Wolves, both by 1-0. They host Tottenham, who have shown more spirit in their past three matches, including coming back from 3-0 behind at Liverpool and almost drawing. Spurs will also be mindful of their very good record at Villa Park. Kilmarnock are battling to avoid the drop from the Scottish Premiership and I can't see them getting more than a point from Saturday's visit of Livingston. Hearts, in a far healthier fourth place, may also struggle to gain maximum points at St Mirren, who are only four points adrift of the Edinburgh team.

Away days: Newcastle were given a reality check when they lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal last Sunday. They'll need to recover quickly to ensure a Champions League spot and I think they'll do that at relegation-threatened Leeds, who can't stop leaking goals. Mid-table Fulham put five past Leicester on Monday and they are a confident selection at bottom club Southampton, who seem doomed. Motherwell have done better away than at home in the Scottish Premiership and are worth backing at St Johnstone, who made hard work of beating 10-men Dundee United last weekend. I expect Albion, who finished last in Scottish League Two, to put their woes behind them and defeat Lowland League champions Spartans in the first leg of their play-off final. Stockport narrowly missed automatic promotion from League Two on the final day of the league season but they look better equipped to go up than Salford, who they visit in the first leg of the League Two play-off semi-final on Saturday. It will be a crime if Notts County, having finished 23 points in front of third-placed Chesterfield in the National League, don't return to the Football League. They have to contend with a play-off final on Saturday at Wembley, where I believe they will assert their superiority against Chesterfield.

Homes sweet homes: Peterborough's unexpected 2-0 victory at Barnsley last Sunday put them in the League One play-offs instead of Derby. The momentum is with them now and they are worth a punt against favourites Sheffield Wednesday in the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Friday. A similar late surge saw Sunderland make the Championship play-offs and they should at least win the first leg of their semi-final against Luton on Saturday. A home win for Dundee United, who are 10th, against bottom side Ross will probably guarantee them Scottish Premiership football next season 

 

Pools tips and best bets for the weekend of May 6-8

 Ten draws: Newcastle v Arsenal, Swansea v West Bromwich, Wigan v Rotherham, Bristol Rovers v Bolton, Burton v MK Dons, Cheltenham v Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Colchester v Mansfield, Tranmere v Northampton, Edinburgh v Airdrie.

Best draws: Newcastle v Arsenal, Swansea v West Bromwich, Burton v MK Dons, Sheffield Wednesday v Derby, Tranmere v Northampton. 

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Aston Villa (Saturday), Sheffield United (Monday), Sunderland (Monday), Ipswich (Sunday), Carlisle (Monday), Falkirk (Saturday).

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Brighton (Saturday), Nottingham Forest (Monday), Burnley (Monday), Huddersfield (Monday), Cambridge (Sunday), Oxford (Sunday), Harrogate (Monday), Salford (Monday), Stockport (Monday), Inverness (Friday).

Pick of the draws: Arsenal probably need maximum points from their remaining four matches to stay in the title race but Newcastle, one place below the Gunners, have lost only once at home in the Premier League this season, which suggests that they can take at least a point. West Bromwich's last-ditch attempt to qualify for the Championship play-offs may fall short at Swansea, who have been in such impressive form. I'll be surprised if MK Dons, fighting relegation from League One, get more than a draw at Burton, who are safe. Sheffield Wednesday, by coming third in League One, are guaranteed a play-off place. They may be tempted to lose focus on Sunday, which should help Derby, who can still be pipped for that final play-off spot. Northampton missed automatic promotion from League Two in the most agonising circumstances last season. I believe they'll suffer a repeat next Monday after they have played Tranmere.

Away days: Aston Villa's winning Premier League run was ended by Manchester United last Sunday but I'm tipping them to bounce straight back at Wolves, who were hammered 6-0 at Brighton the day before. Sheffield United, promoted to the top tier after an outstanding season, have an excellent chance of gaining their 12th away win at Birmingham, who languish in the bottom half of the Championship. Sunderland need a victory to scrape into the Championship play-offs and I think they'll get it at Preston, who seem to have switched off. I'm confident that Ipswich, promoted from League One, will end their campaign in style by beating Fleetwood and reaching 100 points. Carlisle only need a draw to be in the League Two play-offs but I believe they'll go one better by defeating Sutton, who are out of sorts. Falkirk, second in Scottish League One, look an away banker at relegated Peterhead.

Homes sweet homes: Nottingham Forest, third last in the Premier League, haven't beaten many teams recently, so they should grasp this opportunity against bottom side Southampton, who have a mountain to climb if they are to stay up. Huddersfield, revived by veteran manager Neil Warnock, have avoided relegation to League One and are in the mood to celebrate against Reading, who have gone down instead. Congratulations to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, mid-table in the Scottish Championship, who have reached the Scottish Cup final, where they face Celtic, the Scottish Premiership champions. I reckon they'll prepare for the occasion by beating Ayr on Friday.

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Leeds, Brentford v Nottingham Forest, Bristol City v Burnley, Cardiff v Huddersfield, Hull v Swansea, Shrewsbury v Sheffield Wednesday, Carlisle v Salford, Gillingham v Newport, Rangers v Celtic, Montrose v Alloa.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Leeds, Bristol City v Burnley, Hull v Swansea, Shrewsbury v Sheffield Wednesday, Rangers v Celtic.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Oxford, Colchester, Barrow, Queen's Park.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Brighton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Reading, Sunderland, Ipswich, Plymouth, Crawley, Dundee (Friday), Halifax.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth's 3-2 win at Tottenham may prove to be a false dawn as they crashed 4-0 at home to West Ham in their next match. Bournemouth host Leeds, who are in even more danger of dropping out of the Premier League, and I reckon the teams will cancel each other out. Now that Burnley have been confirmed as Championship champions, perhaps they'll be tempted to take their foot off the pedal at Bristol City, who can relax as they sit in mid-table. Swansea's seven-game unbeaten run has probably come too late for them to make the play-offs and they'll be hard-pushed to take more than a point from Hull. Sheffield Wednesday are likely to miss out on automatic promotion from League One and, as a result, will struggle to overcome Shrewsbury. Unusually, neither Rangers nor Celtic won their Scottish Premiership fixtures last weekend. They face each other in a Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday and I predict they won't be separated after 90 minutes. 

Away days: It's hard to see Manchester City dropping any points between now and the end of the season, especially after dismantling Arsenal in midweek. It will certainly be an upset if they fail to defeat Fulham on Sunday. Just when QPR's fans were giving up on them, they went to Burnley, the runaway champions, and won 2-1 last Saturday. That shock victory eased their relegation worries and will make them more confident of prevailing at Stoke, who have lost 11 Championship matches at home. Oxford's 4-0 midweek home win over Cheltenham has given them breathing space near the foot of League One and they can follow that up by beating Forest Green, who are relegated. Colchester, unbeaten in their last eight League Two fixtures, are the form tip at Doncaster, who are sliding down the table. Ninth-placed Barrow will fancy their chances at Hartlepool, who are as good as down. Queen's Park, second in the Scottish Championship, will probably have to win at Morton to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive and I think they'll do it.

Homes sweet homes: In the Championship relegation dogfight I'm tipping manager-less Reading, deducted six points for breach of financial regulations, to edge out bottom side Wigan, who have had three points deducted for similar reasons. Crawley need a point against Walsall to make sure of staying in League Two but I believe they'll go one better than that. Halifax, mid-table in the National League, have defeated champions Wrexham (home) and high-flying Woking (away) recently. There's no good reason why they can't do the same to Eastleigh, who have tailed off.

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

Ten draws: Brighton v Manchester United, Bournemouth v West Ham, Bristol City v Rotherham, Norwich v Swansea, Port Vale v Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon v Swindon, Barrow v Carlisle, Doncaster v Newport, Tranmere v Grimsby, St Johnstone v Hibernian.

Best draws: Brighton v Manchester United, Bournemouth v West Ham, Bristol City v Rotherham, Port Vale v Bristol Rovers, Doncaster v Newport.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Wolves, Watford, Salford, Partick, Notts County.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal (Friday), Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Newcastle, Burnley, West Bromwich, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Stockport, Dundee United.

Pick of the draws: Although I think Manchester United will eventually win this FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, I feel a highly talented and well coached Brighton side will at least take them to extra time. Consecutive away victories at Leicester (1-0) and Tottenham (3-2) have made Bournemouth believe that they can avoid relegation from the Premier League but they may meet stiffer resistance from West Ham, who came from 2-0 down at home to Arsenal last Sunday to draw 2-2 and have also reached the Europa Conference semi-finals. Rotherham, fighting to preserve their Championship status, deserved their point when they denied promotion-bound Burnley at home in midweek. I'm taking them to gain another at Bristol City. In League One, Port Vale, having sacked manager Darrell Clarke, made high-flying Ipswich work very hard for their 2-1 midweek home win and that should encourage them against Bristol Rovers. Doncaster v Newport in League Two features two teams with little to play for except pride, so don't expect many fireworks.

Away days: Unai Emery's Aston Villa are irresistible at the moment and are worth backing at Brentford, who have gone off the boil. Wolves' position in the Premier League is much healthier after home successes against Chelsea (1-0) and Brentford (2-0) and I'm tipping them to increase Leicester's misery. Watford, who are underperforming in the Championship, finally woke up by beating Bristol City 2-0 at home last Saturday. Maybe that gives them a fighting chance at mid-table Hull. Promotion-seeking Salford, from League Two, returned to winning ways when they defeated Hartlepool 2-0 at home in midweek. I fancy them to gain another three points at Walsall, who are having a terrible time. Partick, improving in the Scottish Championship, are a confident selection at struggling Hamilton and Notts County, second in the National League, look an away banker at Maidstone, who have already been relegated. 

Homes sweet homes: Newcastle were well beaten at Aston Villa last Saturday but they'll be determined to  bounce straight back on Sunday against Tottenham, who appear to lack confidence and belief. Two Championship away wins in a row at Stoke (2-1) and Blackpool (2-0) have moved West Bromwich Albion  into promotion contention and they will be favourites to edge out Sunderland, who frequently fall short. After beating Hibernian (home) and Motherwell (away), both by 2-1, Dundee United, bottom for so long, now seem likely to stay in the Scottish Premiership. I expect them to take maximum points off Livingston. 

Pools info: I scored six out of ten draws last weekend and four of my five best draws were correct, namely Blackburn v Hull (0-0), MK Dons v Cheltenham (2-2), Shrewsbury v Portsmouth (1-1) and Carlisle v Northampton (0-0). 

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

Ten draws: Wolves v Brentford, Blackburn v Hull, Millwall v Preston, Stoke v West Brom, Bristol Rovers v Derby, MK Dons v Cheltenham, Shrewsbury v Portsmouth, Carlisle v Northampton, Sutton v Leyton Orient, Swindon v Barrow.

Best draws: Blackburn v Hull, Millwall v Preston, MK Dons v Cheltenham, Shrewsbury v Portsmouth, Carlisle v Northampton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley,  Inverness.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Everton, Manchester City, Blackpool, Sheffield United, Ipswich, Lincoln, Harrogate, Salford, Stevenage, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Blackburn may be higher in the Championship (sixth) than Hull (16th) but the visitors are in better form and can come away from Ewood Park with a point. Preston's two wins over the Easter holiday against Queens Park Rangers (2-0 away) and Reading (2-1 home) have put them on the verge of the play-offs and they are in the mood to frustrate fifth-placed Millwall, who failed to score over the Easter weekend. Cheltenham ended Ipswich's remarkable eight-game winning run in League One on Monday and I'm taking them to share the spoils at MK Dons, who are still not safe from the drop. Portsmouth's 15 league draws this season have been a curse rather than a blessing and I'm tipping them to take part in another stalemate at Shrewsbury, who are stumbling. The goals have dried up for Carlisle, who have slipped out of the League Two automatic promotion positions. I suspect they will need to find the net against Northampton, who are two places above them.

Away days: Crystal Palace's 5-1 victory at Leeds was the best Premier League result of last weekend. That made it two wins out of two for the returning veteran manager Roy Hodgson and a third consecutive triumph is on the cards at Southampton, who are in danger of being cast adrift. Leaders Arsenal were disappointed to have relinquished a 2-0 lead at Liverpool last Sunday but they'll be determined to resume winning ways on Sunday at struggling West Ham, where they have such a fine record. Burnley have clinched promotion to the top flight with six matches to spare and I can't see them showing any mercy to Reading, who are third from bottom in the Championship. After a dodgy spell, Sheffield Wednesday went top of League One when beating Accrington 3-0 at home on Monday and they'll fancy themselves at Burton. Barnsley, strong favourites to claim a play-off place, look an away banker at doomed Forest Green. In the Scottish Championship, the improving Inverness seem certain to prevail at bottom side Cove Rangers. 

Homes sweet homes: Since manager Sean Dyche arrived at Goodison Park, there hasn't been much wrong with lowly Everton's home form in the Premier League and they are well worth backing against mid-table Fulham, who have lost their spark. Although Blackpool seem certain to be relegated from the Championship, they should at least enjoy maximum points against Wigan, who are in an even worse predicament. Harrogate, in the battle to avoid relegation from League Two, came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at leaders Leyton Orient on Monday. That should boost them when they host out-of-sorts Doncaster, who have little to play for. 

Pools tips and best bets for Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday

 Ten draws: Brentford v Newcastle (Sat), Leicester v Bournemouth (Sat), Burnley v Sheffield United (Mon), Coventry v Watford (Mon), Derby v MK Dons (Mon), Port Vale v Oxford (Mon), Colchester v Crewe (Mon), Doncaster v Grimsby (Mon), Tranmere v Swindon (Mon), Hearts v St Mirren (Sat).

Best draws: Brentford v Newcastle, Burnley v Sheffield United, Coventry v Watford, Colchester v Crewe, Hearts v St Mirren.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City (Sat), Stoke (Mon), Swansea (Mon), Ipswich (Mon), Salford (Mon), Dundee (Sat).

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa (Sat), Leeds (Sun), Huddersfield (Mon), Luton (Mon), Barnsley (Mon), Plymouth (Mon), Portsmouth (Mon), Bradford City (Mon), Leyton Orient (Mon), Stirling (Sat).

Pick of the draws: Newcastle raised their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League by  beating Manchester United 2-0 at home last Sunday and West Ham 5-1 away in midweek but there's no guarantee they will do the same to Brentford, who have only lost six times in the Premier League this season. Championship leaders Burnley dropped two home points when held to a goalless draw by Sunderland last Friday and they could falter again when they host second-placed Sheffield United, who relish playing away. Coventry, beaten 4-0 at home by Stoke, and Watford, 2-0 losers at Luton, suffered setbacks last weekend in their quest for a play-off place and they'll be determined not to experience a repeat. Colchester v Crewe next Monday features two goal-shy teams from League Two who are in transition. Don't be surprised if this draw ends goalless. Third-placed Hearts, surprisingly defeated 2-1 at lowly Kilmarnock in last Saturday's Scottish Premiership, may struggle to recover against St Mirren, who beat Livingston 3-0 at home.

Away days: Manchester City, with 17 goals in their past three matches, are on fire and impossible to ignore when they visit Southampton, the Premier League's bottom club. Stoke's 4-0 victory at Coventry was one of the best results of last weekend and I'm taking the fast-improving Championship side to gain another three points at Birmingham. Successive wins over Bristol City (2-0 home) and Cardiff (3-2 away) have lifted the mood at Swansea, who should make it three in a row at seemingly doomed Wigan. Ipswich's pursuit of the top two in League One looks set to continue at Cheltenham. I fancy high-flying Salford to edge out off-form Wimbledon in League Two and Dundee, 7-0 home winners over Hamilton in the Scottish Championship last Saturday, will feel confident at Arbroath.

Homes sweet homes: Leeds received a midweek bounce by beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at home in the scrap to avoid relegation from the Premier League. I believe that feel-good factor will carry over into Sunday when they entertain Crystal Palace. Struggling Huddersfield, managed by veteran Neil Warnock, played superbly last Saturday to upset Middlesbrough, one of the best teams in the Championship. I think that shock victory will spur them on to another one against sixth-placed Blackburn. Bradford City, back in the League Two promotion reckoning, don't do as well at home as they should but I'm tipping them to get the better of the equally highly regarded Sutton on Easter Monday. 

Betting info: I scored eight out of ten homes last weekend with the following: Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Barnsley, Charlton, Portsmouth, Dundee and Queen of the South. 

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

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v Fulham, Nottingham Forest v Wolves, Birmingham v Blackburn, Cardiff v Swansea, Norwich v Sheffield United, Cheltenham v Burton, Barrow v Gillingham, Colchester v Newport, Northampton v Stevenage, St Mirren v Livingston.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Fulham, Nottingham Forest v Wolves, Birmingham v Blackburn, Barrow v Gillingham, Northampton v Stevenage.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich, Partick, Falkirk, Stirling. 

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Barnsley, Charlton, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Dundee, Dunfermline, Queen of the South.

Pick of the draws: Fulham may not have recovered from their 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final loss at Manchester United when they were reduced to nine men. Striker Mitrovic was one of the players sent off and Fulham will probably miss him against Bournemouth, who are desperate for Premier League points. Consecutive defeats against Tottenham (3-1 away) and Newcastle (2-1 home) have seen Nottingham Forest rejoin the scrap to avoid relegation from the Premier League. They face Wolves, who are also threatened by the drop. Blackburn, fifth in the Championship, relinquished a 2-1 lead at Sheffield United to miss out on an FA Cup semi-final place. The disappointment may adversely affect them at Birmingham. Gillingham's startling improvement in League Two has given them a chance of getting something at Barrow, whose hopes of a play-off place are fading. The slipshod manner of Stevenage's 3-1 home defeat by Salford last Saturday was untypical and they will surely be more professional at Northampton, who have overtaken them in the race for automatic promotion.

Away days: It's impossible to ignore the claims of Middlesbrough, third in the Championship, at Huddersfield, even though Neil Warnock's relegation-threatened side won at Millwall on their last outing. Queens Park Rangers, now managed by Gareth Ainsworth, will never have a better chance of winning away when they visit bottom team Wigan, who look doomed. Defeats by Sheffield Wednesday at Barnsley (4-2) and Forest Green (1-0), followed by a midweek 2-2 draw at Cheltenham, have given Ipswich fresh hope of automatic promotion from League One. They can win at Derby, who are stumbling. I've gone to Scotland for my other three away tips. Partick, fourth in the Championship, should assert their superiority over struggling Cove. Falkirk, second in League One, are recommended at Clyde, who are second from last, and League Two leaders Stirling will be confident of three points at third-from-bottom Elgin. 

Homes sweet homes: Although Crystal Palace have not won this year (a run of 13 matches), they are worth backing against Leicester, who are seriously underperforming. Veteran manager Roy Hodgson is back at Selhurst Park, at least until the end of the season, and I've a hunch he'll be celebrating a Premier League victory on Saturday evening. I'm also siding with Newcastle to avenge their 2-0 League Cup final defeat by Manchester United. Eddie Howe's players are showing signs of turning the corner with wins over Wolves (2-1 home) and Nottingham Forest (2-1 away). In League One I'm tipping Charlton, in 12th place, to beat Shrewsbury, who are 10th but losing ground in their attempts to qualify for the play-offs.

Betting info: I scored five out of six away wins last weekend with Northampton, Airdrieonians, Dunfermline, Alloa and Woking.

 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 25-26

 Ten draws: Northern Ireland v Finland, Slovakia v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Gillingham v Carlisle, Swindon v Stockport, Stenhousemuir v Forfar, Boreham Wood v Eastleigh, Dorking v Maidenhead, Oldham v Solihull Moors, Wealdstone v Barnet, Yeovil v Bromley.

Best draws: Northern Ireland v Finland, Swindon v Stockport, Boreham Wood v Eastleigh, Oldham v Solihull Moors, Wealdstone v Barnet. 

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton, Airdrieonians (Friday), Dunfermline, Alloa, Woking.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Croatia, England, Scotland, Colchester, Ayr (Friday), Queen's Park (Friday), Stirling, Altrincham, Notts County, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: This weekend's coupon consists of 14 European qualifying matches. The one most likely to end in stalemate is Northern Ireland, 59th in the world rankings, hosting Finland, who are 56th. League Two play-off contenders Stockport have drawn three of their past four games. There's a good chance of another deadlock when they visit Swindon, who are also in the habit of drawing. Eastleigh have climbed into the play-off places in the National League and I'm tipping them to come away with a point at Boreham Wood, who are directly below them. Solihull Moors are on the march, having won their last four matches, and look good for a point at Oldham, who have banished fears of relegation. Although Barnet have turned their season around - fifth in the table and in the FA Trophy semi-finals - they won't find it easy at Wealdstone, home of their local rivals. 

Away days: After losing 4-2 at Barnsley in midweek, Sheffield Wednesday lost the League One leadership to Plymouth but they will surely bounce straight back when they visit bottom side Forest Green on Sunday. I'm giving Northampton, fourth in League Two, the edge when they travel to inconsistent Doncaster. Airdrieonians, fresh from their 7-0 rout of Peterhead in Scottish League One, will be hot favourites at Clyde, who are second from bottom. Leaders Dunfermline should be equally confident at mid-table Montrose and Alloa, in third, will expect to prevail at Peterhead, who are last. Woking, third in the National League, are highly recommended at Maidstone, who seem doomed to relegation. 

Homes sweet homes: Lowly Colchester scored twice in the last two minutes to rescue a point at League Two leaders Leyton Orient last Saturday. That will lift their mood for the visit of mid-table Tranmere, who lost 3-1 at home to Newport last weekend. Stirling, the new Scottish League Two leaders after beating Forfar 2-0 at home in midweek, entertain the deposed Dumbarton, who crashed 5-1 at home to struggling Albion last Saturday - one of the upsets of the season. I'm backing Stirling to win this one. Altrincham, of the National League, are very good on their day and I'm backing them to defeat  Southend, who are higher in the table.

Pools info: Crewe v Bradford City (No.19 on coupon) has been postponed because of international call-ups and will be assessed by the pools panel.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 18-19

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Bournemouth, Wolves v Leeds, Blackpool v Coventry, Reading v Hull, Swansea v Bristol City, Accrington v MK Dons, Cheltenham v Exeter, Stockport v Mansfield, Tranmere v Newport, Partick v Dundee.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Bournemouth, Blackpool v Coventry, Swansea v Bristol City, Stockport v Mansfield, Partick v Dundee.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Newcastle (Friday), Luton, Portsmouth, Charlton, Swindon, East Fife. 

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Millwall, Stoke, Watford, Ipswich, Plymouth, Leyton Orient, Airdrieonians.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth's fight against relegation from the Premier League was strengthened by their unexpected 1-0 home victory over Liverpool last Saturday. By all accounts it was deserved and I can see them frustrating Aston Villa, who are very up and down. Lowly Blackpool's 6-1 home triumph against Queens Park Rangers in a midweek Championship fixture took everybody by surprise but I doubt they'll have similar success when they host Coventry, who are proving harder to beat. Swansea's rough patch will be tested by the visit of Bristol City, who are in better shape. I suspect that Mansfield would have at least drawn at Northampton in midweek if they had kept 11 players on the pitch. The League Two play-off contenders travel to Stockport, who are also in the hunt promotion, and I predict a point apiece. Dundee, second in the Scottish Championship, go to Partick, who are just below them and in good form. Deadlock is the most likely result.

Away days: Newcastle's 2-1 win at home to Wolves last Sunday was their first three-pointer since January. They will be keen to stay in contention for next season's Champions League and they are worth a punt at Nottingham Forest, who were out of sorts when losing 3-1 at Tottenham last weekend. No team in the Championship has won more away matches than Luton, who are into double figures. They deserve to be in the play-off positions and I believe they'll take maximum points at Sunderland on Saturday. Portsmouth's away record in League One holds up well. They travel to Bristol Rovers, whose home form is indifferent. Charlton, 4-1 winners at Morecambe in midweek, will fancy themselves at struggling Cambridge. The same can be said for mid-table Swindon, who visit Rochdale, League Two's bottom side. I reckon East Fife, of Scottish League Two, 2-1 winners at Stenhousemuir last Saturday, will gain their second consecutive away victory at the expense of relegation-threatened Bonnyrigg Rose.

Homes sweet homes: Three wins in a row have galvanised Chelsea, who aim to finish their Premier League season strongly. I recommend them against Everton, who are especially weak away from home. Stoke have surged up the Championship table after victories over Sunderland (5-1 away), Blackburn (3-2 home) and a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough in midweek. That should give them the confidence to defeat the better-placed Norwich. After their superb 2-0 win at Bolton last weekend, Ipswich are only two points behind League One runners-up Plymouth. It's time they turned some of those home draws into wins and I believe they'll do just that when they host Shrewsbury.