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

Ten draws: Coventry v Millwall, Oxford v Plymouth, Swansea v Luton, Bolton v Lincoln, Reading v Mansfield, Rotherham v Stockport, Bradford City v Chesterfield, Cheltenham v Notts County, Colchester v Doncaster, MK Dons v Crewe.

Best draws: Coventry v Millwall, Swansea v Luton, Reading v Mansfield, Colchester v Doncaster, MK Dons v Crewe.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Wolves, Liverpool, Leeds, Sunderland. Ten homes: Arsenal (Friday), Watford, Birmingham, Charlton, Huddersfield, Leyton Orient, Shrewsbury, Carlisle, Salford, Arbroath.

Pick of the draws: Coventry manager Frank Lampard is having problems turning their season around, as was evident when his team crashed 4-1 at Portsmouth in the Championship last Saturday. Millwall, their opponents on Sunday, have conceded less than a goal a game. If Luton were as good on their travels as they are at home, they would be higher in the Championship table. Having said that, they can come away with something at Swansea, who are erratic. Mansfield, after an unexpected barren spell, are back on track in League One and will test a Reading side challenging for the play-offs. Colchester have one of the meanest defences in League Two, which should serve them well against promotion contenders Doncaster. MK Dons, who are scoring goals for fun, host Crewe, who give very little away. 

Away days: As Nottingham Forest, riding high in the Premier League, have already won at Liverpool and Manchester United this season, they won't feel apprehensive about going to goal-shy Everton on Sunday. A trip to relegation-threatened Leicester has given Manchester City a golden opportunity to return to winning ways. Wolves' 3-0 victory at Leicester last Sunday was a huge boost as they try to avoid the drop and they are well worth a punt at Tottenham, who are hindered by injuries and a leaky defence. Liverpool, firm favourites for the title, cannot be ignored at West Ham and it will be surprising if second-placed Leeds don't collect three Championship points at Derby. Sunderland, like Leeds aiming for automatic promotion, are recommended at Stoke, who failed miserably against 10-man Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Promotion-seeking Wycombe in League One have lost only twice this season but they could be on the wrong end of an upset at Charlton, who woke up to win 5-0 at Northampton last weekend. Bottom-of-the table Shrewsbury fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Wigan last Saturday.  I believe they'll go one better against Northampton, who lie just outside the relegation zone. Carlisle,  bottom in League Two, held promotion favourites Port Vale to an away goalless draw last Saturday. Another good result against fellow strugglers Accrington will help them in their battle to stay in the Football League.

 

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

 Ten draws: Brentford v Nottingham Forest, Ipswich v Newcastle, West Ham v Brighton, Millwall v Blackburn, Plymouth v Middlesbrough, Burton v Exeter, Northampton v Charlton, Barrow v Fleetwood, Chesterfield v Wimbledon, Ross v St Mirren.

Best draws: Brentford v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Brighton, Millwall v Blackburn, Burton v Exeter, Chesterfield v Wimbledon.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Chelsea, Wrexham, Salford, Walsall, Partick, Gateshead. 

Ten homes: Fulham, Leeds, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, Wigan, Doncaster, Port Vale, Hearts, Peterhead, Rochdale.

Pick of the draws: Brentford are exceptional on their own patch, with seven Premier League wins out of eight this season, but Nottingham Forest, with victories over Manchester United (3-2, away) and Aston Villa (2-1, home), have shown they are a threat to the top four and can get something here. Brighton's recent results have been disappointing, so West Ham, nothing special themselves, have a chance of taking a point. The unexpected resignation of manager Neil Harris is a blow to Millwall. They would rather not be facing Blackburn, who are playing well and have climbed into the Championship play-off positions. Despite looking favourites to be relegated from League One, Burton have not thrown in the towel, as they showed with a battling goalless draw at Leyton Orient last Saturday. I believe they'll give mi-table Exeter a harder game than expected. Chesterfield v Wimbledon is probably the most attractive fixture in League Two. These promotion contenders had good victories last weekend - Chesterfield 2-0 at Carlisle, Wimbledon 1-0 at home to Doncaster - and it's hard to separate them.

Away days: Chelsea have become the biggest danger to Premier League leaders Liverpool. They have won their last five league games and will want to maintain the pressure by taking maximum points at Everton. Although Wrexham have slipped out of the League One automatic promotion places, they should be too strong for Bristol Rovers, who are one place above the drop zone. In-form Salford have moved into the top half of League Two and will be aiming for another three points at lowly Accrington. Leaders Walsall will also fancy their chances at struggling Harrogate. I'm taking Partick to increase the agony of rock bottom Airdrie in the Scottish Championship and in the National League, I cannot ignore free-scoring promotion hopefuls Gateshead, who visit last-placed Ebbsfleet.

Homes sweet homes: Everything went wrong for Portsmouth when losing 4-0 at Derby in the Championship last Friday but I've a hunch they'll put things right against Coventry, who have had mixed results since the sacking of manager Mark Robins. There seemed no hope for Queens Park Rangers a few weeks ago but they are now clear of the Championship relegation zone and in the mood to move higher up the table by beating Preston. I'm backing Hearts, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, to record only their fourth league win of the season when they host fellow strugglers St Johnstone.

Pools info: I'll file my pools tips and best bets for the weekend of December 28-29 on Christmas Eve.

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

Ten draws: Newcastle v Leicester, Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa, Norwich v Burnley, Swansea v Sunderland, Watford v West Bromwich, Bromley v Port Vale, Grimsby v Crewe, Kilmarnock v Hearts.

Best draws: Newcastle v Leicester, Swansea v Sunderland, Watford v West Bromwich, Bromley v Port Vale, Grimsby v Crewe.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Leeds, Wycombe, Stockport, Chesterfield, Clyde, York. 

Ten homes: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Wolves, Sheffield United, Birmingham, Leyton Orient, Colchester, Walsall, Hibernian.

Pick of the draws: Leicester have perked up since Ruud van Nistelrooy's appointment as manager and are now five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone. They can frustrate Newcastle, who seem to take one step forward and two back. Sunderland have slipped out of the automatic promotion places and face a tricky assignment at Swansea, who won 2-1 at Plymouth in midweek and have climbed into the top half of the Championship table. West Bromwich are the Championship's draw specialists, ending level on 11 occasions. They have a good chance of adding to their tally at Watford, who are at a similar level. Port Vale were knocked off the top of League Two when they lost 1-0 at home to fellow promotion challengers Walsall last Saturday. Port Vale visit Bromley, who are adapting well to a higher division and have also reached the FA Cup third round. Grimsby, who are stronger in attack, meet Crewe, who are defensively more secure. 

Away days: Leeds, flying high in the Championship, look an away banker at Preston, whose 2-0 victory at Cardiff in midweek was their first win in 11 matches. Table-topping Wycombe have been the surprise package in League One and are also highly recommended at Shrewsbury, who are bottom. Stockport, aiming for consecutive promotions, will be hungry for three more points at mid-table Stevenage. Chesterfield, promoted last season and just outside the League Two play-off places, will fancy themselves at Carlisle, who are last. In Scottish League Two, I've a hunch that Clyde, who are eighth and beat Peterhead 3-2 at home last weekend, will defeat seventh-placed Spartans, who lost 3-1 at home to Stranraer in midweek. I'm tipping York, the National League leaders, to triumph at Tamworth, despite the latter's giant-killing feats in the FA Cup.

Homes sweet homes: At home to fellow Premier League strugglers Ipswich on Saturday, is a must-win game for Wolves and their beleaguered manager Gary O'Neil. Wolves have been on the wrong end of too many controversial refereeing decisions this season and are due a change of fortune. Colchester are climbing League Two after a difficult start to the season and are worth backing against Newport, who are going in the opposite direction. Hibernian have an opportunity to move off the foot of the Scottish Premiership by defeating Ross County and will be disappointed if they waste it. 

 

Pools tips for weekend of November 30-December 1

Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v Ipswich, Derby v Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke v Burnley, Accrington v Swindon, Blackpool v Birmingham, Cambridge v Wigan, Morecambe v Bradford City, Walsall v Charlton, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Peterhead v Montrose.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v Ipswich, Derby v Sheffield Wednesday, Accrington v Swindon, Cambridge v Wigan, Walsall v Charlton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, West Brom, Doncaster, Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Crewe.

Ten homes: Brighton (Friday), Brentford, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Sheffield United (Friday), Watford, Wimbledon, Solihull Moors, Sutton.

Pick of the draws: Despite lying seventh in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest were poor in their two recent defeats against Newcastle (3-1, home) and Arsenal (3-0, away). Although third from bottom, promoted Ipswich have rarely been embarrassed this term and will feel that they can get something here. Sunday's clash between Derby and Sheffield Wednesday features teams who are mid-table in the Championship and will probably stay there for the rest of the season. It's FA Cup second round weekend. Accrington and Swindon, both at the wrong end of League Two, drew 2-2 earlier this month and there's no reason to suppose that Saturday's result will be much different after 90 minutes. I'm taking Cambridge, battling hard against relegation, to hold Wigan, who have won their past two matches in League One. Walsall, who look a good bet for promotion in League Two, will make life difficult for Charlton, who have underwhelmed in League One. 

Away days: Arsenal, with convincing wins over Nottingham Forest (3-0, home) and Sporting Lisbon (5-1, away) are ending November much better than they started it and are determined to end the month on a real high at West Ham on Saturday. West Brom, just outside the Championship play-off places, have my backing at Preston, chiefly because lowly Preston are averaging under a goal a game. Doncaster, flying high in League Two, are favourites to progress to the FA Cup third round at the expense of non-League Kettering. Aberdeen, who lost for the first time this season in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, will still feel confident of maximum points at struggling Hearts. In the Scottish Cup third round, Dunfermline, of the Championship, will be looking to advance at Edinburgh City, from League Two. Crewe's eight-game unbeaten run in League Two is fancied to continue at rock bottom Carlisle.

Homes sweet homes: It's first (Liverpool) versus second (Manchester City) at Anfield on Sunday and I'm banking on Arne Slot's side to take advantage of Man City's stuttering form by increasing their lead at the top of the Premier League. In a top-of-the-Championship fixture, Sheffield United are in better shape than  injury-ravaged Sunderland, who visit Bramall Lane on Friday and I expect Chris Wilder's side to confirm that. I feel Solihull Moors, mid-table in the National League but formidable on their day, have the best chance of causing an upset in the FA Cup second round when they host Bromley, promoted to League Two at the end of last season.

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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Brighton, Bristol City v Burnley, Millwall v Sunderland, Preston v Derby, Swansea v Leeds, Lincoln v Wycombe, Northampton v Cambridge, Peterborough v Reading, Stevenage v Leyton Orient, St Johnstone v Kilmarnock. 

Best draws: Bournemouth v Brighton, Bristol City v Burnley, Millwall v Sunderland, Northampton v Cambridge, Peterborough v Reading.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Brentford, Stoke, Stockport, Birmingham, Doncaster, MK Dons. 

Ten homes: Arsenal, Fulham, Luton, Barnsley, Mansfield, Wrexham, Notts County, Swindon, Barnet, York.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth, with recent home wins over Arsenal (2-0) and Manchester City (2-1) and Brighton, who are in the top six on merit, are both punching above their weight in the Premier League and this is shaping up to be a close-fought encounter. Burnley, though lying fourth in the Championship, have been goal-shy lately and may have to settle for a point at mid-table Bristol City. Leaders Sunderland, three games without a win, look vulnerable at Millwall, who have upset similarly fancied sides, including Leeds, recently. Although League One strugglers Cambridge came a 6-1 cropper at Peterborough in their previous away game, they are showing more spirit in their battle to avoid relegation and can deny Northampton. Reading played well when drawing 1-1 at Stevenage two weeks ago and a point should not be beyond them at Peterborough. 

Away days: Brentford always look like scoring and are one of the Premier League's entertainers. I think their attacking quality will give them the edge at Everton, who are less fluent. In the Championship, I have to fancy mid-table Stoke at bottom club Queens Park Rangers, who are in desperate straits. Stockport, fresh from beating Bolton (5-0) and Wrexham (1-0) at home, are highly recommended at Burton, who are second last in League One. Second-placed Birmingham look an away banker at bottom-of-the-table Shrewsbury. I believe Doncaster, third in League Two, will recover from the disappointment of only drawing 1-1 at home to Salford by defeating lowly Carlisle and I'm tipping MK Dons, who fought back from 2-0 down to beat Cheltenham 3-2 at home last Saturday, to win at Fleetwood.

Homes sweet homes: Arsenal know they cannot afford to drop many more points if they are to overtake Manchester City and Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite a worrying injury list, I'm backing them to return to winning ways against Nottingham Forest, who are one place below them. Luton haven't stopped sliding since being relegated to the Championship at the end of last season. However, they will feel they have a chance against Hull, who are equally suffering. I'm going for Swindon, third from last in League Two but now managed by the eccentric veteran Ian Holloway, to come out on top when they host bottom club Morecambe. 

 

 

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

 Ten draws: Harrogate v Chesterfield, Newport v Grimsby, Livingston v Falkirk, Dumbarton v Queen of the South, Spartans v Stirling, Stranraer v Bonnyrigg Rose, Braintree v Fylde, Dagenham & Redbridge v Barnet, Montenegro v Iceland, Turkey v Wales.

Best draws: Harrogate v Chesterfield, Livingston v Falkirk, Stranraer v Bonnyrigg Rose, Dagenham & Redbridge v Barnet, Turkey v Wales.

Weekend football's best bets: Six aways: Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Barnsley, Alloa, East Fife.

Ten homes: Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Stockport, Accrington, Doncaster, Elgin, Peterhead, Gateshead, Hartlepool.

Pick of the draws: You don't know what Harrogate, in League Two, are going to do next. After knocking League One high-flyers Wrexham out of the FA Cup, they lost at home to Morecambe, the Football League's lowest club. Their visitors Chesterfield are equally erratic, losing 3-0 at home to Accrington last weekend. If there's one side who can avoid defeat to Championship leaders Falkirk, it's second-placed Livingston, who won 3-1 at Hamilton last Saturday. Stranraer and Bonnyrigg Rose, who play each other in Scottish League Two, had good results against higher-placed teams last weekend, Stranraer winning 2-1 at East Fife and Bonnyrigg beating Elgin 2-0 at home. Barnet, third in the National League, aren't so formidable on their travels and could drop points at mid-table Dagenham. Craig Bellamy, Wales' new manager, seems to have his team fired up and I'm tipping them to deny group leaders Turkey on Saturday in the Nations League. 

Away days: Continuing the Nations League theme, Belgium look a sure thing at Israel, as do the Czech Republic at Albania. Group leaders Greece showed what they were capable of when deservedly beating England 2-1 at Wembley and are fancied to win again in Finland. Barnsley's fine away form has kept them in the League One promotion hunt and they travel to Cambridge, who crashed 6-1 at Peterborough last Saturday. Alloa, top of Scottish League One, go to crisis club Inverness, who have had 15 points deducted, and East Fife, second in Scottish League Two but surprisingly beaten at home last weekend, should recover quickly against struggling Clyde.

Homes sweet homes: Stockport, 5-0 winners at home to Bolton last Saturday, are worth a wager in their League One clash with promotion-seeking Wrexham. Lowly Accrington's 3-0 triumph at Chesterfield in League Two was one of the best results of last weekend and I'm tipping them to follow it up against Swindon, who sit just above the relegation zone. Veteran boss Lennie Lawrence, 76, has been appointed manager of Hartlepool, who are in the National League. They scored three goals in a 5-3 loss at leaders York last Saturday, which makes me think they have a good chance of beating Eastleigh, who have only two more points.

Pools info: Charlton v Peterborough (match No.2 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 November 9-10

 Ten draws: Brentford v Bournemouth, Crystal Palace v Fulham, Nottingham Forest v Newcastle, Stoke v Millwall, Sunderland v Coventry, Stockport v Bolton, Wrexham v Mansfield, Gillingham v Port Vale, Tranmere v Newport, Hibernian v St Mirren.

Best draws: Brentford v Bournemouth, Crystal Palace v Fulham, Stoke v Millwall, Sunderland v Coventry, Wrexham v Mansfield. 

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Everton, Lincoln, Huddersfield, Wycombe, Gateshead, Forest Green. Ten homes: Liverpool, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Birmingham, Burton, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Salford.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth showed their quality with Premier League home wins over Arsenal (2-0 and Manchester City (2-1). They go to Brentford, who are formidable on their own ground. Fulham's added-time goals to beat Brentford on Monday will have lifted the mood but Crystal Palace have also perked up recently, defeating Tottenham and knocking Aston Villa out of the League Cup. Millwall's startling improvement has seen them move into the Championship play-off places and they won't fazed about having to go to Stoke. At first glance, Sunderland look a home banker but Coventry have regained their mojo with victories over Luton (3-2, home) and Middlesbrough (3-0, away) and they could surprise the Championship leaders. Wrexham v Mansfield is a clash between League One high-flyers, which looks one of the likeliest draws on the coupon. 

Away days: Everton won 2-0 at Ipswich last month and could be similarly successful at West Ham, who don't inspire confidence. Lincoln are deservedly in the League One promotion shake-up and I rate their chances at Bristol Rovers. Although Huddersfield were on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset at Tamworth last Friday, I think they'll recover sufficiently to triumph at relegation-threatened Crawley. Wycombe are the new League One leaders after their remarkable 5-0 midweek away success at Stockport and are impossible to ignore at Wigan. In the National League, promotion-seeking Gateshead and Forest Green are recommended at Fylde and Maidenhead respectively. 

Homes sweet homes: The lack of a cutting edge is the main reason Portsmouth are bottom of the Championship, with only one victory to their name. However, I believe they'll score enough goals to beat Preston, who lie just above the relegation zone. Burton are bottom of League One and without a win in 12 league games. They'll never have a better opportunity to get off the mark against Shrewsbury, who are also in the drop zone and were knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Salford last Saturday. I think home advantage will be a decisive factor when League Two promotion contenders, Doncaster (fourth) and Notts County (third) play each other on Saturday. 

 

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

 Ten draws: Manchester United v Chelsea, Tottenham v Aston Villa, Cardiff v Norwich, Blackburn v Sheffield United, Millwall v Burnley, Gillingham v Blackpool, Tranmere v Oldham, Walsall v Bolton, St Mirren v Ross, Celtic v Aberdeen.

Best draws: Tottenham v Aston Villa, Cardiff v Norwich, Blackburn v Sheffield United, Millwall v Burnley, Tranmere v Oldham.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Huddersfield (Friday), Sunderland, Wigan, Crawley, Barnsley, Hamilton. Ten homes: Notts County (Friday), Wolves, Leeds, Oxford, Chesterfield, Crewe, Exeter, Reading, Rochdale, Salford.

Pick of the draws: Although at first glance Aston Villa look the likelier bet, you are never quite sure which Tottenham are going to turn up. Will it be the Spurs who beat West Ham 4-1 at home two weeks ago or the Spurs who lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace last Sunday? Cardiff have moved out of the Championship relegation zone with some impressive displays but may find Norwich more difficult opponents. The visitors came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at home to Middlesbrough last Sunday. Staying in the Championship, Blackburn have dropped only one point at home so far but if any side can frustrate them it's high-flying Sheffield United, who returned to form by beating Stoke 2-0 at home last Saturday. Millwall have climbed into the top half, so don't be surprised if they defy second-placed Burnley on Sunday. It's the FA Cup first round proper this weekend and bear in mind there are no replays this season. I believe that Oldham, fifth in the National League and with only one away defeat, will be level with League Two strugglers Tranmere after 90 minutes.

Away days: League One Huddersfield are seemingly over their dodgy spell and should take their FA Cup tie at Tamworth, of the National League, in their stride on Friday. Sunderland, who lead the Championship by five points, look an away banker at second-from-bottom Queens Park Rangers. Despite being in the bottom half of League One, I expect Wigan to come through their FA Cup tie at Carlisle, second from last in League Two. Crawley's precarious position in League One may not prevent them winning at  Maidenhead, of the National League. I tip Barnsley, the League One away specialists, to come through against Port Vale, the League Two leaders, and Hamilton, of the Scottish Championship, to add to the gloom of bottom team Airdrieonians.

Homes sweet homes: Wolves will have taken heart from their fabulous late comeback to draw 2-2 at Brighton last Saturday and they are worth a punt to win their first Premier League match of the season when they host fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday. In the FA Cup, Rochdale, sixth in the National League, have a good chance of upsetting League Two newcomers Bromley, while Salford, who are mid-table in League Two but improving, will feel quietly confident of knocking out Shrewsbury, 23rd in League One. 

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

Ten draws: Arsenal v Liverpool, Coventry v Luton, Swansea v Millwall, Watford v Blackburn, Lincoln v Stockport, Mansfield v Birmingham, Rotherham v Stevenage, Bradford City v Doncaster, Bromley v Barrow, Grimsby v Milton Keynes Dons.

Best draws: Coventry v Luton, Watford v Blackburn, Bradford City v Doncaster, Bromley v Barrow, Grimsby v MK Dons.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Leeds, Barnsley, Walsall, Chesterfield, Kilmarnock. Ten homes: Chelsea, Everton, Burnley, Plymouth, Sheffield United, Cambridge, Wycombe, Notts County, Falkirk, Eastleigh.

Pick of the draws: Luton lifted their Championship gloom with a morale-boosting 3-0 home win over fierce rivals Watford last Saturday and will travel with optimism to Coventry, who have surprisingly slipped into the relegation zone. Watford's away form is letting them down but they are much better at home and should at least get a point when they host Blackburn, who are above them in the Championship. Bradford City and Doncaster, who lie fifth and fourth respectively, are genuine League Two promotion contenders. Both won at the weekend and this is perhaps the likeliest draw on the coupon. Still in League Two, Barrow have dropped out of the play-off places and could be vulnerable at Bromley, who had a fine 1-0 midweek victory at Doncaster. After two consecutive wins, fast-climbing MK Dons will feel they have a chance at Grimsby, who are better away.

Away days: Manchester United's form is nothing to shout about but they seem a sounder bet than their hosts West Ham, who have already lost three home games. After last season's agonising near miss, Leeds are doubly determined to gain promotion to the Premier League and three points at Bristol City will boost their chances. Barnsley, with four away wins in League One, will probably make it five at struggling Shrewsbury. Walsall, second in League Two with seven goals in their past two matches, are strongly fancied at lowly Accrington, as are free-scoring Chesterfield at bottom club Morecambe. In the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock, now on the rise, are worth backing at Ross County.

Homes sweet homes: Last Saturday's well deserved 2-0 success at Ipswich has put Everton in the mood to beat Fulham. Anyway, it's time Everton's home fortunes improved in what is their final season at Goodison Park. Plymouth's 5-0 thrashing at Cardiff in the Championship last Saturday was partly down to having to play with 10 men for most of the game. I'm tipping them to recover when they entertain Preston. Suddenly there's light at the end of the League One tunnel for Cambridge, who sit 23rd. Having defeated Wigan 2-0 at home last Saturday and Stevenage 2-0 away in midweek, they are going for a hat-trick of wins against Burton, the only side below them.  

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

 Ten draws: Fulham v Aston Villa, Manchester United v Brentford, Cardiff v Plymouth, Luton v Watford, Sheffield Wednesday v Burnley, Stoke v Norwich, Accrington v Barrow, Grimsby v Walsall, Port Vale v Fleetwood, St Johnstone v Ross.

Best draws: Fulham v Aston Villa, Luton v Watford, Stoke v Norwich, Accrington v Barrow, Port Vale v Fleetwood.

Weekend football's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Portsmouth, Wigan, Wrexham, Doncaster, East Fife.

Ten homes: Ipswich, Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Huddersfield, Mansfield, Reading, Morecambe, Hearts, York.

Pick of the draws: Fulham lost narrowly at Manchester City last time out in the Premier League and it won't surprise me if they frustrate Aston Villa, who disappointed when being held to a goalless home draw by Manchester United. Relegated Luton sit just outside the Championship relegation zone but are likely to raise their game against fierce rivals Watford, who, by contrast, are in the play-off positions. Stoke and Norwich, who play each other, have experienced big, recent victories - Stoke 6 Portsmouth 1 and Norwich 4 Hull 0 - so it's hard to pick a winner. Accrington climbed out of the League Two relegation zone with a stunning 2-1 away win against promotion contenders Gillingham last Saturday. That was Accrington's second victory in a row, so high-flying Barrow, who lost to lowly Morecambe on the same day, have been warned. By winning 1-0 at MK Dons last weekend, Port Vale went from sixth to first. However, they could be denied by Fleetwood, who have scored more away goals than anyone in League Two, including a 6-2 triumph at Walsall.

Away days: Arsenal won their corresponding Premier League fixture at Bournemouth 4-0 last season. Although I can't see it being as easy as that this time, the Gunners, third in the table, should still have enough in reserve to come away with three points. Promoted Portsmouth are still waiting for their first win in the Championship. I think it may arrive at Queens Park Rangers, who are in as much trouble as Pompey and sit just above them in the drop zone. In League One, Wigan should return from rock bottom Cambridge with maximum points while Wrexham, in second place, are worth backing at Rotherham. Doncaster could be the new League Two leaders if they win at Swindon and I believe they will. East Fife, top of Scottish League Two, are a confident selection at struggling Forfar.

Homes sweet homes: I'm going for promoted Ipswich to win their first Premier League match of the season against Everton, who are always vulnerable away. Morecambe's 1-0 success at Barrow last Saturday was their first in League Two this season. It enabled them to move off the bottom and I fancy them to triumph again, this time at the expense of mid-table Milton Keynes Dons. It's a shock to see Hearts at the foot of the Scottish Premiership. I can't imagine they will be there long and I feel they are worth a wager against St Mirren.

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

 Ten draws: Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Newcastle, Coventry v Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth v Blackburn, Watford v Middlesbrough, Huddersfield v Barnsley, Mansfield v Blackpool, Peterborough v Stevenage, Chesterfield v Walsall, Grimsby v Doncaster. 

Best draws: Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Newcastle, Plymouth v Blackburn, Mansfield v Blackpool, Peterborough v Stevenage.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Morecambe, Motherwell, Celtic. Ten homes: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Burnley, Portsmouth, Bolton, Exeter, Wrexham, Colchester, Fleetwood. 

Pick of the draws: Tottenham's convincing 3-0 away win last Sunday over a submissive Manchester United team was a much needed boost but Brighton will surely be more resilient opponents. In gaining their first Premier League victory this season when beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at home, Everton suggested there are better times ahead and Newcastle, despite holding Manchester City last Saturday, may have to be satisfied with a point. Plymouth, 17th in the Championship and under Wayne Rooney's managership, are more reliable at home and could deny Blackburn, who lie fifth. Mansfield v Blackpool is a League One clash between sides who are bang in form. Nigel Clough is doing a fabulous job as manager at Mansfield, who are third, while sixth-placed Blackpool  have prospered since Steve Bruce's arrival. Consecutive 1-0 home wins over Charlton and Wrexham have moved Stevenage into the top half of the table and will put them in the right mood for a trip to Peterborough, who have disappointed.

Away days: Liverpool, the new Premier League leaders, have done little wrong this season and should stay top after their Saturday match at Crystal Palace, who have done little right and are third from bottom. The way Bournemouth swatted aside Southampton on Monday night was impressive and they are worth a punt at Leicester, who have yet to win in the PL this season. Birmingham have opened a five-point lead at the top of League One and must be fancied at Charlton, who have lost three in a row. Neither Accrington nor Morecambe have managed to win in League Two, so it's no surprise they are 24th and 23rd respectively. However, Morecambe look more likely to break their duck and I believe they'll leave Accrington with three points. Motherwell, fourth in the Scottish Premiership, are recommended at struggling Hibernian. I also think leaders Celtic will recover quickly from their midweek Champions League thrashing at Borussia Dortmund and defeat Ross County.

Homes sweet homes: Portsmouth, promoted to the Championship last season, have had a miserable start to the season, made worse by their 6-1 loss at Stoke in midweek. but I've a hunch they will turn things around and I'm backing them at home to Oxford on Saturday. A late goal gave Colchester a creditable 1-1 midweek draw at Port Vale in League Two and sets them up nicely against lowly Carlisle. Fleetwood's 6-2 midweek away triumph against League Two promotion contenders Walsall was a coupon-buster and I expect them to capitalise on that when they host promoted Bromley. 

Betting info: I scored eight out of ten with my home selections last weekend. The following teams obliged: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn, Birmingham, Blackpool, Gillingham and Rangers. 

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

 Ten draws: Newcastle v Manchester City, Nottingham Forest v Fulham, Derby v Norwich, Portsmouth v Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers v Wycombe, Crawley v Bolton, Northampton v Mansfield, Bromley v MK Dons, Harrogate v Bradford City, Kilmarnock v Dundee United.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v Fulham, Derby v Norwich, Crawley v Bolton, Bromley v MK Dons, Harrogate v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Liverpool, West Bromwich, Charlton, Aberdeen, Oldham. Ten homes: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn, Birmingham, Blackpool, Doncaster, Gillingham, Hearts, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Nottingham Forest, somewhat surprisingly, are one of the Premier League's unbeaten sides so far but Fulham, just below them in ninth place, impressed when beating Newcastle 3-1 at home last Saturday and can come away with a point. Norwich finally woke up with a 4-1 home win over Watford in the Championship last weekend and I'm tipping them to deny Derby, who have won all three of their home matches. Crawley are fading after a strong start in League One and may have to be content with a draw against Bolton, who hit Reading for five last Saturday. In League Two, Bromley, like Crawley, are heading the wrong way and host MK Dons, who are one place behind them and have yet to spark. Harrogate will be determined to make up for their weak performance when losing 3-0 at Crewe last Saturday and face Bradford City, who are still not firing on all cylinders. 

Away days: Aston Villa, with five consecutive victories behind them, are likely to be too strong for Premier League newcomers Ipswich, who needed a stoppage-time goal to draw at Southampton. Liverpool looked back to their best when beating Bournemouth 3-0 at home and it's hard to see them slipping up at Wolves, who have slumped to the bottom of the table. West Bromwich Albion, the new unbeaten Championship leaders, seem certain to prevail at struggling Sheffield Wednesday. High-flying Charlton suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Blackpool in League One last weekend but I believe they'll recover quickly at Stevenage. Aberdeen, second to Celtic only on goal difference in the Scottish Premiership, will fancy their chances at Dundee and in the National League, fast-improving Oldham are recommended at bottom club Ebbsfleet. 

Homes sweet homes: Everton, second from last in the Premier League, played well for long periods when drawing 1-1 at Leicester last Saturday but are still without a win this season. I've a feeling that will change against Crystal Palace, who have yet to taste victory themselves. Stephen Clemence, manager of League Two leaders Barrow, is returning to second-placed Gillingham, the club that sacked him last season. I think he'll be out of luck and I expect Gills to be leading the table on Saturday evening. The wretched start to the season by Hearts sees them bottom of the Scottish Premiership and without a win. They are due a change of fortune and may get it against Ross County.

Pools info: Wimbledon v Accrington (match No.32 on coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel.

 

 

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

 Ten draws: Tottenham v Brentford, Bristol City v Oxford, Norwich v Watford, Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Lincoln v Wigan, Bradford City v Wimbledon, Chesterfield v Cheltenham, Grimsby v Bromley, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford v Walsall. 

Best draws: Tottenham v Brentford, Bristol City v Oxford, Lincoln v Wigan, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford v Walsall.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Man Utd, Newcastle, Leeds, Blackburn, Birmingham, Port Vale. 

Ten homes: Aston Villa, Burnley, Coventry, Luton, Huddersfield, Stockport, Wrexham, Wycombe, Barrow, Swindon. 

Pick of the draws: Brentford gave a good account of themselves when losing narrowly at Manchester City last Saturday and will be optimistic about getting something at Tottenham, who sit in the bottom half of the Premier League. Oxford, promoted via the play-offs at the end of last season, are making light of life in the Championship and will be disappointed if they come away from Bristol City empty-handed. Wigan's 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers in League One last weekend was eye-catching and will make them believe they can gain a point at Lincoln. The match of the day in League Two features Notts County, the leaders, against second-placed Gillingham. I'm taking County, the division's highest scorers, to be held by the Gills, who have the best defence. Salford are gradually climbing the table after a hesitant start and in the mood to deny high-flying Walsall.

Away days: Manchester United eased the pressure on their manager by beating Southampton 3-0 away last Saturday. They also hit Barnsley, of League One, for seven in the midweek League Cup at Old Trafford and can complete a hat-trick of victories at Crystal Palace. Newcastle show signs of being more resilient opponents on their travels this season. They won 2-1 at Wolves last Sunday and will fancy their chances at Fulham. Leeds suffered a setback when losing 1-0 at home to Burnley in the Championship last weekend. They will want to recover quickly and a game at bottom club Cardiff gives them an excellent opportunity. Blackburn, one of the early Championship front-runners, are recommended at struggling Preston and Birmingham, second in League One and fresh from defeating promotion rivals Wrexham 3-1 at St Andrew's on Monday, should get the better of Rotherham. In League Two, I expect Port Vale, with consecutive wins behind them, to increase the gloom at lowly Accrington.

Homes sweet homes: Mid-table Coventry were very unlucky not to win at Watford in the Championship last Saturday and can make sure this time by beating Swansea. Luton, relegated from the Premier League, deserved their first victory of the season at Millwall last weekend and are well capable of getting off the mark at Kenilworth Road against flaky Sheffield Wednesday. Swindon, in the lower half of League Two, are hoping that their 4-0 rout of Newport will kick-start their campaign and are worth backing against Carlisle, who are in free-fall.

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

 Ten draws: Wolves v Newcastle, Leeds v Burnley, Portsmouth v West Bromwich, Swansea v Norwich, Bolton v Huddersfield, Peterborough v Lincoln, Carlisle v Fleetwood, Swindon v Newport, Walsall v Bradford City, Dundee United v Rangers.

Best draws: Wolves v Newcastle, Portsmouth v West Bromwich, Bolton v Huddersfield, Swindon v Newport, Dundee United v Rangers.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Sunderland, Stockport, Charlton, Barnsley, Crewe, Notts County. 

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Brighton, Derby, Watford, Blackpool, Mansfield, Rotherham, Morecambe, Salford, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Wolves, who have struggled in the Premier League so far, did better when drawing 1-1 at Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and could deny Newcastle, who won against the run of play at home to Tottenham. West Bromwich Albion, lying second in the Championship, are genuine promotion contenders this season but Fratton Park is never an easy place to go and Portsmouth may snatch a point. Bolton have made a surprisingly sluggish start in League One. They are without a win at home, a run that will probably be extended after they've played relegated Huddersfield. Swindon are still waiting for a first victory in League Two, where they are fourth from bottom. They host Newport, whose progress was abruptly halted by a 4-1 home defeat against Port Vale. Fourth-placed Rangers have been unconvincing in the Scottish Premiership and won't relish a trip to Dundee United, who are one place higher.

Away days: Sunderland, the only side in the Football League to have maximum points, are firm favourites to win their Championship fixture at lowly Plymouth, despite the long, tiring journey. League One Stockport, aiming for successive promotions, are recommended at Crawley, who have begun to falter. Charlton, who are also among the early front-runners, are expected beat struggling Shrewsbury. Barnsley, in third place, haven't dropped an away point so far and I believe that sequence will continue at Stevenage. Having won 2-1 at Bromley in their previous League Two away game, Crewe will be confident of coming away from lowly Accrington with three points. Notts County, second in the table, will rate their chances of success at Bromley, newcomers to the Football League.

Homes sweet homes: It's surprising to see Blackpool in the League One relegation zone but I'm tipping them to take a step forward against visitors Exeter and win a league match for the first time this season. Morecambe are bottom of League Two with no goals and no points. Funnily enough they haven't played that badly. They've lost all five matches 1-0 and are due a change of luck. I think they'll get it against Colchester. Although Salford are in the bottom half of the table, I get the feeling they are on the up and fancy them to defeat Cheltenham. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of August 31-September 1

Ten draws: Ipswich v Fulham, Newcastle v Tottenham, Sheffield United v Watford, Blackpool v Wycombe, Crawley v Barnsley, Peterborough v Wrexham, Shrewsbury v Leyton Orient, Stevenage v Lincoln, Accrington v Colchester, Hearts v Dundee United.

Best draws: Newcastle v Tottenham, Sheffield United v Watford, Blackpool v Wycombe, Peterborough v Wrexham, Shrewsbury v Leyton Orient.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Manchester City, Bradford City, Newport, Notts County, Ayr. Ten homes: Brentford, Leeds, Luton (Friday), West Bromwich, Birmingham, Bolton, Gillingham, Walsall, Celtic, East Fife.

Pick of the draws: Tottenham must be a shade disappointed not to have maximum points after two Premier League games. Leicester surprisingly denied them on the opening weekend of the season and Newcastle could do the same on Sunday. Watford, second in the Championship, have won every match so far but their perfect sequence may end at Sheffield United, who have also begun the season well. Blackpool, without a win in League One, gained a notable midweek victory at Championship Blackburn in the League Cup, which should encourage them against visitors Wycombe. Wrexham have a good chance of consecutive promotions but their trip to Peterborough will be their hardest test so far this season. Shrewsbury and Leyton Orient are pointless and fill the bottom two places in League One. I don't think either of them will come out on top. 

Away days: Liverpool, with two convincing wins from their first two Premier League fixtures, are a confident selection at the ever-erratic Manchester United on Sunday. Manchester City are only slightly less certain to triumph at West Ham, despite the Hammers' impressive 2-0 win at Crystal Palace last Saturday. In League Two, Bradford City travel to Grimsby, who have conceded nine goals in their past two games. High-riding Newport are also recommended at bottom-of-the table Morecambe and Notts County are forecast to increase the gloom at Swindon. Leaders Ayr, with a maximum haul from their opening four Scottish Championship fixtures, look an away banker at bottom side Dunfermline.

Homes sweet homes: Luton, second last in the Championship, are on a downer. But although they went out of the League Cup on penalties to Queens Park Rangers in midweek, I've a hunch they will gain revenge against the same opponents on Friday. Walsall are among the unexpected front-runners in League Two. Knocking Huddersfield, of League One, out of the League Cup in midweek will have done their confidence a power of good and I fancy them against relegated Cheltenham. I also rate Celtic's chances in the Old Firm derby on Sunday. Rangers thrashed Ross 6-0 at Ibrox last weekend but the Scottish Premiership leaders are a different proposition. 

 

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

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Arsenal, Bournemouth v Newcastle, Norwich v Sheffield United, Sunderland v Burnley, Cambridge v Blackpool, Wrexham v Reading, Barrow v Port Vale, Cheltenham v Wimbledon, MK Dons v Carlisle, Tranmere v Walsall.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Arsenal, Bournemouth v Newcastle, Cambridge v Blackpool, Wrexham v Reading, Tranmere v Walsall.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Luton, Peterborough, Birmingham, Mansfield, Dundee, Celtic. 

Ten homes: Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Charlton, Huddersfield, Colchester, Doncaster, Sutton. 

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa were the only Premier League team to do the double over Arsenal last season and they also stopped them from scoring in both games. It won't surprise me if they deny the Gunners maximum points on Saturday. Eddie Howe returns to his old club Bournemouth on Sunday when Newcastle are the visitors. Newcastle beat Southampton at home last weekend, despite going down to 10 men but will find the Cherries a tougher proposition. Cambridge and Blackpool are pointless after two League One matches and I don't think either of them will come out on top. Reading have started the season well, unlucky not to win at Birmingham on the opening Saturday and beating Wigan 2-0 at home last weekend. They can frustrate promoted Wrexham. Walsall are the unexpected League Two leaders after their 4-0 romp at Swindon last Saturday. However, I believe Tranmere, the hosts, will offer more resistance. 

Away days: Relegated Luton recovered from their heavy home loss against Burnley when their 10 men held Portsmouth to a goalless draw in the Championship at Fratton Park last Saturday. They are worth a wager at Preston, who are pointless and in disarray. In League One, Peterborough got off the mark with a 4-1 win at Shrewsbury. That should give them the confidence to come away from Exeter with three points. Birmingham's 3-2 victory at Wycombe last Saturday suggests that they are adjusting to a new division and deserve to be backed at struggling Leyton Orient. Promoted Mansfield don't look out of place in League One and could triumph at Lincoln. Dundee, four points from their first two fixtures in the Scottish Premiership, will rate their chances at lowly Hibernian and leaders Celtic will probably be too strong for St Mirren on Sunday.

Homes sweet homes: Brighton, the early Premier League leaders and under a new manager, looked very impressive when winning 3-0 at Everton last Saturday and I tip them to beat Manchester United, who still fail to convince. Charlton are one of four sides with maximum points in League One. Defeating Bolton will be their hardest test yet but this is a hurdle they can overcome. Colchester are showing more promise in  League Two this season and a win over Harrogate will put them in an even stronger position. 

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, West Bromwich v Leeds and Accrington v Harrogate. 

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

Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Derby v Middlesbrough, Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich v Leeds, Cambridge v Crawley, Shrewsbury v Peterborough, Accrington v Harrogate, Bromley v Wimbledon, Grimsby v Cheltenham, Dundee United v St Mirren.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich v Leeds, Accrington v Harrogate, Grimsby v Cheltenham.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Blackburn, Hull, Gillingham, Doncaster.

Ten homes: Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, Burnley, Watford, Portsmouth, Huddersfield, Bradford City, Aberdeen, Dundee.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth have a good Premier League record against Nottingham Forest and despite selling leading scorer Dominic Solanke to Tottenham last week, I fancy them to deny Forest again. Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday made encouraging starts to their Championship campaign - Sunderland winning 2-0 at Cardiff and Wednesday beating Plymouth 4-0 at home. I believe they will cancel each other out on Sunday. Although Leeds dropped two home points to Portsmouth in their opening game, they showed enough attacking flair to worry West Brom, who proved their quality with a 3-1 win at Queens Park Rangers. Accrington have suffered consecutive heavy away defeats in the past few days but they are a different proposition at home and can gain their first League Two point of the season against Harrogate. Still in League Two, relegated Cheltenham may have to settle for parity at Grimsby, who are stubborn at home.

Away days: Crystal Palace finished last season like an express train and I think they'll continue in that vein at Brentford on Sunday. Premier League champions Manchester City often take a while to get going but they should still be good enough to take maximum points at Chelsea. Blackburn, 10 goals in their first two games, are well worth a punt at Norwich, who slumped 2-0 at promoted Oxford in the Championship last weekend. I'll be surprised if Hull don't come away from Plymouth, battered 4-0 last Sunday, with three points. Gillingham are one of the favourites for promotion from League Two and I expect them to win at Morecambe. Doncaster, 4-1 home winners over Accrington last Saturday, are another fancied side and will feel confident of beating Newport.

Homes sweet homes: West Ham appear to have made some shrewd close-season signings and I'm tipping them to come out on top in their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa, who have had an unsettling summer. Watford, two victories and eight goals in their opening two matches, will be in the mood to make it a hat-trick of wins when Stoke visit on Saturday. That 3-3 draw at Leeds last weekend will have encouraged Portsmouth, who were promoted to the Championship last season. They host relegated Luton, who crashed 4-1 at home to Burnley on Monday.

 

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

 Ten draws: Cardiff v Sunderland, Millwall v Watford, Leyton Orient v Bolton, Peterborough v Huddersfield, Wimbledon v Colchester, Cheltenham v Newport, MK Dons v Bradford City, Tranmere v Notts County, Aberdeen v St Mirren, Kelty Hearts v Stenhousemuir.

Best draws: Cardiff v Sunderland, Leyton Orient v Bolton, Wimbledon v Colchester, MK Dons v Bradford City, Aberdeen v St Mirren.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Norwich, Lincoln, Blackpool, Rotherham, Charlton, Celtic.

Ten homes: Manchester City, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham, Stockport, Wrexham, Doncaster, Gillingham, Walsall, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: It's unlikely that Sunderland will struggle as much as they did last season in the Championship and on the opening weekend of the campaign they should be able to leave Cardiff with a point. Bolton's failure to gain promotion from League One was a big disappointment and that may still be on their minds when they visit Leyton Orient. I expect Colchester, with the Cowley brothers in charge, to fare better in League Two this term and I rate their chances of gaining a point at Wimbledon. Last season ended in anti-climax for MK Dons and their opponents Bradford City. Both are a sound bet to improve over the next nine months and my money is on a stalemate. Aberdeen and St Mirren enjoyed good results - St Johnstone 1 Aberdeen 2, St Mirren 3 Hibernian 0 - on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership and face each other this Sunday. 

Away days: I tip Norwich to get three Championship points at promoted Oxford, who may take time to adjust to a higher division. Lincoln, who finished last season like an express train in League One, should have enough to beat Burton, who narrowly escaped relegation. In the same division, Blackpool are a confident selection at Crawley, who have lost several of the players who won them their unexpected promotion. Relegated Rotherham, now managed by the successful Steve Evans, will fancy their chances at Exeter, as will Charlton at Wigan. Once again, Celtic look the side to beat in the Scottish Premiership. Having defeated Kilmarnock 4-0 at home last Sunday, they will relish going to Hibernian, who lost 3-0 at St Mirren last Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: I believe the feel-good factor at Stockport, last season's League Two champions, will continue after they have played Cambridge on Saturday. Ditto Wrexham, the League Two runners-up, who host Wycombe. Indeed, I'll be surprised if Stockport and Wrexham don't thrive in the higher division. A more settled Gillingham, under their new manager, Mark Bonner, will probably be more of a force in League Two this season and I think they'll come out on top against relegated Carlisle. 

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

 Ten draws: Sheffield United v Burnley, Huddersfield v Swansea, Stoke v Plymouth, Sunderland v Millwall, Watford v Hull, Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Harrogate v MK Dons, Newport v Salford, Walsall v Bradford City, Stirling v Queen of the South.

Best draws: Sheffield United v Burnley, Stoke v Plymouth, Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Newport v Salford, Walsall v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Birmingham, Derby, Wycombe, Annan.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Luton, Blackburn, Bolton, Portsmouth, Doncaster, Mansfield, Morecambe, Stockport, Tranmere.

Pick of the draws: Sheffield United (bottom) and Burnley (second bottom) seem doomed to relegation from the Premier League. They have been so poor this season that I can't see them beating each other. Plymouth's hopes of surviving the drop from the Championship were given a big boost when they beat promotion contenders Leicester at home last Friday. That will encourage them to get something at Stoke, who are also nervously looking over their shoulders. Although Peterborough are in the League One promotion mix, their results can fluctuate wildly. As Bristol Rovers, their hosts, have won their past two games, there's a good chance they can deny the Posh. Newport v Salford is a clash between teams on the slide in League Two. Neither can buy a win at the moment, so a draw is the most likely outcome. Bradford City's hopes of finishing in the top half of the table have risen recently and they can halt Walsall's surge.

Away days: Nottingham Forest, precariously placed in the Premier League, have won only two away matches this season but will be looking to make that three when they visit fellow relegation strugglers Everton, who lost 6-0 at Chelsea on Monday and appear to have imploded. With the top three in the Championship all faltering, fourth-placed Southampton can suddenly sense automatic promotion. They can follow their routine 3-0 midweek home victory over Preston by beating Cardiff. Birmingham's convincing 3-0 home win against FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry last Saturday moved them out of the relegation zone, so you have to fancy them at rock bottom Rotherham. Automatic promotion from League One is within Derby's grasp and they will probably clinch it by winning at Cambridge. Mid-table Wycombe have recovered well from their defeat in the EFL Trophy final, winning consecutive away games at Shrewsbury and Port Vale. I'm tipping them to make it a hat-trick at Carlisle, who have been relegated. Annan are battling bravely to escape the drop from Scottish League One and another three points are on the cards at Edinburgh, who cannot be saved.

Homes sweet homes: Luton have fared the best of the three promoted clubs from last season's Championship and have every chance of staying in the top flight. They are worth a wager against Brentford, who have lost 11 away fixtures so far this season. Doncaster won their eighth successive match by defeating Accrington 4-0 at home last weekend. They are now only two points off the League Two play-off positions and are in the mood to see off fellow contenders Barrow. Wimbledon look like falling short of the play-offs and it won't surprise me if they lose at Tranmere. 

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Brighton, Preston v Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday v Stoke, Bolton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Peterborough, Shrewsbury v Wycombe, MK Dons v Mansfield, Newport v Tranmere, Walsall v Notts County, Aberdeen v Dundee.

Best draws: Burnley v Brighton, Bolton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Peterborough, MK Dons v Mansfield, Walsall v Notts County.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Leicester (Friday), Blackpool, Northampton, Dundee United (Friday), Rangers, Oldham.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Hull, Millwall, Swansea, Stevenage, Crewe, Doncaster, Stockport, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: A long injury list has made 10th-placed Brighton less effective this season, which gives Burnley, seemingly doomed to relegation from the Premier League, a chance to avoid defeat. Bolton, aiming for automatic promotion from League One, need maximum points but prospective champions Portsmouth have lost only four league fixtures all season and I don't see them losing this one. Peterborough, the EFL Trophy winners at Wembley last Sunday and fourth in the table, visit Oxford United, another side in form and fellow promotion contenders. Mansfield, strongly fancied to go up from League Two, crashed 4-1 at home to Crawley in a major upset last weekend but I believe they'll recover sufficiently to hold MK Dons, who are also challenging for promotion. Notts County, after an alarming slide down the table, are showing signs of turning things around and can take a point at Walsall.

Away days: Championship leaders Leicester fell to a shock 1-0 midweek loss at struggling Millwall. I'll be surprised if they make the same mistake at Plymouth, who, like Millwall, are battling relegation. Consecutive 1-0 home victories have given Blackpool a chance of reaching the League One play-offs, so they should prevail at Carlisle, who are going down. Mid-table Northampton visit Fleetwood, where hope of escaping relegation is fast fading. Dundee United, who lead the Scottish Championship, had a resounding 5-0 success at Queen's Park last Saturday. I don't think they'll win as handsomely at Morton but I still fancy them to collect three points. Rangers, one point behind table-topping Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand, know they cannot afford to switch off and I'm tipping them to make lowly Ross County suffer on Sunday. Oldham, of the National League, will have only themselves to blame if they cannot return from rock bottom Oxford City with three points.

Homes sweet homes: Despite holding Premier League title contenders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday, Manchester United looked terribly vulnerable and it would be just like them to lose  on Saturday against Bournemouth, who, incidentally, are no mugs. This is well worth a punt. If Millwall can beat promotion favourites Leicester at home, then they are perfectly capable of defeating Cardiff, who have nothing left to play for in the Championship. Crewe ended a run of five League Two games without a win with a 1-0 midweek victory at Morecambe. They will improve their play-off chances further by beating Grimsby, who are too near the drop zone for comfort. 

 

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

 Ten draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Southampton, Cardiff v Hull, Huddersfield v Millwall, Stoke v West Brom, Charlton v Barnsley, Notts County v Harrogate, Tranmere v Walsall, St Mirren v Hearts, Dunfermline v Partick.

Best draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Southampton, Huddersfield v Millwall, Charlton v Barnsley, Notts County v Harrogate.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Bristol City, Oxford, Lincoln, Aberdeen, Peterhead.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Watford, Exeter, Northampton, Portsmouth, Barrow, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Fulham, beaten 3-1 at Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle, held to a 1-1 home draw by Everton, had disappointing Premier League results in midweek and inconsistency has been their undoing. Blackburn have played better than recent Championship results suggest and thrashing Sunderland 5-1 away on Easter Monday will make them believe they can frustrate Southampton, whose hopes of automatic promotion are fading. Lowly Millwall will want to make up for the embarrassment of losing 2-1  at relegation-doomed Rotherham last Monday and they visit Huddersfield, who are below them and in the drop zone. Charlton have been much harder to beat in League One lately and I fancy they will deny Barnsley, who look as though they will have to settle for the play-offs. Few teams relish facing mid-table Harrogate in League Two. They routed Gillingham 5-1 at home last Monday and have won more away games than they have lost. Notts County, their hosts, will be aware of the danger.

Away days: Liverpool let Manchester United off the hook when they lost their FA Cup quarter-final last month and I cannot see the favourites for the title making the same mistake at Old Trafford on Sunday. I think Bristol City, winners of their past two Championship fixtures, will take advantage of the unrest at Sunderland, who suffered a heavy home defeat last Monday. Oxford's 4-0 win over Fleetwood may have revived their League One season and I believe they'll carry on the good work at Burton. Lincoln's transformation in the same division has been remarkable and the high-flyers go to crisis-club Reading with confidence. In the Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen should prevail at rock bottom Livingston while Peterhead, second in Scottish Two, will rate their chances at league newcomers Bonnyrigg Rose. 

Homes sweet homes: Watford have perked up in the Championship under interim manager Tom Cleverley and are worth backing against Preston, whose play-off hopes are fading. Exeter, mid-table in League One, may be worth a punt against Stevenage, who are faltering and drawing too often to feel confident about promotion. In Scotland's big match of the weekend on Sunday, I'm going for second-placed Rangers to topple leaders Celtic and thus overtake them in the table.

Pools info: For the second week running, three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock and Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir. 

Pools tips and best bets for March 30-31 coupon

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock, Dundee United v Raith, Cove Rangers v Stirling, Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir, Spartans v Forfar, Stranraer v Bonnyrigg Rose, Le Havre v Montpellier, Strasbourg v Rennes.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock, Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir, Spartans v Forfar.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Fulham, Leicester (Friday), Stockport (Friday), Bromley (Friday), Dunfermline, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham, Preston (Friday), Barnsley (Friday), Peterborough (Friday), Gateshead (Friday), Woking (Friday), Rangers, East Fife.

Pick of the draws: It's about time Everton began converting some of the chances they have been creating and it may happen at Bournemouth, who are none too sound defensively. A four-point deduction has put Nottingham Forest in the Premier League relegation zone and there's no guarantee they will beat Crystal Palace, who will want to impress their new manager. Hearts, third in the Scottish Premiership, were on the wrong end of an upset at Ross County last weekend, whereas fourth-placed Kilmarnock went on a scoring spree at home to St Mirren and will be on a high. Stenhousemuir, clear Scottish League Two leaders, could be denied maximum points at third-placed Dumbarton, who have scored eight goals in their past two matches. Spartans, the Scottish League newcomers, have stumbled lately, so don't be surprised if Forfar, 10 points below them, nick a draw.

Away days: If Fulham's away record were better they would be higher up the Premier League. They should go some way to correcting that at bottom side Sheffield United on Saturday. Leicester will be miffed at being overtaken by Leeds at the top of the Championship and I think they'll take it out on Bristol City. Promotion-seeking Stockport, of League Two, roared back to form with a 5-0 home demolition of MK Dons last Saturday and they will fancy their chances of another three points at Forest Green, who have slipped back to bottom. Bromley's 2-0 home defeat by York in the National League was one of the shocks of last weekend. I believe they'll recover quickly at relegation-threatened Dorking. Dunfermline, seemingly on an upward curve in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at Arbroath, who look doomed to relegation, while Falkirk, miles clear at the top of Scottish League One, will surely prevail at Montrose.

Homes sweet homes: Gateshead's 3-2 comeback victory at Altrincham last Saturday and their 7-1 midweek rout of Hartlepool in the National League will put them in the mood for the visit of Rochdale, who are struggling to catch them. Woking, in the same division, are pulling further away from the drop zone and are worth backing against Eastleigh, who concede too many goals. Finally, mid-table East Fife appear to be going the right way in Scottish League Two and are recommended against Elgin. 

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham and Eastleigh v Hartlepool. 

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

 Ten draws: Stockport v MK Dons, Tranmere v Crawley, Morton v Dunfermline, Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Altrincham v Gateshead, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham, Eastleigh v Hartlepool, England v Brazil, Colorado Rapids v Houston Dynamo, Kansas City v LA Galaxy.

Best draws: Stockport v MK Dons, Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham, Eastleigh v Hartlepool, England v Brazil.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Stevenage, Derby, Wrexham, Partick, Hamilton, Belgium.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Burton, Crewe, Mansfield, Sutton, Dundee United, Falkirk, Dumbarton, Barnet, Chesterfield, France.

Pick of the draws: Not so long ago, Stockport looked certain to gain automatic promotion from League Two. However, they have faded and on Saturday face tricky opponents in MK Dons, who are only a point behind them, having defeated Crewe 3-1 at home last weekend. Solihull Moors, fourth in the National League, have won 10 away games this season, so shouldn't be too inconvenienced by a trip to Aldershot, who are also in the promotion frame. Mid-table Dagenham & Redbridge are the only National League side not to have drawn at home this season but that may not last beyond Saturday when they play Oldham, who are 10 points better off. Eastleigh, beaten 4-1 at home by Rochdale last Saturday, are conceding too many goals, something that Hartlepool, their better-placed opponents, have no doubt noticed. Although England are in good shape preparing for this summer's European Championship finals, they have a poor record against five-times World Cup winners Brazil, whom they meet in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, and will be hard-pushed to win.

Away days: Stevenage's home form is letting them down in League One and they are a better bet away. It will be a shock if they don't return from bottom team Carlisle with three points. Nobody in League One has won more away matches than second-placed Derby, who have 12 to their credit. They have a good chance of making it 13 at Northampton. Wrexham's 1-0 home defeat by Tranmere in League Two was an unexpected blow to their promotion hopes but I believe they'll hit straight back at Grimsby, who are not completely clear of the drop zone. Partick, third in the Scottish Championship, are a confident selection at Arbroath, who are rock bottom. Hamilton, second in Scottish League One, ought to take their match at Cove Rangers in their stride and highly ranked Belgium should make their quality count against the Republic of Ireland. 

Homes sweet homes: Crewe and Wimbledon, both in the League Two promotion reckoning, meet on Saturday. Both had disappointing results last weekend -  Crewe losing 3-1 at MK Dons and Wimbledon going down 2-0 at home to Newport. I think Crewe will recover more quickly and make home advantage pay. Sutton, although last in League Two, are still alive and kicking after winning 1-0 at Forest Green, who are also threatened by relegation. Sutton are worth a punt against Accrington, who have recently parted with John Coleman, their long-serving manager. Dumbarton, surprising 6-2 winners at Spartans in Scottish League Two last Saturday, are recommended against Bonnyrigg Rose. 

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

 Ten draws: Burnley v Brentford, West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke v Norwich, Derby v Bolton, Peterborough v Portsmouth, Stevenage v Leyton Orient, Accrington v Notts County, Colchester v Walsall, Swindon v Doncaster, Motherwell v Aberdeen.

Best draws: West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke v Norwich, Derby v Bolton, Stevenage v Leyton Orient, Accrington v Notts County.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Tottenham, Cardiff, Blackpool, Alloa, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Luton, Birmingham, Ipswich, West Brom, Lincoln, Barrow, Forest Green, Airdrieonians, Bromley.

Pick of the draws: I wonder how Aston Villa will be affected by their 4-0 home defeat against Tottenham in the Premier League last Sunday. They have stumbled lately and West Ham, who are impressive when the mood takes them, can take advantage of that on Sunday. Stoke's fine 2-1 win at Preston last weekend lifted them out of the bottom three in the Championship and should put them in good heart for the visit of an improved Norwich, who are in the play-off places. Derby and Bolton, second and third respectively in League One, face each other after midweek victories and I'm tipping them to cancel each other out. Stevenage and Leyton Orient were scoreless last Saturday and I won't be surprised if this one ends in dull deadlock. Accrington v Notts County is a League Two clash between out-of-form sides and I wouldn't put money on either of them winning.

Away days: Liverpool, unlucky not to beat Manchester City in the league match at Anfield last Sunday, look too strong for Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. If Tottenham, closing in on a Champions League spot, can beat Aston Villa 4-0 away, then they must have a great chance of coming away from Fulham with maximum points. Cardiff, who defeated high-flying Ipswich at home with two injury-time goals last weekend, are in a winning groove in the Championship and I fancy them to prevail at Swansea. Blackpool crept nearer the League One play-off positions by beating Northampton 1-0 away in midweek and I'm taking them to win again at Wigan. Alloa, in Scottish League One, look an away banker at rock bottom Edinburgh and it's also impossible to ignore runaway leaders Falkirk, who visit lowly Queen of the South.

Homes sweet homes: Of the three teams in the Premier League relegation places, Luton look the most likely to escape. They are showing great spirit, even in defeat, and I reckon that will carry them through against struggling Nottingham Forest, who are just above them. Birmingham desperately need points to avoid dropping into the Championship relegation zone and I believe they'll get them against ailing Watford, who have sacked their manager. Forest Green, with consecutive wins behind them (2-0, home to Walsall and 2-0, away to Bradford City), are finally out of the League Two drop zone and they aim to celebrate by defeating Sutton, who are bottom.

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

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Liverpool v Manchester City, Wolves v Fulham, Bristol City v Swansea, Millwall v Birmingham, Preston v Stoke, Bristol Rovers v Derby, Port Vale v Shrewsbury, Wigan v Leyton Orient, Harrogate v Crawley.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Liverpool v Manchester City, Wolves v Fulham, Bristol Rovers v Derby, Port Vale v Shrewsbury.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Leicester, Peterborough, Bolton, Crewe, Walsall, Rangers.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Bournemouth, West Ham, Blackburn, Norwich, Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Charlton, Stockport, Sutton.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa, fourth in the Premier League, haven't been as convincing at home in 2024 and Tottenham, who lie fifth, have a decent chance of coming away with a point. With Liverpool v Manchester City on Sunday, some will probably accuse me of taking the coward's way out by going for a draw. However, I genuinely believe this will be one of the few occasions in the season that neither leaders Liverpool, nor second-placed Man City win at the weekend. Fulham's last two league results have been excellent - a 2-1 win at Manchester United and a 3-0 home victory over Brighton - and they won't have an inferiority complex at Wolves. Bristol Rovers, of League One, are up and down like a yo-yo and their sheer unpredictability makes me feel that they can hinder Derby's promotion chances.  Port Vale and Shrewsbury, who play each other, are badly off colour and both could drop down to League Two. 

Away days: Championship leaders Leicester emerged from their dodgy spell with a 1-0 midweek win at Sunderland. It won't surprise me if they mete out similar punishment when they visit play-off contenders Hull. League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough are back in the groove, thanks to home victories over Exeter (2-1, Saturday) and Northampton (5-1, midweek) and will travel to Burton with confidence. Promotion-hunting Bolton fought back from 2-0 down at Barnsley to force a 2-2 midweek draw and must be fancied at Exeter. Crewe's 3-2 home defeat by Morecambe last Saturday was unexpected and I'm backing the League Two high-flyers to respond positively at Doncaster. Fast-climbers Walsall should inflict Forest Green's 12th home defeat of the season while Rangers, the Scottish Premiership leaders, are my tip to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals by defeating Hibernian on Sunday. 

Homes sweet homes: The scrap to avoid relegation from the Championship becomes more tense every week. I'm taking Blackburn, one of at least eight sides in danger, to gain their first win since John Eustace was appointed manager when they host Plymouth. Queens Park Rangers are another team in peril but their victory at Leicester last Saturday was fully merited and they are worth backing against Middlesbrough, who seem to have lost their way again. Sutton, although bottom of League Two, have shown they won't go down without a fight. They won 4-3 at Notts County and only lost to a late goal at Tranmere last Saturday.  I think they will beat struggling Grimsby.

Betting info: I scored six out of six with my away selections last Saturday: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool and Mansfield. 

 

 

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

Ten draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Fulham v Brighton, Stoke v Middlesbrough, Swansea v Blackburn, Fleetwood v Wigan, Wycombe v Barnsley, Grimsby v Forest Green, Salford v Gillingham, Dundee v Kilmarnock, St Johnstone v Livingston. 

Best draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Fulham v Brighton, Swansea v Blackburn, Wycombe v Barnsley, Grimsby v Forest Green.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Mansfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Leicester, Millwall, Bolton, Cheltenham, Derby, Crewe, Bradford City, Rangers, Falkirk.

Pick of the draws: Although Burnley are surely doomed to relegation, the goals and wins have also dried up for Bournemouth, who are sliding back down the Premier League. Bournemouth's home midweek FA Cup defeat by Championship leaders Leicester, cannot have helped their cause. Brighton have bravely battled through an injury crisis and are capable of avoiding defeat at Fulham, despite the Cottagers' 2-1 deserved victory at Manchester United last weekend. Swansea's display in their 2-1 Championship win at Sunderland last Saturday was almost as good as Blackburn's performance in defeat against Newcastle in their midweek FA Cup tie and a fine, close match is in prospect. Barnsley's superb away record in League One will make them favourites at Wycombe but Wycombe's 10 men were only beaten 1-0 at promotion-seeking Stevenage last Saturday. Forest Green, fighting relegation from League Two, have revived since appointing Steve Cotterill as manager and can deny Grimsby, who are one place above them.

Away days: Aston Villa, fourth in the Premier League, will be disappointed if they don't take advantage of Luton's recent lapses at home. Leaders Liverpool are on such a high after their League Cup final triumph at Wembley last Sunday that I cannot see Nottingham Forest, hovering just outside the relegation zone, stopping them. Three successive wins have helped Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich to get back on course and I'm tipping them at Plymouth. Sheffield Wednesday can at last see an escape route from relegation and winning at Rotherham, who are bottom, will give them even more belief. Blackpool, 4-1 home winners over Bolton in League One last weekend, are worth backing at Shrewsbury, who are inconsistent. League Two leaders Mansfield have scored 67 goals this season, most of them away. I believe they'll score a few more at Newport. 

Homes sweet homes: Neil Harris, back as manager at struggling Millwall, celebrated his return with a shock 2-1 win at Southampton in the Championship last Saturday. He'll need a repeat against Watford if the Lions are to stay clear of the drop zone and I think his team will do it. Despite Cheltenham, being near the foot of League One, they have a good opportunity to take maximum points against Burton, who have lost consecutive home fixtures. Although Bradford City have done nothing special in League Two, they are worth a punt against Notts County, who have collapsed and are tumbling down the table.

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

 Ten draws: Blackburn v Norwich, Cardiff v Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Burton v Northampton, Charlton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Leyton Orient, Notts County v Crewe, Hibernian v Dundee, Ross v Livingston, Arbroath v Inverness. 

Best draws: Cardiff v Stoke, Charlton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Leyton Orient, Notts County v Crewe, Ross v Livingston. 

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Lincoln, Tranmere, Colchester, Raith, Falkirk, Aldershot. 

Ten homes: Arsenal, Brighton, Wolves, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, Sunderland, Bristol Rovers, Partick (Friday), Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Cardiff are in a bit of a rut and cannot be guaranteed to beat Stoke, who are suffering themselves and too near the Championship relegation zone for comfort. At first glance, the League One fixture between Charlton (20th) and Portsmouth (1st) looks an away banker. Charlton are without a win in 17 games but they have a new manager in Nathan Jones and, against all the odds, drew 3-3 at high-flying  Bolton last Saturday. I've a hunch they'll spring another surprise this weekend. Oxford have dropped too many points recently and I believe they'll drop another couple when they host Leyton Orient, who have done well away. Automatic promotion from League Two now seems beyond free-scoring Notts County. They face fourth-placed Crewe, who have tightened up defensively. Ross (11th) and Livingston (12th) occupy the last two places in the Scottish Premiership. Of the two, Livingston are in better form and can gain a point.

Away days: Lincoln, mid-table in League One, can inflict more misery on relegation-threatened Port Vale, who have lost their last two. Tranmere's 4-0 home triumph over League Two leaders Stockport was probably the biggest upset of last Saturday. They have far less to fear from Forest Green, who are second bottom and woefully off form. Bottom-of-the table Sutton keep losing and seem beyond redemption. They host Colchester, who have a much better chance of avoiding relegation. Raith, second in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at Ayr and in Scottish League One it's hard to ignore runaway leaders Falkirk, who visit Kelty Hearts. Aldershot, right in the mix for promotion from the National League, beat Altrincham (2-0, home) last Saturday and Barnet (1-0, home) in midweek. Don't rule out them making it a hat-trick of wins at Southend on Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Arsenal, the outsiders in a three-horse race for the Premier League title, felt robbed when they lost to a controversial goal at Newcastle last November and with five consecutive wins behind them, they are in the mood for revenge. Middlesbrough shocked the Championship leaders Leicester by beating them 2-1 at the King Power Stadium last Saturday. Although inconsistency has been Boro's downfall this season, they should still have enough to defeat Plymouth, who are fading. It's important that Sunderland, who dismissed manager Michael Beale in midweek, keep in touch with the play-off contenders and they'll be trying to take advantage of Swansea's fragile state. 

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

 Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v West Ham, Birmingham v Sunderland, Preston v Blackburn, Stoke v Coventry, Carlisle v Cambridge, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Peterborough v Blackpool, Shrewsbury v Wigan, Colchester v Accrington, Airdrieonians v Ayr.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v West Ham, Birmingham v Sunderland, Preston v Blackburn, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Airdrieonians v Ayr.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton, Ipswich, Mansfield, Queen of the South.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Newcastle, Tottenham, Huddersfield, Leicester, Bolton, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Crewe, Salford, Aberdeen.

Pick of the draws: Surely, West Ham, thrashed 6-0 at home by Arsenal last Sunday, cannot play as badly again and have a chance to partly redeem themselves at Nottingham Forest, who are too close to the Premier League relegation zone for comfort. Tony Mowbray, in charge of struggling Championship side Birmingham, faces Sunderland, the club he used to manage, on Saturday and will be encouraged by Birmingham's midweek home win over Blackburn. The under-appreciated John Eustace is the new manager at Blackburn, who lifted the mood at Ewood Park by beating Stoke 3-1 last weekend. They visit Preston, who are inconsistent. It's almost impossible to predict how Bristol Rovers, mid-table in League One, will fare on any given week. For example, beaten 2-1 at home by Burton last Saturday, they recovered from two goals down to win 3-2 at Stevenage in midweek. Having unexpectedly lost and then won, they are worth backing to draw at Northampton, who are also mid-table. Ayr, of the Scottish Championship, fought pluckily before being defeated 2-0 at Rangers in the Scottish Cup fifth round last weekend. They will be confident of holding Airdrieonians.

Away days: Premier League title challengers Arsenal showed the ruthlessness required in winning 6-0 at West Ham and it's hard to see them slipping up at Burnley, who look doomed to relegation. A fine 2-1 victory at Aston Villa last Sunday suggests that Manchester United may have turned a corner and they should be backed at Luton, whose revival was cut short by a 3-1 home loss to bottom team Sheffield United last Saturday. A goal in the final seconds condemned Brighton to a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham last weekend. On Sunday they visit Sheffield United, who are far less formidable opponents. Ipswich returned to winning ways in the Championship with a 4-0 midweek dismantling of Millwall. The Tractor Boys visit Swansea, who crashed 4-0 at home to Leeds in midweek. Mansfield, second in League Two, went goal crazy at home to Harrogate in midweek, winning 9-2, and will surely score enough against Walsall. Queen of the South, in Scottish League One, look an away banker at Edinburgh City, who prop up the table.

Homes sweet homes: Championship strugglers Huddersfield have scored eight goals in their past three  league games. They gave high-flying Southampton a fright before going down 5-3 last Saturday and beat Sunderland at home in midweek. They are worth a wager against play-off contenders Hull. Lowly Salford, of League Two, will fancy themselves against promotion-seeking Barrow, who have gone right off the boil. I've a hunch that Aberdeen, now managed by wily veteran Neil Warnock until the end of the season, will come out on top against Hibernian in their Scottish Premiership clash. 

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

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Fulham v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Brighton, Cardiff v Preston, Blackpool v Oxford, Lincoln v Fleetwood, Wycombe v Peterborough, Wimbledon v Barrow, Doncaster v Tranmere, Swindon v Salford.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Tottenham v Brighton, Lincoln v Fleetwood, Wycombe v Peterborough, Wimbledon v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Portsmouth, Bolton, Stevenage, Mansfield, Stockport.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Manchester City, Hull, Ipswich, Leeds, Southampton, Derby, Reading, Crewe, Partick.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa have lost their last two home games after previously looking impregnable and this is a happy hunting ground for Manchester United, who have picked up recently with victories against Wolves (4-3, away) and West Ham (3-0, home). It's almost impossible to predict what Brighton will do from week to week but at their best they are more than capable of coming away from Tottenham with a point. Consecutive wins over Port Vale (3-0, home) last Saturday and Bristol Rovers (2-0, away) in midweek have given Fleetwood renewed hope of avoiding relegation from League One. I believe they'll get something at mid-table Lincoln, who have already drawn on 11 occasions this season. Peterborough's promotion challenge in League One faltered with a 3-2 home defeat by Wigan last Saturday and a 2-1 away loss to Exeter in midweek. I'm tipping Wycombe to take advantage. Barrow climbed back into the League Two automatic promotion placings by beating MK Dons 1-0 at home last Saturday and can force a draw at Wimbledon.

Away days: A refreshed Arsenal will hope it's third time lucky at West Ham on Sunday. West Ham knocked the Gunners out of the League Cup in November and defeated them 2-0 at the Emirates over Christmas. The way Arsenal played when beating Liverpool 3-1 at home last Sunday suggests that they will gain their revenge. Portsmouth have opened a four-point gap at the top of League One and should be backed at Carlisle, who are bottom. Bolton are the side with the best chance of catching Pompey and will travel to Northampton with confidence. Stevenage's away form has kept them in the promotion race and ought to help them at Port Vale, who have dropped into the relegation zone. Mansfield, second in League Two, and Stockport, who lead the division, are likely winners at Forest Green and Grimsby respectively.

Homes sweet homes: Although Ipswich were sensationally knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Maidstone and have fallen out of the automatic promotion places in the Championship, they still have  much to offer and are worth a wager against fellow promotion seekers, West Bromwich Albion, in the early Saturday kick-off. Crisis-club Reading, shock 1-0 away winners at Stevenage in midweek, have moved clear of the League One drop zone and I'm tipping them to continue that upward trend when they host an ailing Charlton. It's the fifth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend and a win for Partick, third in the Championship, over Livingston, bottom of the Premiership, won't be that much of an upset.

Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections last weekend. The successful teams were Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, Plymouth and Chesterfield.

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

 Ten draws: Arsenal v Liverpool, Chelsea v Wolves, Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough v Sunderland, Norwich v Coventry, Burton v Lincoln, Barrow v MK Dons, Salford v Wrexham, Tranmere v Crewe, Motherwell v Kilmarnock.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough v Sunderland, Burton v Lincoln, Salford v Wrexham, Tranmere v Crewe.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, Plymouth, Celtic, Chesterfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Bournemouth, Burnley, Blackburn, West Bromwich, Fleetwood, Leyton Orient, Colchester, Mansfield, Stockport, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Huddersfield, who sacked manager Darren Moore after a 1-1 away draw with fellow Championship strugglers Queens Park Rangers last Sunday, are finding it hard to escape from the danger zone. They host Sheffield Wednesday, who are in an even worse position, but there's no guarantee of a home win. Middlesbrough's confidence must have been damaged by their 6-1 defeat at Chelsea in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, whereas Sunderland's morale was boosted when they beat Stoke 3-1 at home last Sunday. Burton and Lincoln, both in mid-table in League One, are goal-shy and I predict a low-scoring stalemate. At first glance, Salford v Wrexham, in League Two, looks an away banker but lowly Salford are unbeaten in their past four games under new manager Karl Robinson and came from behind to win at promotion-seeking Crewe last weekend. Crewe's unexpected 3-2 home loss last Saturday was probably just a blip but Tranmere are much improved and can gain a point.

Away days: I'm tipping Aston Villa to make an immediate recovery from their Premier League 3-1 home midweek defeat by Newcastle. Villa visit Sheffield United, who appear certain to make an instant return to the Championship. Southampton's 22-match unbeaten run doesn't look in any danger at Rotherham, who are bottom of the Championship. Leicester increased their lead at the top with a 3-1 midweek home victory over Swansea and should win again at Stoke. I'm backing Plymouth to record their first away success this season at ailing Swansea. Celtic, the Scottish Premiership leaders, start strong favourites at manager-less Aberdeen while Chesterfield, 16 points clear at the top of the National League, are highly recommended at Eastleigh.

Homes sweet homes: I believe it's worth a punt on Premier League strugglers Burnley to beat Fulham, who on their worst days could lose to almost anybody. Fleetwood, bottom of League One and with a new manager in Charlie Adam, face an uphill battle to stay up. However, they showed some spirit and desire in a 2-2 draw at Wycombe last Saturday, which should serve them well against Port Vale, who are slipping nearer the drop zone. Mansfield, third in League Two, have stumbled recently, losing 1-0 at home to Crewe, drawing 1-1 at home with second-last Sutton and losing 2-1 away to Wimbledon. Despite these setbacks, I'm backing them to defeat fellow promotion candidates Notts County.

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

 Ten draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Millwall v Preston, Sunderland v Stoke, Cambridge v Burton, Wigan v Stevenage, Wimbledon v Mansfield, Forest Green v Accrington, Queen's Park v Ayr, Annan v Edinburgh, Aldershot v Rochdale.

Best draws: Sunderland v Stoke, Cambridge v Burton, Wigan v Stevenage, Wimbledon v Mansfield, Annan v Edinburgh.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Brighton, Bolton, Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, Stockport, Stenhousemuir.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Leicester, Watford, Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Northampton, Crewe, Notts County, Morton, Chesterfield.

Pick of the draws: Sunderland continue to disappoint at home, easily knocked out of the FA Cup by bitter rivals Newcastle and losing 1-0 to Hull in the Championship last Friday. Don't be surprised if they drop more points to Stoke on Saturday. Burton's 2-0 home win over Charlton last weekend enabled them to move away from the League One danger zone and they won't be apprehensive about going to Cambridge, who are just above them. Play-off candidates Stevenage are better on their travels but will be tested by Wigan, who keep climbing the table. Wimbledon and Mansfield, who play each other on Saturday, had midweek setbacks in League Two, Wimbledon losing 3-1 at Milton Keynes Dons and Mansfield held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation favourites Sutton. Mansfield, in third place, are among the away draw specialists in this division  and I'm taking them to draw again. Edinburgh, bottom of Scottish League One, came within seconds of beating leaders Falkirk at home recently, which will encourage them at Annan, who are less formidable opponents.

Away days: Brighton look good value in the FA Cup. They won impressively at Stoke in the third round and I believe they'll go through at Sheffield United, who are holding up the rest of the Premier League. If Bolton want automatic promotion to the Championship they'll need to beat League One strugglers such as Carlisle. Portsmouth retained top spot in League One by winning 1-0 at bottom side Fleetwood last Saturday and I expect them to prevail by a similar margin at Port Vale. Leyton Orient have defeated Portsmouth (3-0 away) and Bolton (1-0 home) in their past two games, results which should serve them at crisis club Reading. League Two leaders Stockport are recommended at Doncaster, who have lapsed again, and Stenhousemuir, who top the Scottish League Two by 16 points, have my backing against runners-up Peterhead.

Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Southampton's remarkable 21-match unbeaten run will end on Sunday in the FA Cup fourth round. Southampton's hosts, Watford, are doing quite well themselves in the Championship and drew 1-1 with the Saints at Vicarage Road last month. Of the three teams in the Championship drop zone, Queens Park Rangers look the most likely to escape. They beat Millwall 2-0 at home last Saturday and I think they'll gain three more points against fellow strugglers Huddersfield on Sunday. Promotion-seeking Notts County, from League Two, are worth a wager against higher-placed Barrow, who seem to be faltering. 

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

 Ten draws: Norwich v West Bromwich, Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Stoke v Birmingham, Exeter v Cambridge, Port Vale v Wycombe, Barrow v Crewe, Notts County v Stockport, Swindon v Tranmere, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Livingston v Raith.

Best draws: Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Barrow v Crewe, Notts County v Stockport, Swindon v Tranmere, Livingston v Raith.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Coventry, Derby, Wrexham, Queen's Park, Hamilton.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sunderland (Friday), Burton, Cheltenham, Oxford, Peterborough, Gillingham, Mansfield, Solihull Moors.

Pick of the draws: Queens Park Rangers seem to be fighting a losing battle to stay in the Championship and they probably won't relish a London derby against Millwall, whose away record contrasts favourably with their form at home. Barrow (4th), host Crewe (5th) in League Two's match of the weekend. Although Barrow, unbeaten at home, appear to have the edge, Crewe are the form team, having won their past three games, including victory at high-flying Mansfield. I rate Notts County v Stockport the best draw on the coupon. Sixth-placed Notts are stronger in attack but weaker in defence, as was evident in their 5-5 draw at Grimsby last Saturday. I'm tipping Stockport, the League Two leaders, to become the first side to share the spoils at Notts this season. Tranmere's revival has been halted by consecutive defeats against Barrow (1-0) and Milton Keynes Dons (2-1) but they should be good enough to avoid defeat at Swindon, who are even more off-colour. I've a feeling that Livingston, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, will have to settle for a draw against Championship contenders Raith in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Away days: Premier League leaders Liverpool usually find a way to win when below their best, which is why I fancy them for three points at mid-table Bournemouth on Sunday. Coventry's 3-1 home victory over table-toppers Leicester last Saturday enabled them to climb into the Championship play-off positions. I think they'll have too much for relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday. Derby, League One promotion challengers, have gained nine away victories, the best in the division, and that should benefit them at Lincoln. Wrexham, second in League Two, can do little wrong at the moment and will travel to Newport with confidence. Queen's Park, having hauled themselves off the foot of the Scottish Championship with two unexpected wins, have a hat-trick in their sights at Dunfermline. Hamilton, runners-up in Scottish League One, will be disappointed at anything less than maximum points at Stirling. 

Homes sweet homes: In the only Championship fixture on Friday, I expect Sunderland to take advantage of Hull's recent uncertainty. In League One, Burton only lost to a late goal at Derby on Monday and will be optimistic about beating Charlton, who have not won a league match since late November. At the bottom of the table, Cheltenham, who defeated leaders Portsmouth 2-1 at home the Saturday before last, are in much better shape than their visitors Carlisle, who are one place below them. 

Pools info: I scored six out of ten with my draw selections last week: Everton v Aston Villa (0-0), Manchester United v Tottenham (2-2), Huddersfield v Plymouth (1-1), Colchester v Bradford City (1-1), Arbroath v Ayr (0-0) and Morton v Partick (1-1).